Chances are you - like 45 million other Americans - have been affected by a headache in the past year. Yet, according to the National Headache Foundation, those people with headaches severe enough to affect their jobs, family or social life don’t actively seek relief.
What are the symptoms? Just what type of headache do you suffer from? There are four common types of headaches - tension, sinus, cluster and migraine headaches.
Tension headaches usually result in constant pressure or pain on both sides of the head, the temples or the lower neck. It may feel like a hand grabbing the back of the head and neck. The pain is mild to moderate and associated with tightening of muscles that can be caused by stress. Nausea and vomiting is rare. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen usually alleviate the pain.
Sinus headaches are caused by pressure and inflammation resulting from a viral sinus infection. A course of antibiotics may be prescribed. Antihistamines and decongestants can also bring relief.
Cluster headaches usually appear suddenly and result in pain on one side of the head that may lead to a watery eye, runny nose or congestion. Men are most likely to suffer from this type of headache.
Migraine headaches may affect one side of the head with pulsating or throbbing pain. It may be aggravated by activity. There is associated nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity. Some experience distorted vision - seeing auras around lights, having blind spots or seeing wavy ilnes - or may have numbness in a hand just prior to the migraine.
Overuse of pain medications can also cause headaches - called rebound headaches.
When do I seek medical advice? Headaches are fairly common. You may wish to see your health care provider if you experience at least three headaches per week. If common over-the-counter medication does not work or if the quality and frequency change, an evaluation is in order. If you suffer from a sudden onset of severe pain; pain accompanied by a stiff neck and confusion; or have a headache after head trauma visit the Emergency Department.
If you visit the Emergency Department a history and physical examination will be completed. A review of the symptoms is important. Blood work and a CT scan of the brain may be in order. Lastly, some cases may need a lumbar puncture, to evaluate the fluid that is in the spinal column and bathes the brain.
If you suffer from headaches, I also recommend the following. In an effort to raise awareness and help people get relief from headaches, the National Headache Foundation has launched “Headache U: It’s all about YOU,” a headache education program designed to help people take steps toward getting relief. The program is an excellent resource for people who suffer from headaches because it addresses the very personal nature of headaches and allows people to chart their symptoms as a means of seeking relief or assistance from a healthcare professional as needed. The resource can be found at www.headaches.org/headacheu/.
Leave a Reply
Follow Us
