Headache

I came across a very interesting article about HEADACHE.

Doctors have identified several kinds of headaches. If a person has frequent headaches, the doctor first has to decide what kind of headaches they are. Medicine can help, but each kind begins in a different place and needs different treatment.

Headaches

1) Migraine headache

Symptoms: Headache starts in the arteries in the head. The arteries swell and send pain signals to the brain. The person sees wavy lines, black dots, or bright spots in front of his eyes. The headache occurs on only one side of the head

Effect: Change in vision - Blurred. The person may vomit due to the pain

Additional information: The headache happens more frequently in women than in men. Sleep is the best cure for it

2) Cluster headache

Symptoms: It comes in clusters or groups and lasts for 2 or 3 months. Then it stops for several months or even years. Headache starts in the arteries in the head. Every time it strikes, it lasts for up to 2 hours and then goes away. At the beginning of the headache, the eyes are red and watery. There is a steady pain in the head. When the pain finally goes away, the head feels sore

Additional information: Both men and women suffer from cluster headaches

3) Muscle headache

Symptoms: The headache starts in the muscle of the neck or forehead. It is caused by tension. When a person works too hard, is nervous about something, or has problems at workplace, at home, the neck and head muscles become tense, and then this headache begins. This type of headache is usually triggered in the morning and gets worse as the hours pass. There is also a steady pain, pressure and a feeling that the head is about to explode

Headache

OTHER TREATMENT

a) A change in diet or an increase in exercise might stop the headaches

b) It might be possible to make changes and decrease the causes of tension

c) Psychological problems and even medicine for another physical problem can also causes headache. The doctor has to determine the actual cause of the patient's headaches - Some of the questions asked by the doctors may revolve around the frequency and duration of the headache, the time it occurs, the intensity of the pain and its location, the possible triggers and any prior symptoms. This is crucial because a headache can also be a signal of a more serious problem

MEDICAL TREATMENT

1) Migraine and muscle headaches: The doctors may prescribe Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Excedrin, Triptans and Botulinum Toxin type A

2) Cluster headache: The most common treatments used to treat cluster headaches are by taking Ergotamine and Sumatriptan, as well as inhaling pure oxygen

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

a) Acupuncture

b) Herbal remedies using feverfew

c) Homeopathic remedies

d) Vitamins and supplements

e) Hydrotherapy

f) Massage

g) Regular physical exercise

h) Relaxation (mediation) techniques

Headaches have an enormous impact on society due to missed workdays and lost productivity. If you have a headache, and it recurs, it is time to talk to a doctor. There is no magic cure for headaches, but doctors can control most of them

Adapted from: www.medicinenet.com/headache/article.html