Feeling heavy in the head can be characterised by the feeling of having a tight band tied around your head. You can feel the muscles around the neck and scalp tighten, making you feel dizzy. Many factors can lead to heavy-headedness. For instance, the ongoing heatwave can be one of the primary causes of heat-induced headaches that can hamper everyday activities. But that’s not all. There can be several common and uncommon reasons for such headaches.
Also Read: Lightheadedness: Home Remedies To Stop Everything Around You Moving
Common Causes Of Head Feeling Heavy
There are many reasons why your head might feel heavy. Some of the most common causes include:
Dehydration: When you don't drink enough fluids, your brain may find it difficult to function, leading to a feeling of heaviness in your head. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “water-deprivation headaches can cause pain throughout the head or be more localised to the front or back.”
Lack of sleep: If you're not well-rested, you're more likely to experience headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can contribute to a feeling of heavy head.
Eye strain: Staring at screens for long periods of time can also cause eye strain, which can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and heavy-headedness.
Sinus infection: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are the cavities located around your nose and cheeks. When your sinuses become inflamed, they can cause pressure and pain in your head, making it feel heavy.
Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, including headaches and a tight feeling in the chest, which can make your head feel heavy.
What Are The Rare Causes Of Heavy-Headedness?
While most heavy-headedness stems from common issues, there are some rare causes, which include:
Intracranial hypotension (IH): This is a condition where the pressure around your brain is lower than normal. It can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and a sensation of head fullness or pressure.
Brain tumours: While uncommon, brain tumours can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including headaches, pressure in the head, and vision problems.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): This is a condition where the pressure inside your skull increases for unknown reasons. It can cause headaches, vision problems, and tinnitus.
Meningitis and encephalitis: These are infections of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain, or the brain itself. They can cause severe headaches, fever, confusion, and a stiff neck.
Myasthenia gravis: This is a rare autoimmune disease that weakens the muscles, including those that control the eyelids and head movement. It can cause drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and weakness in the neck muscles, which can contribute to a feeling of heaviness in the head.
Also Read: What Is Dizziness? Here Are Its Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
Other Symptoms To Watch Out For
Note that heavy-headedness may also be accompanied by other symptoms. These include:
- Muscle tension, particularly in the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
- Pressure in the head, neck, ears, and eyes.
It is important to understand that the associated symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment
To treat heavy-headedness, it is important to first understand the underlying cause. Consulting a doctor may help confirm the diagnosis. If your headache is due to fatigue, malnutrition, or dehydration, you can treat it by:
- Getting enough rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating a well-balanced diet
Sometimes, a doctor may also recommend Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications to alleviate the pain. Additionally, if your symptom is due to another medical condition, here's what may be recommended:
- Medications for migraine
- Supplements for nutrient deficiencies
- Antihistamines and decongestants for allergies and sinus infections
- Vertigo medications
Home remedies include applying a heating pad to your neck and shoulders to ease pain and provide more comfort. You can also indulge in relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, which might help reduce stress-related heaviness in the head.