The sections below contain information about different types of headache that are likely to occur at night.
Hypnic headache
A person with a hypnic headache may experience a throbbing pain.
Hypnic headaches are rare. According to the Migraine Trust, they occur most often in people over the age of 50, although they can also affect younger people. Hypnic headaches are more common in females than males.
Hypnic headaches only occur during sleep. If a person experiences nighttime headaches more than 10 times per month, they may have hypnic headaches. In some cases, hypnic headaches can occur if people sleep during the day.
Some people call hypnic headaches "the alarm clock headache," because they cause people to wake up — often at the same time each night. In fact, people may find that a hypnic headache wakes them up between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Symptoms of hypnic headache may include:
throbbing pain
pain on one or both sides of the head
pain that lasts anywhere between 15 minutes and 4 hours but usually lasts for around 30–60 minutes
increased sensitivity to light and sound
watery eyes or a blocked nose
nausea
Some people may have more than one hypnic headache per night.
Cluster headache
People who experience multiple headaches may have a cluster headache. These headache episodes, or clusters, can happen between one and eight times per day and last between 15 minutes and 3 hours. Cluster headaches are also one of the most painful types of headache.
Cluster headaches commonly occur at night and can cause people to wake up 1–2 hours after falling asleep.
Researchers are not sure what causes cluster headaches, but genetics may play a part. They usually occur in people who are over the age of 20. Males and people who smoke heavily are also more likely to experience cluster headaches.
Certain factors may also trigger cluster headaches, including:
alcohol intake
strong smells, such as paint fumes or solvents
exercise
overheating
Symptoms of cluster headaches can include:
severe stabbing pain on one side of the head, which can include the eye and temple area
red, watery eyes
runny nose
sweating on the side of the head where the headache is
restlessness and agitation
a headache that stops abruptly
Tension headache
Tension headaches can occur due to stress, tight muscles, or fatigue. People may experience tension headaches at night due to tension building up throughout the day.
Symptoms of a tension headache include:
a dull ache or squeezing sensation on both sides of the head
pain that feels like a tight band or vice around the head
New research studies the association between environmental quality in over 3,000 United States counties and finds intriguing differences between rural and urban areas.
New research suggests that several environmental factors are affecting the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Estimates indicate that over 30 millionTrusted Source people in the United States are currently living with type 2 diabetes, and another 84 million are living with prediabetes.
Complications from diabetes are the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.
Type 2 diabetes has witnessed a rapid increase in the last few years. Between 2002 and 2012, the condition increased by 4.8% each year in the U.S.
When added to a genetic predisposition, diet and insufficient physical activity account for a lot of this increase. But, are these two risk factors the only environmental influences that explain the rising trend of diabetes in the U.S.?
New research set out to examine if environmental factors in rural and urban areas also play a role. Dr. Jyotsna Jagai, a research assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health, is the first author of the new study.
Dr. Jagai and the team examined people in 3,134 counties across the U.S. and published their findings in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Environmental quality and diabetes risk
The researchers wanted to measure the cumulative environmental effects on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To this end, they developed an Environmental Quality Index (EQI), which included data on the quality of the air, water, and land, as well as sociodemographic factors in a given area.
Sociodemographic factors included average household income, education, violent crime rates, or property crime rates.
The EQI also included so-called built domain factors. That is, how many fast-food restaurants were in an area, how many fatal accidents occurred, and how many highways, roadways, or public housing units there were.
Dr. Robert Sargis, study co-author and UIC associate professor of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism in the College of Medicine, explains the scientific value of using the EQI.
He says, "The EQI's cumulative assessment is unique [...] In most studies, we are not looking at the combination of factors. We look at single chemicals or single classes of chemicals and how they are associated with disease risk."
"This study pulls together all of the factors we think increase risk and puts them into a single measure to look at the cumulative environment."
Environmental factors in rural and urban areas
The results of this analysis showed that overall, a poorer environmental quality had links with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
The research linked inferior air quality and built and sociodemographic factors with a higher risk of diabetes in rural areas. However, in urban areas, the researchers associated only air and sociodemographic factors with diabetes risk.
"There might be something happening in rural areas that is different than in urban areas. Our findings suggest that environmental exposures may be a bigger factor in rural counties than in urban areas in the U.S.," explains Dr. Jagai.
