Headache on Top of Your Head: Causes and Treatments

Headaches are never pleasant, and each type can cause its own set of symptoms. Headaches on the top of the head may feel like a heavy weight has been placed on the crown of your head or that a tight band has been wrapped around your skull.

Identifying the sort of headache you're having is critical to obtaining the correct medication and relief.

What causes a headache at the top of your head?

Several conditions might induce headaches on top of the head. These can include a variety of headaches, nerve problems, and other unusual reasons.

Several types of headaches might cause pain on the top of your head.

1. Tension-type headaches

Tension headaches induce persistent pressure or pain around the head, which might feel like a tight band has been wrapped around it.

You may also experience pain in your neck, toward the back of your head, or in your temples. The pain is mild, does not throb, and is frequently less intense than a migraine. Despite the discomfort, many persons with tension headaches can return to their normal activities.

Episodes of tension headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week.

2. Migraine headaches 

Migraine headaches are characterized by head pain, which is a common symptom. These headaches impact up to 12% of the population, affecting 17% of women and 6% of men. Although less prevalent than tension-type headaches, they can be more intense. 

The discomfort may seem to originate from the crown of the head, on one side, or extend down the neck. It can be quite painful and pulsating, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and heightened sensitivity to light or sound. 

There appears to be a genetic influence, but many individuals with migraines identify certain triggers that can precipitate the headaches. These triggers include: 

• Stress 
• Changes in weather 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Fluctuations in hormones 

People might find relief and prevention of migraine headaches through methods like physiotherapy , acupressure, yoga, and lifestyle adjustments.

3. Cold-stimulus headaches

Cold-stimulus headaches, often referred to as "brain freezes," strike rapidly and are experienced near the upper part of the head. They can be intense but usually last only a few seconds. These headaches may happen after consuming cold food or beverages, like ice-cold water or ice cream.

4. Chronic headaches  

There are various forms of chronic or persistent headaches. These include tension-type headaches and migraine headaches.

A healthcare professional will identify a chronic tension-type headache if an individual experiences it for at least 15 days each month for a minimum of 3 months.

Chronic migraine headaches similarly occur on at least 15 days per month over 3 months or more, with the individual experiencing migraine symptoms on at least 8 of those days.

The symptoms vary based on the type of headache, but some may lead to discomfort near the top of the head. Factors related to one's lifestyle, such as stress and insufficient sleep, can affect chronic tension-type headaches.

5. Cluster headaches  

As indicated by their name, cluster headaches manifest in episodes. They strike suddenly on one side of the head, frequently located behind the eye, causing intense pain along with nasal congestion, a runny nose, and tearing. These headaches are uncommon, affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 people.  

There may be involvement of the trigeminal nerve, the hypothalamus, and the dilation of blood vessels in cluster headaches. However, the exact cause remains unclear to experts. They can be triggered by factors such as:  

• Watching television  
• Consuming alcohol  
• Hot weather  
• Stress  

Cluster headaches typically emerge in episodes. An individual attack may last from a few weeks to several months but can also cease for many years.  

During an episode, these headaches can occur every other day up to eight times daily. Individuals may struggle to find rest or relief during this period.

6. Sinus headaches  

Sinus headaches are not categorized as a specific type of headache in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).  

Nonetheless, sinus infections or inflammation can lead to pain in the sides and crown of the head.  

Typically, the symptoms resolve when the underlying condition is addressed. A physician may suggest medications to alleviate inflammation. Individuals with chronic sinus issues might require surgical intervention.

7. Sleep deprivation headache  

The ICHD-3 doesn’t categorize sleep deprivation headaches as a recognized headache type.  

Nonetheless, interruptions in sleep, like those from sleep apnea, can lead individuals to awaken with headaches.  

Tension-type headaches can happen when insufficient sleep leads to the body producing lower levels of a chemical called orexin. Orexin is involved in the functioning of the nervous system, as well as in sleep and arousal.

8. Hypnic headaches  

Hypnic headaches can lead individuals to awaken from sleep, often occurring at the same time every night. They typically persist for a minimum of 15 minutes and are more common in individuals aged 50 and older. The exact cause of these headaches remains unclear, although there may be associations with pain control, REM sleep, or the production of melatonin.

