Health ShortsHeadaches
Headaches To Worry About
A headache can be caused by tension, dilation of blood vessels (migraine or cluster) or inflammation of the sinuses. Most are nothing to worry about. Some headaches, however, are warning signs and require immediate medical attention. · A headache worse than any you've ever had may indicate a ruptured aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage in the head. · A headache that is accompanied by weakness or numbness on one side of the body, visual loss or difficulty speaking could be a sign of a stroke. · A headache that just keeps getting worse over a period of six months or so is often a symptom of a brain tumor, especially if it is worse in the morning and accompanied by other neurological symptoms. Information about Headaches
For information about headaches, try the following web sites: · American Council for Headache Education, www.achenet.org · National Headache Foundation, www.headaches.org · Headache Care, www.headachecare.com · World Headache Alliance, www.w-h-a.org · American Headache Society, www.ahsnet.org · JAMA Migraine Information Center, www.ama-assn.org/special/migraine/migraine.htm Migraine or Tension Headache?
Tension headaches are more common and less disabling than migraines. A general rule of thumb is that if a headache allows you to carry on with your normal routine, it's probably not migraine. Symptoms of tension headaches include pain and pressure, like a band squeezing the head. Migraine has many specific symptoms including intense pain that may last for up to three days, sensitivity to light, sound and touch as well as nausea and vomiting. An estimated two to three percent of American adults suffer from chronic tension headaches-occurring more than 15 times per month. Possible causes include stress, musculoskeletal abnormalities and medication overuse.
[SOURCE: T.J. Steiner, "Headache," British Medical Journal, October 19, 2002] Not All Migraines Feel Alike
Migraine attacks are not alike, even for the same individual. They vary in frequency, length and intensity and can be accompanied by varying symptoms. One recent study of migraine sufferers found that 85 percent experienced pulsing pain; 80% sensitivity to light; 76 percent sensitivity to sound; 73 percent nausea; 44 percent blurred vision; 29 percent vomiting. About one-third of patients reported their migraine was preceded by an aura, a cluster of neural symptoms including visual changes and numbness or tingling in the extremities.
[SOURCE: Kjel Johnson, "Migraine Therapy," Formulary, December, 2002] Self-Help Strategies for Headache
The National Headache Foundation suggests a number of steps individuals can take to decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches. These include: maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating regular meals and learning a relaxation technique that you're comfortable with. Relaxation options include diaphragmatic breathing (breathing from the abdomen to increase oxygen in the blood stream), progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, yoga, visualization, massage and exercise.
[SOURCE: "Solve the Headache Mystery, "Patient Education Management," November, 2002] What Triggers a Migraine?
Headache diaries reveal a number of common migraine triggers, although many migraines have no apparent triggers. · Stress · Use of oral contraceptives · Foods including chocolate, aged cheese, citrus fruits, dairy products, nuts, high-fat foods, pickled and cured foods, an increase or decrease in caffeine consumption · Low blood sugar caused by delayed or missed meals or dieting · Excessive exercise · Alcohol, but for some only red wine · Too much or too little sleep · Weather changes and stress, including pressure changes, glare · Loud noise, strong smells and exposure to smoke | ArchiveAIDS & HIV |
The information on this site is intended to increase your awareness and understanding of specific health issues. It should not be used for diagnosis or as a substitute for health care by your physician. | |