The authors mention that the findings confirm previous studies that found an increased risk of diabetes in urban areas with poor air quality, or studies that showed changes in air quality might raise insulin resistance. But, say the researchers, environmental influence is so much more than pollution.
"The environment that we are exposed to is broader than pollutants alone. Our health is dependent on these combined effects, such as sociodemographic or built stressors, that can impact our livelihoods."
For the first time, a new study has observed that cerebrospinal fluid washes in and out of the brain in waves during sleep, helping clear out waste.
person asleep in bed
Cerebrospinal fluid helps clear toxic waste from the brain during sleep.
Recently, Medical News Today reported on a study that found that specialized immune cells are more active in the brain during sleep, busy performing maintenance work.
Researchers know that sleep is important — not just in terms of allowing the brain to reactualize, but also for "making space" for "cleaning" processes to take place.
However, many of the mechanisms through which this clearing out of brain waste takes place during sleep remain unclear.
Now, researchers at Boston University in Massachusetts have found that during sleep, the fluid present in the brain and spinal chord — called the cerebrospinal fluid — washes in and out, like waves, helping the brain get rid of accumulated metabolic "trash."
"We've known for a while that there are these electrical waves of activity in the neurons. But before now, we didn't realize that there are actually waves in the cerebrospinal fluid, too," study co-author Laura Lewis explains.
A complex synchronization process
The new study — the results of which appear in the journal Science — included 13 participants ages 23–33 who agreed to undergo brain scans while asleep.
The process was a tricky one. The participants had to wear EEG caps that allowed the researchers to measure electrical activity in their brains while lying in an MRI machine, where they were meant to sleep.
However, sleeping in this location can be difficult, as MRI machines are very noisy. "[I]t turns out that [the participants'] job is actually — secretly — almost the hardest part of our study," says Lewis.
"We have all this fancy equipment and complicated technologies, and often a big problem is that people can't fall asleep because they're in a really loud metal tube, and it's just a weird environment," she notes.
Pain in the temples is very common. While many factors can cause it, this pain most often stems from stress or tension. Temple pain can result from an underlying medical condition, though this is rare.
Over-the-counter pain medication and lifestyle changes can often relieve pain in the temples. If a person has additional symptoms or concerns, however, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.
In this article, we look at possible causes of temple pain. We also describe their symptoms, treatments, and when to see a doctor.
Tension headache
Share on PinterestA tension headache is a possible cause of temple pain.
A tension headache commonly causes vice-like pain in a band around the head. It can also cause tenderness in the head and neck muscles.
These headaches may last about 30 minutes, though a severe tension headache can last for up to 1 week.
Tension headaches usually cause mild or moderate pain. They do not get worse with physical activity, so people are often able to carry on with their routines.
While, unlike other types of headache, tension headaches do not cause nausea or vomiting, people may feel increased sensitivity to either noise or light.
Diagnosis
The doctor will review the person's medical history and symptoms.
There are no specific tests to diagnose tension headaches, and they can be difficult to distinguish from migraine headaches.
Treatment
If tension headaches are frequent and long lasting, and therefore chronic, a doctor may recommend preventive treatment. This may involve an antidepressant called amitriptyline as well as massage and relaxation therapy.
If tension headaches occur infrequently, and are therefore acute, a person may benefit from taking over-the-counter medication for pain relief, such as acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory drug.
Migraine
Migraine headaches usually start on one side of the head. They can also move from the back of the head to the front, behind the eye.
A migraine headache can start as a dull ache that develops into a pulsing pain. Some people feel pain or pressure in their temples.
A migraine episode may have the following four stages, distinguished by changes in symptoms:
Prodrome: This stage can include sensitivity to light and sound, tiredness, mood changes, neck pain, and nausea.
Aura: A migraine aura is a sensory disturbance. An aura may be visual, involving lights, lines, or spots in the field of vision. Or, the aura may be physical, causing a pins-and-needles sensation. Auras affect one-third of people with migraine.
Headache: A migraine headache causes pain that gets worse with movement. A person may also have nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound, smells, light, or a combination.
Postdrome: The final stage of a migraine episode can involve tiredness, trouble concentrating, weakness, and dizziness.
Diagnosis
There is no test to diagnose migraine.