9. Occipital neuralgia  

Occipital neuralgia results from irritation of the nerves that extend from the spine to the upper part of the head. This condition can lead to discomfort in the back or crown of the head.  

Individuals may feel as if their head is being constricted by a tight band. They might also experience tingling sensations or sudden, sharp pain. The scalp can become sensitive to touch, and a person's eyes may react strongly to light.  

Potential causes include:  

• Trauma to the posterior aspect of the head  
• Compression of the nerves due to tense neck muscles  
• Nerve entrapment  
• Infection and inflammation  

A physician will perform evaluations to determine if there is an underlying issue, although in some cases, a specific cause may remain unidentified.

10. Medication overuse headaches  

Regularly taking over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relievers can lead to headaches caused by overuse or rebound effects. Individuals with other headache conditions, like chronic migraines, are particularly susceptible to developing these overuse headaches.  

A physician will think about the likelihood of an overuse headache if a patient has been diagnosed with a primary headache disorder and suffers from headaches for at least 15 days each month.

11. Headaches from exercise  

Some individuals experience a pulsating headache during or following sudden, vigorous activities like sprinting or sexual intercourse.  

Medical professionals refer to this as a primary exercise or exertional headache. This condition may arise due to an increase in blood pressure, as stated by the World Health Organization.  

Maintaining hydration and performing warm-up exercises could help lessen the likelihood of developing exercise-related headaches. Individuals may also consult their healthcare provider about medications for these headaches, such as beta-blockers like nadolol (Corgard) and atenolol (Tenormin).  

Anyone who suffers from a severe headache post-exercise or has worries about how exercise affects their headaches should seek medical consultation.

Which muscles are responsible for headaches located at the top of the head?

The muscles involved in headaches at the crown of the head can vary, and muscle involvement isn’t always the source of pain.

For instance, in cases of tension headaches, muscle tension contributes to the discomfort experienced in the head. When spending long hours at a computer or staring at a screen, excessive bending of the neck can lead to a tension headache. The shoulders may compensate for poor posture, resulting in tightness.

What are the treatments for headaches located at the crown of the head?

Headache discomfort can stem from various sources, and the approach to alleviating pain can differ. The type of headache will influence the treatment options available.

Certain types of headaches may be managed effectively at home. Home remedies may involve:

• Resting in a quiet, darkened space
• Staying hydrated by drinking water
• Applying a cool cloth to the forehead
• Engaging in relaxation techniques

Certain individuals might find that medications can assist in alleviating tension headaches. These might consist of:

• Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)  

However, it is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare provider if you believe you require these medications more than three days weekly.

When to consult a physician  

One should reach out for medical assistance if they experience:  

• A sudden and intense headache  
• Ongoing headaches that do not improve with at-home care  
• Additional symptoms, like nausea and changes in vision  

A physician may recommend medications or perform tests to investigate if there is a root cause requiring targeted treatment.

Manage your headaches effectively with TruePal

Headaches can disrupt your day, but relief is possible with the right care. At TruePal, we offer personalised solutions, including yoga, diet plans, and physiotherapy, to address headache triggers and improve overall wellness. We provide pysiotheraphy sessions in physiotherapy in Mumbai, Delhi, Banglore and Hydrebad. Take control of your health—start your journey to a pain-free life with TruePal today!

FAQs

1. How do you treat a headache on the top of your head?

People can treat headaches using over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. They can also practice relaxation techniques, consume more water, and get massage therapy.

2. What type of headache feels like pressure on top of the head?

Several types of headaches can induce pain on the top of the head. Tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches are among the most prevalent.

3. How does a dehydration headache feel?

Dehydration headaches vary in intensity from person to person. They may present as a dull, throbbing discomfort in the top or front of the head.

4. What are some natural ways to relieve a headache located on the crown of your head? Individuals might consider using home treatments such as massage therapy, meditation, and breathing techniques. Some supplements and acupuncture could also provide relief.

5. Can a migraine create discomfort on top of the head?

Migraine headaches can induce pain in the top of the head. A person may also have pain along the back of their neck. Migraine symptoms include nausea and light sensitivity.

6. What is a stabbing ache on the top of the head?

Ice pick headaches can be identified by a sharp, stabbing pain in the crown of the head. Typically, these headaches affect the frontal or temporal areas of the skull. Because other illnesses might cause a similar stabbing sensation, it is best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.