Head pain upon touch isn't a standalone condition but a symptom of several underlying issues. The pain's intensity and location provide clues to its cause.
Possible Causes of Head Pain Upon Touch
- Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache. As noted by the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tension-headaches/), a key symptom is head pain that worsens with touch. The pain is often described as a feeling of pressure or tightness around the head. The affected area may be tender to the touch.
- Allodynia: This condition, detailed by the American Migraine Foundation (https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/what-is-allodynia/), makes the skin extremely sensitive. Even light touch can cause significant pain. It's often associated with migraines but can occur independently. WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-allodynia-touch) further explains its connection to migraines, where the slightest touch becomes excruciating.
- Scalp Tenderness: This can stem from various causes, including occipital neuralgia, affecting nerves running from the neck to the forehead, as explained by Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313791).
- Head Injury (Concussion): A concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury (https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/head-injury-concussion), can cause head pain that's worsened by touch. While not all head injuries involve direct pain on touch, it is a potential symptom.
Important Note: When to Seek Medical Attention
Head pain aggravated by touch, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, vision changes, or dizziness, warrants immediate medical attention. Ignoring such symptoms could be risky.
