We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a New Daily Persistent Headache?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,181
Share

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) is a type of headache disorder where patients suddenly develop a headache that persists over an extended period of time. While the intensity of the pain may wax and wane, the patient experiences at least one headache a day. Two different forms are recognized, one that tends to resolve on its own after several months and another that may persist for years despite treatment. Management options for new daily persistent headache can depend on how well the patient responds to treatment.

Patients with this condition can typically pinpoint the day it started with a high degree of accuracy. Usually, they don’t have an extensive history of headaches, but experience a sudden onset of intense head pain that does not go away. It lasts for more than two months. Activity usually doesn’t make it worse, and patients may not be any more light or sound sensitive than usual. Treatments like aspirin may not be effective in reducing the pain.

Several conditions can look like new daily persistent headache, including cerebral venous thrombosis and a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak. These conditions can be dangerous if not identified and treated. To avoid a mistaken diagnosis, a doctor may request a full neurological workup for a patient with a case of suspected new daily persistent headache. This can include medical imaging studies to look at the brain, allowing the doctor to identify signs of one of these conditions.

This is an example of a primary headache disorder, appearing without any known cause. Some patients experience flu-like symptoms or fatigue before the new daily persistent headache appears, and others link it with stress or cranial surgery. Treatment needs to focus on pain management and controlling the headache itself. This can include analgesics as well as medications to control blood pressure. Sometimes medications may be used off-label to treat the headache, in which case the patient could receive a drug designed to treat spasms or other issues in the hopes it provides some relief.

Some patients with new daily persistent headache respond well to treatment. Others may find treatment less effective or may need to switch between medications and treatment options to find the ones that are most effective. In cases of refractory headache, nothing works. Headaches of this nature can be frustrating and may cause mental health complications. For this reason, patients may be advised to work with a counselor to manage feelings of depression, anger, or frustration that may arise in treatment.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-new-daily-persistent-headache.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.