A patient have back headache headache calms I think I pulled from back of my head
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Based on what you're describing — a headache at the back of your head that feels like it came from a strain or pull — this is a very common presentation. Here's what the medical literature says:
Headache at the Back of the Head (Occipital/Posterior Headache)
Most Likely Cause: Tension-Type or Muscle-Related Headache
Your description of feeling like you "pulled" something at the back of your head strongly points to a tension-type headache or myofascial (muscle strain) headache. This is the most common type of headache overall.
Typical features:
- A tight, bandlike pressure or dull ache around the head — often felt at the back (occipital region)
- Neck muscle tightness or tenderness
- Comes on with physical activity, stress, or awkward posture
- Does NOT usually throb or worsen with movement
- No nausea, vomiting, or light/sound sensitivity
"Physical examination will reveal tender areas of the scalp and neck with both tension and migraine headaches." — Rosen's Emergency Medicine
"Tension headaches are classically described as tight, bandlike pain or discomfort that is often associated with neck muscle tightness. The headache may be frontal, temporal, or occipital." — Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology
Why the Back of the Head?
Pain from structures below the tentorium (the membrane dividing upper and lower brain) is referred to the posterior (back) part of the head. The back of the head is also the attachment site for many neck and scalp muscles that can become strained.
"Subtentorial pain stimuli cause 'occipital headache' referred to the posterior part of the head." — Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
What to Do
For simple muscle-strain/tension headache:
- Rest and avoid the activity that triggered it
- OTC pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen) are first-line
- Warm compress to the neck and back of the head
- Gentle stretching of neck muscles once the acute pain eases
- Stay hydrated
⚠️ Warning Signs — See a Doctor Urgently If You Have:
| Symptom | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache (worst of your life) | Could be subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| Fever + stiff neck | Could be meningitis |
| Headache after a head injury | Could be a bleed |
| Vision changes, weakness, or confusion | Neurological emergency |
| Headache that keeps getting worse over days | Needs evaluation |
In short: What you're describing sounds like a muscle strain/tension headache at the back of the head — very common and usually responds well to rest and OTC pain relievers. If it persists beyond a few days, doesn't respond to treatment, or you develop any of the warning signs above, please see a doctor.
He calms I felt that when he was open room heater
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⚠️ This Could Be Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning — Take This Seriously
The detail you just added is very important: the headache started when a room heater was turned on, and it went away after leaving the room. This is a classic pattern for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Why CO Poisoning Fits Perfectly
CO is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel — gas heaters, wood heaters, boilers, and generators are all common sources. When a room is poorly ventilated, CO builds up silently.
"Mild CO poisoning occurs frequently, with headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, myalgia, and confusion as common presenting complaints." — Rosen's Emergency Medicine
"CO poisoning should be suspected in patients with persistent or recurrent headache, especially if the headache improves soon after leaving the environment." — Rosen's Emergency Medicine
The fact that the headache calmed when he left the room / turned off the heater is the strongest clue here.
CO Is Dangerous Because:
- You cannot see, smell, or taste it
- It blocks oxygen from being carried in the blood and used by cells
- Symptoms are easy to mistake for flu or tension headache
- It can be fatal — people can lose consciousness and die without realizing what's happening
What You Must Do RIGHT NOW
1. Get out of that room / building immediately — fresh air is the first treatment
2. Do NOT go back in until the heater has been inspected and cleared by a professional
3. See a doctor or go to an Emergency Department today — even if he feels better now. CO can cause delayed neurological damage (memory problems, confusion) days to weeks later, even after apparent recovery
4. Call a gas safety engineer to inspect the heater and check ventilation
5. Get a CO detector — install one in the room with the heater. They are inexpensive and save lives
Signs That Need Immediate Emergency Care (Call Emergency Services):
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Loss of consciousness | Call emergency services immediately |
| Severe confusion or disorientation | Emergency |
| Chest pain or shortness of breath | Emergency |
| Seizures | Emergency |
Bottom line: A headache that starts with a room heater and goes away when you leave the room is carbon monoxide poisoning until proven otherwise. Please seek medical evaluation today and do not use that heater again until it has been professionally inspected.
But i think room heater don't realses co
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You are partially right — it depends on the type of heater.
