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So I just took my first PT after 1 1/2 years of hiatus and was quickly reminded of a problem I've always had with this test...
As I'm taking it, I always feel a strong headache in the back of my head. I'm sure it's because of the position my head is constantly at (looking downwards to the test). Maybe that position does not allow proper blood flow to the back of my head? Not quite sure...
My question is (I assume many of you have experienced the same thing): What do you do to fight, control, or prevent this annoying headache you get when taking the LSAT?
Thanks so much in advance!!!
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19 comments
I say ... Go see a good chiropractor who does functional medicine!!!
I always feel a strong headache in the back of my head.
I get this too - I think it's from posture and it feels the weirdest for me when I stand back up after taking the test.
Sometimes I stretch during my breaks, but generally havent found that trying to be intentional about posture helps much
Overhydrate and wear a diaper... problem solved ;)
I don't know if this is too left field but many say headaches are caused by dehydration. So I would suggest getting an ample amount sleep and and drinking lot of water to stay hydrated during the exam! Ever since I found that out...I always question how much water I've had during the day when I get a headache (which is always very little lol). If anything...maybe during the timed break you can go and get slips of water from a water fountain and see if this is the reason behind it! Good luck! :D
Also, how active are you generally? Maybe try something like yoga to kill two birds with one stone (get some meditation and physical exertion at the same time).
Trying to do the LSAT is one thing, trying to do it with a pulsating headache is another ball game lol.
I'm not the only one! I had the worst headache during my June LSAT. I'm not using it as an excuse but I'm sure it affected my performance a bit.
During the break I usually take one extra strength tablet just to ease the pain. It usually goes away 10-20 minutes after I take a tablet.
Better posture and not letting my neck stray off too low has helped.
Try sitting at a higher desk with a lower chair to even out the imbalance. See if that helps!
@jgoodwin765 thanks I will try that! @visualcreed556 your description of the pain is exactly what I feel and I'm relatively tall as well. What do you mean by pumping tylenol...as you are taking the test?
Hey man, this usually happens to me once in a while. I"m really tall, so staring down at my paper with my neck can cause discomfort. Sometimes I get pulsating headaches from how my neck is positioned, with the pain starting in the lower back of my head and working its way up, and the pain won't go away until I pump some tylenol extra strength into my system lol.
There maybe some correlation with how much intensity (focus) and stress you may be exerting during PT time. I've been guilty of that as well. Sounds silly, but I would try incorporating meditation into your daily routine. I had a thread on this subject before:
http://classic.7sage.com/discussion/#/discussion/1783/meditation-seriously-do-it
Thanks all! While it preoccupies me that what I'm experiencing is not normal, all your advice is of great help. I do need lenses and when I took the exam I wasn't wearing them but I do remember this being a recurring issue. Every time I take a long test this happens. I do love to read but this never happens when I read a book. I think that's because I'm more relaxed and can read in different postures, hold the book in the air, read while in bed, etc.
Next time I take the test I'll have my lenses for sure and let you know what happens!
Although you won't be taking the LSAT standing up on test day, I would actually recommend taking one standing up since sitting is generally terrible for you. If it goes away, then it's likely a posture/back/neck issue.
If it's still there then I would follow the advice of @igbodoe249 and get an eye exam (preferably one where they dilate your eyes) to see if there are any issues there. As I wrote in another thread I recently found out I have astigmatism and need glasses and now having an understanding of that is pointing out to me when my eyes are straining. If I didn't get it fixed I would definitely end up with worsening health effects.
Have you had a recent eye exam? Could be eye strain.
well maybe thats the problem... you should be sitting, not standing while taking PTs :P
jk but that is interesting, don't think Ive heard of something like this before. Are you a big reader at all/does the same feeling occur if you were to sit down and read a book?
Practice taking more PTs until the headache no longer exists?
I stand in a pretty normal, upright posture and have my head held high most of the time (to my knowledge). I think I'm a bit more curved and always look downwards as I'm taking the LSAT.
What do you recommend?
How's your posture? Normally and while sitting, that can make a huge difference.