Blood vessel headache
About Blood vessel headache
A group of headaches that include migraine. It was believed the pain originated from dilation of the blood vessels of the head resulting in the headache experienced. It is an outdated term and some authorities reject the original premise that these headaches arise from abnormalities of the blood vessels.Symptoms
Severe headache (throbbing, pounding, pulsating), nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, loss of appetite, fatigue, numbness, tingling, weakness.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis and rule out other causes of the headaches.Common tests: CT Scan, MRI.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
- Etodolac
- Salsalate
- Tolmetin
- Indomethacin
- Sulindac
- Piroxicam
- Ketorolac
- Oxaprozin
- Diclofenac
- Celecoxib
- Ketoprofen
- Nabumetone
- Diflunisal
- Ergotamine and Caffeine
- Naratriptan
- Rizatriptan
- Sumatriptan Oral and Nasal
- Zolmitriptan Oral
- Butorphanol Nasal Spray
- Dihydroergotamine Injection and Nasal Spray
- Almotriptan
- Eletriptan
- Frovatriptan
- Zolmitriptan Nasal
- Valproic Acid
- Propranolol Oral
- Nadolol
- Metoprolol
- Timolol Oral
- Atenolol
- Sumatriptan Injection
- Topiramate
Conventional treatment summary
These headaches are typically treated similar to migraines. Several different types of medications may be used including: Ergots like dihydroergotamine, ergots with caffeine (cafergot); and/or triptans like sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). They can be taken orally, nasally or as a self injection.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Neurology · Pediatrics · Family Practice
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Blood vessel headache.