Caffeine-related headaches:Causes and Symptoms

What are the causes of caffeine-related headaches?‍

There are various causes of caffeine related headaches. Let’s discuss a few of them here: 

1. Caffeine withdrawal:

If you have been consuming caffeine regularly and cut down on the amount suddenly, you might experience some withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include irritability, headache, sleepiness and tiredness. 

2. Varied caffeine consumption: 

People who drink coffee every time they feel tired, tend to crash as soon as the caffeine is metabolized. Higher levels of caffeine in the body block adenosine that travels to the brain when tired. As soon as the caffeine gets metabolized, the adenosine gushes up to the brain and that signals the body that it’s time to sleep. The most common symptoms of this condition includes irritability, persisting drowsiness and dizzy feeling as soon as the caffeine wears off. 

3. Caffeine overdose: 

It is recommended to only consume 400mg of caffeine per day: the tolerance level might vary in different people. When an individual consumes more caffeine than the recommended amount, it is referred to as caffeine overdose which is unhealthy for the body.

4. Caffeine sensitivity:

The efficiency of the human body in metabolizing as well as processing caffeine in the body is known as caffeine sensitivity. This sensitivity varies in different people. 

5. Caffeine allergy:

Some people are allergic to caffeine i.e. their body cannot metabolize caffeine. In these cases, consumption of even a small amount of caffeine can result in various symptoms including headaches, irritability, fatigue, dizziness and sudden shift of memory etc. 

What are the symptoms related to caffeine related headaches?

You might experience various symptoms related to caffeine related headaches. These symptoms are dependent on the cause of the caffeine related headache. The most common symptoms include:

• Chronic migraines 
• Depression and anxiety 
• Various skin problems such as eczema, acne and severe itching 
• Panic attacks 
• Loss of memory 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Swelling of throat, glands and tongue 
• Dizziness
• Fatigue 
• Irritable mood and bad mood 
• Shift of focus 
• Extreme jitters 
• Pain in the chest 
• Numbness in the face, hand and feet 
• Shortness of breath 
• Hallucinations 
• Flu or cold symptoms 
• Muscle pain 
• Swollen eyes 
• Blurry vision 
• Sweating 
• Cardiac arrest 
• Nauseated feeling and vomiting 
• Excessive talking 

How to get diagnosed?

There are multiple processes of getting diagnosed for caffeine related headaches. Some of the processes include:

• CT scan 
• MRI
• Urine Analysis 

Also Read: Anhedonia: Is the chronic inability to feel joy affect you too?

Connect with KR4ALL for a hassle-free online doctor consultation:

Even though there are several causes of caffeine related headaches, fortunately there are several methods of diagnosis as well. Once you are diagnosed, you can prevent this condition by stopping overdosing on caffeine, hydrating a lot and administering OTC (Over The Counter) medications. You can also consult your doctor if you have been experiencing such symptoms for a longer period. Now avail 24/7 online doctor consultation on the KR4ALL health care app.

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