Types of Heaters and CO Risk
| Heater Type | CO Risk? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gas/kerosene/oil heater | ⚠️ YES — high risk | Burns fuel → produces CO, especially if poorly maintained or unventilated |
| Electric space heater | ✅ No CO | No combustion, no fuel burning — electrically powered |
| Wood-burning heater/fireplace | ⚠️ YES | Burns wood → produces CO |
| Gas boiler/central heating | ⚠️ YES | If faulty or poorly ventilated |
"Common exogenous sources of carbon monoxide include cigarette smoke, gasoline engines, and improperly ventilated home heating units." — Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine
If the heater is electric, CO is not the issue.
But the headache could still be caused by the heater through other mechanisms:
- Reduced oxygen / poor ventilation — a sealed room with a heater running for a long time consumes oxygen, causing mild hypoxia (low oxygen), which causes headache
- Dry, hot air — electric heaters dry out the air, which can cause dehydration and headache
- Dust and allergens — heaters stir up dust, which can trigger headaches in sensitive people
- Heat-induced vasodilation — heat causes blood vessels to dilate and can trigger headaches
What kind of heater is it — gas/fuel burning, or electric?
That detail changes the level of urgency. If it is gas or kerosene, the CO warning still stands. If it is purely electric, the situation is less dangerous but still worth checking (ventilation, hydration).
Electric
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Good news — this is a much less serious situation. Here's what's most likely causing the headache:
Why an Electric Heater Can Still Cause Headaches
1. Dehydration from dry, hot air (most common cause)
Electric heaters remove moisture from the air. Breathing dry air for extended periods causes mild dehydration, which is a very common headache trigger — especially at the back of the head.
2. Reduced oxygen in a sealed room
If the room is closed with no ventilation, the heater warms up the air but the oxygen level gradually drops as it's consumed. This mild hypoxia causes a dull, posterior headache.
3. Heat-induced blood vessel dilation
Heat causes blood vessels in the head to expand (vasodilate), which can directly trigger a headache in people who are prone to them.
4. Dust and allergens
Electric heaters, especially if not cleaned regularly, blow dust and allergens into the air — triggering headaches in sensitive people.
Simple Fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dry air / dehydration | Drink water before and during time in the heated room. Use a humidifier |
| Poor ventilation | Open a window slightly even when the heater is on |
| Dust from heater | Clean the heater's filter/grille regularly |
| Overheating the room | Keep temperature moderate (around 18–21°C / 64–70°F) |
Bottom Line
The headache at the back of his head that calms after leaving the room is most likely dehydration or mild oxygen reduction from a poorly ventilated heated room — both benign and easily fixed. Make sure he:
- Drinks water regularly
- Ventilates the room (crack a window)
- Keeps the heater temperature at a comfortable, not excessive, level
If the headaches keep recurring despite these measures, or are severe, he should see a doctor to rule out other causes.
What should we do for it
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Here is a complete, practical plan — split into right now and going forward:
Right Now (Treating the Current Headache)
1. Leave the heated room & get fresh air
This is the most effective immediate step. The headache should ease within 15–30 minutes in a well-ventilated space.
2. Drink water
Rehydrate immediately — drink 1–2 glasses of water. Dehydration headaches respond quickly to fluids.
3. Pain relief if needed
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) — 500–1000 mg — safe, effective first choice
- Ibuprofen — 200–400 mg with food — good for tension/pressure headaches
- Either one is sufficient. No need for anything stronger.
4. Rest in a cool, quiet room
Lie down for 20–30 minutes. A cold or slightly cool compress on the back of the neck helps relax tense muscles and ease the pain.
Going Forward (Prevention)
| Action | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Open a window slightly when the heater is on | Keeps fresh air and oxygen flowing |
| Drink water regularly in heated rooms | Prevents dehydration from dry air |
| Use a humidifier alongside the heater | Puts moisture back into the air |
| Keep room temperature moderate (18–21°C / 64–70°F) | Prevents overheating and vasodilation headaches |
| Clean the heater regularly | Removes dust that irritates airways |
| Limit time in a tightly closed heated room | Reduces oxygen depletion buildup |
When to See a Doctor
Go to a doctor if:
- The headaches happen every time he enters a heated room, despite ventilation and hydration
- The headache is severe or sudden (worst of his life)
- He also has nausea, vision changes, confusion, or neck stiffness
- Pain does not respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen
Otherwise, this is benign and fully manageable with the simple steps above.
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