A doctor will ask for detailed descriptions of the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches and the extent to which symptoms interfere with everyday life.
Keeping a record of symptoms and any medications can help the doctor recommend the best course of treatment. Meanwhile, an MRI or CAT scan can rule out other causes of head pain.
Treatment
When a person is experiencing a migraine episode, the following treatments can help:
Sleep: This may put an end to a mild episode.
Analgesics and antiemetics: Examples include metoclopramide and the combination medications Fioricet and Fiorinal.
Triptans: Examples include naratriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, and sumatriptan.
However, people should not use triptans if they have, or have a risk of, cardiac ischemia.
Also, Botox injections can help relieve migraines. A healthcare professional can inject Botox around the head, neck, and shoulders to block muscle contraction.
The following medications may help prevent migraine episodes:
tricyclics, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or dosulepin
propranolol, a beta-blocker
anticonvulsants, such as topiramate, if the two options above are not effective
fremanezumab-vfrm or erenumab
Cervicogenic headache
A cervicogenic headache can result from a disorder of the cervical spine, injuries to the neck, or arthritis of the upper spine.
Symptoms of a cervicogenic headache can include:
pain on one side of the head, possibly in the temple
a stiff neck
nausea
blurred vision
a sensitivity to light and sound
a reduced range of motion of the neck
a headache that gets worse with certain movements of the neck
Diagnosis
A doctor diagnoses a cervicogenic headache after considering the person's medical history and symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for cervicogenic headaches involves:
medication, including nerve blocks
exercise
physical therapy
Giant cell arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) causes inflammation of blood vessels. This results in pain that is intense, burning, and pulsating. The pain tends to occur in the temples, though it can extend throughout the head.
Common symptoms include:
tiredness
tenderness in the scalp or temples
pain in the jaw when chewing
a fever
a loss of appetite
weight loss
Rarely, GCA can also cause blurring, double vision, or loss of vision if it affects the blood supply of the eyes. To prevent this, it is important to obtain a swift diagnosis and immediate treatment.
Doctors do not know what causes GCA.
Diagnosis
The doctor will do a blood test and a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. The person will then begin treatment immediately.
Treatment
A high dosage of steroids, such as prednisone, can help with GCA. This treatment will continue for 1 month until symptoms go away. Then, the doctor will gradually lower the dosage. Overall, the treatment tends to last about 1 year to prevent recurrence.
Side effects of steroids can include:
weight gain
an increased risk of infection
muscle weakness
bone loss
elevated blood sugar levels
Vitamin D and calcium supplements may help prevent bone loss.
Tocilizumab is another treatment for GCA, and a healthcare provider administers this as a series of injections.
If GCA causes vision loss, it is usually irreversible.
Mild traumatic brain injury
A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an impact to the head.
About 85% of headaches that result from a TBI are tension headaches. A person may feel this pain anywhere in the head, including the temples.
Diagnosis
After a mild TBI, doctors may use MRI or CAT scans to detect any blood clots or bruising to the brain.
If memory problems, dizziness, visual disturbances, or persistent headaches occur, the person may need to see a neurologist.
After a TBI, it is important for the person to follow their healthcare provider's instructions.
These may involve:
rest
exercise
relaxation
a reduced caffeine intake
Physical therapy may also help with tension headaches that result from a mild TBI.
Cerebral aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of an artery in the brain. If it bursts, this causes a sudden, excruciating headache. An aneurysm can develop in any artery in the brain.
Symptoms can include:
drowsiness
ïsensitivity to light
eye pain
a stiff neck
nausea
vomiting
a sudden, severe headache, if the aneurysm ruptures
Diagnosis
Doctors use the following tests to diagnose an aneurysm:
Digital subtraction angiography: This produces an image of the blood vessels of the brain.
CT scan: This shows a more detailed image to help detect irregularities.
MRI: This can show small changes in brain tissue.
Magnetic resonance angiography: This involves using intravenous dye to make the blood vessels more visible on the scans.
Treatment
The primary treatment for an aneurysm is surgery, of which there are two types:
open craniotomy, which involves using a metal clip to prevent blood flow to the aneurysm
endovascular coiling, which involves inserting soft coils through a catheter to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing
Brain tumor
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells in the brain. Symptoms can include:
headaches
dizziness
nausea
confusion
seizures
paralysis
Diagnosis
To diagnose brain tumors, doctors can use various forms of imaging, including CT, PET, and MRI scans.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend a biopsy. However, this is a risky procedure.
