MRSA - Headaches

You may have heard of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), but you may not know that the headaches you are having may be MRSA related. Of course there are many causes of headaches and MRSA is just one of them. When you have this infection, there will be other symptoms present also. There are different types of headaches that are common among those infected with MRSA. If you have a headache, you will want to consider all possible causes.

Types of Headaches

The International Headache Society classified headaches in 2007. There are three types of headaches that people suffer from:

  1. Primary headaches - these are headaches that are from migraines, tension, etc. It can include cluster headaches.
  2. Secondary headaches - this is when there is a primary medical condition and a headache is related to problems like bleeding in the brain, meningitis, or a tumor is present.
  3. Other headaches - problems with nerves in the neck or head that are inflamed cause this kind of headache. Injuries that cause headaches are often in this category because there is often nerve damage. Cranial neuralgias and facial pain are examples of other headache types.

Headaches from MRSA would be considered a secondary headache because the MRSA infection is the primary medical condition. When stress is the cause, while fighting MRSA, it would fall under the category of primary headaches.

Cause of MRSA Headaches

When MRSA travels to the brain, it can cause abscesses and inflammation of the brain. This will cause headaches. Treatment of the infection will reduce the effects of the infection and relieve the headache. Medications to treat MRSA may also cause headaches in some people due to side effects. The mental stress and stress on the body when dealing with an infection can cause tension headaches. A medical professional can determine the cause of the headaches.

Symptoms of MRSA and Headaches

When there is a MRSA infection there will be other symptoms besides headaches. There will usually be some kind of skin infection like a boil, impetigo, abscess, or rash. Other symptoms that will accompany a headache when there is a MRSA infection include lethargy, vomiting, headaches and malaise. The symptoms of MRSA also included are flu like symptoms, low blood pressure, joint pain, and shortness of breath. Severity of symptoms depends on the infection and if it has spread to other parts of the body or to the organs.

Whenever MRSA is suspected a medical professional should be consulted. Early detection and treatment of MRSA will increase the success of treatment and minimize complications and the risk of infection spreading to other parts of the body and allow for proper precedures to prevent speading to other people.

Treatment for MRSA Headaches

Treating MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) will help relieve headaches caused by the infection. This is done with antibiotics. Until the infection is brought under control a medical professional may recommend over the counter pain relievers, cool compresses along with stress reduction techniques, diet changes (limiting the intake of caffeine, reduce sugar, eliminate sugar substitutes), or other helpful headache relievers.

Early detection and MRSA treatment will minimize symptoms like headaches and the spread of the infection to other parts of the body like the brain. You can prevent infection with proper hygiene and by building your immune system.

MRSA Superbug Symptoms

What are some of the MRSA Superbug Symptoms?