What causes pain in the back of the head?
Disease description:
In the past few days, I have suddenly experienced severe pain in the back of my head for unknown reasons. May I ask, what could be causing pain in the back of the head?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Pain in the back of the head can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes:
1. Tension-type headache: This is one of the most common types of headaches, usually caused by muscle tension or stress, characterized by a feeling of tightness or pressure in the head.
2. Cervical spine issues: Herniated or degenerative cervical discs may compress the vertebral artery, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain and resulting in pain. Patients may experience accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, neck and shoulder pain, and numbness or weakness in the upper limbs.
3. Migraine: Although migraines commonly affect one side of the head, they can sometimes also involve the back of the head.
4. Hypertension: When blood pressure rises, the pressure within the cerebral blood vessels increases, which may cause pain in the back of the head.
5. Trauma: Direct injury to the head or neck can also lead to pain in the back of the head.
6. Vascular headaches: These include cluster headaches and basilar-type migraines, which may localize to specific areas of the head, including the back of the head.
If symptoms of pain in the back of the head persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, prompt medical attention is advised.
