Is there anything I can do besides continuing to take paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly to manage constant headaches?

Hi Jen,

 

Thank-you for reaching out to Ask a Health Professional at the Stroke Foundation of Australia. I'm sorry to hear about your stroke and the ongoing issue you are having with headaches. 

 

 As we are a team of Allied Health and Nursing professionals and are not medically trained, we cannot provide advice regarding medication management. 

 

Unfortunately, varying types of pain can be very common following a stroke and it can be difficult to say just how long you may experience it for. Headaches can occur after both haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes or can also be a side effect of medicines. A dull, generalised headache can sometimes be part of post-stroke fatigue as well.  Your treating team can work with you to identify the cause of your pain. Pain can be treated with medication and a range of different treatments. 

 

It is important to speak to your neurologist or GP if you are suffering from ongoing headaches, as they will be able to assess you and help to develop the right strategies and treatment for you.  

 

We also would recommend seeking input from a psychologist, as you can access psychologists who have a focus on pain management. They can help also you to develop strategies to manage your pain when it is severe.    

 

We hope this information is helpful for you. If you would like to discuss further or have any further questions, or need support, please reach out to our team of nursing and allied health professionals on Strokeline, ph 1800 787 653, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEDT, or via email at strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.

 

Best wishes,

 

Jo (Strokeline)