Hello and thank you for your question. I’m sorry to hear you are currently going through this difficult situation. From the symptoms you have described, it seems as though you are most likely experiencing migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are usually very severe and associated with nausea and inability to carry out daily tasks.

Symptoms of migraine headache include intense pulsing or throbbing type of pain, usually experienced on one side of the head. Some people will have additional symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound as well as seeing flashing lights or blind spots.

The exact cause of migraine headache is unknown, but is thought to be a result of specific changes within the brain. However, it is said that certain factors will trigger a migraine headache. These factors include extremes in weather, dehydration, excess stress, skipping meals, changes in sleep patterns and hormonal changes.

Since you mentioned that you are having exams in two weeks, some of these trigger factors might have contributed to your condition. Migraines cannot be cured, but it can be managed to ensure continuation of daily tasks.

Firstly it is important to identify your trigger factors and manage them accordingly to prevent further acute attacks of migraine headaches. Make changes to your diet by eliminating foods that are known to cause headache and take steps to reduce stress during your exam period. During acute attacks of migraine, take stronger pain medications to relieve you of your symptoms.

Examples of these medications are aspirin, naproxen, triptans and ergotamines. These can be obtained either over-the-counter or via prescription from a doctor. Taking a moderate amount of caffeine also helps relieve the headache.

Rest in a room with little or no sensory stimulus (light and sound). Other treatments that may help are self-relaxation techniques, acupuncture, hypnosis, yoga and exercise.