Treatment
Doctors usually treat brain tumors with:
Surgery: The neurosurgeon will remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging the surrounding brain tissue.
Radiation: This can shrink the tumor by killing cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy: This damages the cancerous cells.
When to see a doctor
Share on PinterestA person should talk to their doctor if head pain interferes with their daily life.
It is important to seek medical attention for head pain when it:
increases in frequency and severity or does not stop
interferes with daily life
is accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, a fever, or vomiting
occurs as a result of a head injury
Seek immediate medical help if a person experiences:
a sudden, excruciating headache
a headache accompanied by vision loss, a loss of consciousness, or vomiting
Summary
The cause of pain in the temples is often stress or tension.
However, it is important to recognize when head pain or accompanying symptoms are not manageable at home.
If the pain becomes more frequent or intense, or if symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, a fever, or vomiting occur, see a doctor.
The knees are two of the most important joints in the human body. Aside from supporting a person's body weight, the knees enable everyday activities, such as standing up, walking, and climbing stairs.
As a result of such frequent use, the knees are prone to injury and degeneration. Both can lead to locked knee, which is where a person cannot bend or straighten their knee.
There are two types of locked knee: pseudo and true locked knee. Keep reading for more information about their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What is locked knee?
Locked knee occurs when a person is unable to either bend or straighten their knee. There are two types.
Pseudo locked knee
Injury is a possible cause of a locked knee.
Pseudo locked knee occurs when severe knee pain triggers the knee muscles to spasm and contract.
It is an automatic defense mechanism that the body uses to discourage movement of the knee. Restricting the knee in this way helps prevent further damage.
Although muscle tightening and swelling make bending or straightening the knee painful, the knee joint itself is not physically incapable of moving.
True locked knee
True locked knee occurs when something physically prevents the knee from straightening. When a person has true locked knee, their knee joint gets stuck in one position and cannot move at all.
Causes
The causes of locked knee vary depending on the type.
Causes of pseudo locked knee
Some potential causes of pseudo locked knee include:
pain from a knee injury
inflammation from injury or degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
plica syndrome, which is inflammation of the knee joint tissue
patellar maltracking, where the kneecap does not move correctly
Causes of true locked knee
Some potential causes of true locked knee include:
Meniscal tear
The menisci are two pieces of 'c'-shaped cartilage that sit either side of the knee joint. They act as a cushion between the bones of the shin and thigh.
If a meniscus tears, a fragment can break away and become stuck in the knee joint, causing the joint to lock.
A meniscal tear can occur during forceful twisting or rotation of the knee. Other causes include overuse and degenerative changes to the knee.
Loose bodies in the knee
Like cartilage, bone fragments can also embed themselves in the knee joint, causing it to lock.
Loose bodies such as cartilage and bone fragments can occur due to injury or osteoarthritis.
Patella dislocation
Certain injuries to the knee can cause the kneecap, or patella, to move out of position. This is called patella dislocation. It can cause the knee to lock during extension.
Knee joint inflammation
If the structures within the knee joint become swollen and inflamed, they may prevent extension of the knee. Swelling could occur as a result of injury, overuse, or osteoarthritis.
Pain behind the eyes can affect one or both sides, and it may occur with light sensitivity and other types of discomfort. A doctor can identify the cause of a headache behind the eyes and recommend the best course of treatment.
Keep reading for more information about the causes of pain behind the eyes and how to treat them.
Eye strain
Staring at a screen for too long may cause eye strain.
Focusing and refocusing on a screen for long periods can cause eye strain, which can also result from problems with vision.
Fatigue from eye strain can cause pain behind one or both eyes. A person may also experience pain in their eyes or blurry vision.
Causes
Some underlying health issues that cause eye strain include:
optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve.
scleritis, which is severe inflammation of the white part of the eye
glaucoma, a disease that affects the optic nerve
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder
Staring at a computer, TV, or phone screen for long periods can also cause eye strain.
Migraine
Migraine is a very common condition, affecting about 12% of people in the United States.
A migraine headache can cause extreme pain behind the eyes, and it can last for up to 72 hours.
In addition to a migraine headache, a person may experience:
