What causes throbbing pain in the blood vessels at the back of the head?

Generally, pulsating pain in the blood vessels at the back of the head may be caused by normal physiological phenomena, excessive mental stress and fatigue, tension headaches, migraines, increased intracranial pressure, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatments, medications, and other methods is usually required. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Normal physiological phenomenon

The back of the head contains arteries and veins, and when the arterial pulsation is pronounced, it may cause pulsating pain in the blood vessels at the back of the head. This is generally a normal phenomenon and does not require special treatment.

2. Excessive mental stress and fatigue

If experiencing excessive mental stress or fatigue recently, sleep quality may be affected, leading to cerebral blood vessel spasms, which can cause pulsating pain in the occipital blood vessels. Symptoms may be accompanied by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety. It is recommended to rest adequately and avoid fatigue and staying up late.

3. Tension headache

Tension headaches are associated with muscle tension, stress responses, and increased nerve sensitivity, which cause contraction of head muscles and pressure on blood vessels, resulting in a pulsating sensation. In addition to headaches, symptoms may include neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression. It is recommended to use medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or naproxen capsules under a doctor's guidance.

4. Migraine

Migraines may be related to abnormal activation of specific neural pathways in the brain and blood vessel dilation. They are often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity. Sometimes, pulsating pain in the posterior cerebral vessels is one of its characteristics. It is recommended to use medications such as topiramate tablets, indomethacin tablets, or nimodipine tablets as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

5. Increased intracranial pressure

Increased intracranial pressure may be caused by conditions such as brain tumors, meningitis, or cerebral hemorrhage, which compress cerebral blood vessels and cause a pulsating sensation. Symptoms may be accompanied by blurred vision, double vision, nausea, and others. It is recommended to use medications such as furosemide tablets, spironolactone tablets, or nifedipine tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

It is recommended to ensure adequate sleep daily, aiming for 7-8 hours per night, which helps relax cerebral blood vessels.