04 December, 2010

HEADACHE

HEADACHE

 

Mostly everyone suffers from occasional headaches, and some can be quite uncomfortable. But most are only temporarily disabling.

Usually headaches are temporary and will go away on their own. However, don't be shy about contacting your doctor if the pain is bothersome. A physician should check out any headache that is severe, recurring or accompanied by a fever

Seriousnous of headache Not every headache requires medical intervention. Some headaches result from missed meals or muscle tension and can be taken care of at home. Other headaches are a sign of something serious and call for quick medical assistance. If you experience the following headache symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention:-

Severe, sudden headache that comes on quickly and unexplained, at times described as "the worst headache in my life.

"Headache associated with loss of consciousness, confusion, changes in your vision, or other associated body weakness

Headaches associated with a stiff neck and fever

If you experience the following headache symptoms, you should seek medical attention:

Headaches that wake you from sleep.

Unexplained changes in the nature or frequency of headaches.

If you are uncertain about the nature of your headaches, it's a good idea to call your doctor for medical attention.

Tension, migraine and cluster are types of headaches. Migraine and cluster headaches are types of vascular headaches. Physical exertion increases the headache pain in vascular headaches.

The blood vessels in the tissue surrounding the head dilate or swell, causing your head to throb with pain.

Cluster headaches are much less common than migraines, the most common type of vascular headache.

Cluster headaches usually strike several times in rapid succession - lasting weeks or months.

Cluster headaches are more common among men and can be extremely painful.

Diagnosis

Most headaches are not caused by serious conditions and usually can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. Migraines and other types of serious head pain may need prescription treatments and monitoring by a doctor.

Tension Headaches

Tension or muscle contraction headaches are the most common form of headache, and they are often associated with periods of increased stress

The pain associated with tension headaches is often steady and dull and can be felt in the forehead, temple area and back of the neck

People often describe tension headaches as feeling like a tight band is encircling their head

Although tension headaches can last for longer periods, they usually disappear after the stressful period is over

Tension headaches are usually not associated with other symptoms and there is no pre-headache syndrome as is often seen in migraine headaches. Tension headaches account for about 90 percent of all headaches

Sinus headaches Sinus headaches can be the result of a sinus infection or allergies. Often following a cold or flu, sinus headaches are caused by inflammation of the sinus passages, air cavities located in the bones behind and above your nose. As the sinuses become clogged or infected, the increase pressure causes your head to ache. The pain is usually severe and ongoing, beginning in the morning and becoming worse if you bend over.

Common sinus headache symptoms

Pain and pressure around the eyes, across the cheeks and the forehead

Achy feeling in the upper teeth

Fever and chills

Facial swelling

Both heat and ice are commonly used to relieve the facial pain of sinus headaches.

Migraine headaches vary from person to person, but they are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head and often are accompanied by other symptoms. They may include nausea and vomiting, light sensitivity and distorted vision, dizziness, fever and chills.

Common migraine symptoms

Pain preceded by visual changes

Mild-to-severe throbbing pain on one side of the head

Nausea or vomiting

Sensitivity to light and noise

Migraines can be triggered by any number of factors, which vary from person to person. Some people react to certain foods such as wine, chocolate, aged cheese, processed meats and caffeine are commonly mentioned. Use of caffeine and alcohol can also trigger headaches.


Note: If you have a lot of bad headaches, keep track of your symptoms, headache severity and how you handled the pain. Bring the record with you to the doctor.

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