Question 1

I have very bad headaches in early pregnancy. Can I take Tylenol?

Accepted Answer

Headaches are common in early pregnancy as blood volume increases and hormones change. Tylenol is relatively safe but should not be overused. Dehydration or low blood sugar from morning sickness can also be a cause — increase fluid intake and try Korean medicine for morning sickness.

Question 2

I have severe headaches — could the jaw be the cause?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very often. The temporalis muscle controls jaw movement, and when tense it causes migraine-like pain. If headaches do not respond to painkillers, TMJ treatment may be the solution.

Question 3

I feel a tight band around my head and tension in the back of my neck (tension headache).

Accepted Answer

The most common headache type, caused by stress or poor posture leading to tight neck and shoulder muscles. Acupuncture and Chuna therapy to release stiff muscles are far more effective and faster than muscle relaxants.

Question 4

Why do migraines occur? Is dietary control necessary?

Accepted Answer

Brain blood vessels excessively constrict and dilate, stimulating nerves. Genetic factors play a role, but stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods (wine, cheese, chocolate) act as triggers. Avoiding triggers is the best approach.

Question 5

I get extremely severe pain like an ice pick behind my eye (cluster headache).

Accepted Answer

This is a rare and agonizing headache called the suicide headache. One side around the eye feels like it is being drilled through, with tearing and runny nose. 100% oxygen inhalation is effective, and in Korean medicine strong heat-clearing therapy is used.

Question 6

After drinking I always wake up with a splitting headache (hangover headache).

Accepted Answer

Alcohol metabolites (acetaldehyde) dilate cerebral blood vessels. Korean medicine views this as alcohol toxicity and damp-heat. Herbal formulas containing kudzu root or hovenia dulcis quickly clear alcohol toxins through urination.

Question 7

I suddenly had an extremely severe headache as if struck by a hammer.

Accepted Answer

This is a medical emergency. Cerebral hemorrhage (subarachnoid hemorrhage) is very likely. Do not look for painkillers — call emergency services immediately or go to a hospital emergency room. Every second counts.

Question 8

Should I get an MRI for my headaches?

Accepted Answer

Most chronic headaches (tension-type, migraine) appear normal on MRI. However, headaches first appearing after age 50, progressively worsening, or accompanied by paralysis or slurred speech must be imaged to rule out brain tumor or stroke.

Question 9

Do young children get headaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, quite commonly. The main causes are stress (academic, social), rhinitis (nasal congestion), or poor vision. Do not dismiss a child's headache as pretending — find the real cause.

Question 10

When I am tired I always get a headache first (qi-deficiency headache).

Accepted Answer

The body lacks qi to pump blood to the brain. It is hard to get up in the morning, talking feels like a chore, and even small activity brings on a headache. Formulas like Bojungikgi-tang that replenish qi are needed.

🤕Headache / Migraine