How to treat the four most common types of headaches
It can be easy to dismiss
head pain as a regular
headache, but in fact there
is no such thing. More than
300 types of headache exist
and the likelihood you’ll experience
one in your lifetime
is high. Worldwide nearly
40 million people have some
form of headache disease.
“Each headache comes
with its own set of symptoms
and a different approach to
treatment,” said Dr. Vincent
Martin, president of the National
Headache Foundation
and professor of Clinical
Medicine, University of
Cincinnati College of Medicine.
“A physician trained
in headache medicine is the
best person to diagnose the
type of headache you’re experiencing
but since symptoms
usually come on gradually,
you should record your
symptoms and triggers over
a few weeks.”
The National Headache
Foundation is sharing information
on the four most
common types of headache
and the best treatments for
relief.
Tension
What is it: Typically these
originate in the neck or back
of the head with muscle tension
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and creep forward. Tension
headache can be triggered
by poor posture, lack of
movement, eye strain, stress
and hunger. They can be
chronic or infrequent.
Treatment: The occasional
tension headache can
be treated with nonsteroidal
anti-infl ammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), such as aspirin or
ibuprofen, as well as stretching
and regular exercise.
Chronic forms can be
treated with amitriptyline or
regular non-medication treatments
including relaxation,
developing coping strategies,
acupuncture, massage therapy
and physical therapy.
Sinus
What is it: Common when
you are sick or suffer from allergies,
this type of headache
is caused by infl ammation in
the sinus passage with pain
usually presenting in the
forehead, browbone, cheeks,
eyes and nose. They are often
accompanied by nasal congestion,
sinus drainage or fever.
Treatment: Monitoring
your allergies can play a major
part in avoiding a sinus
headache. When allergens
are high, you can take an
antihistamine. NSAIDs can
also help relieve pressure by
reducing the infl ammation
in your sinuses. If you’re sick
and suffering from a sinus
headache, NSAIDs plus a decongestant
can often be your
best option. You may need
your health care practitioner
to prescribe an antibiotic if
the sinus infection is caused
by bacteria.
Cluster
What is it: People with cluster
headache often describe
the pain as relentless stabbing
sensations and experience attacks
several times throughout
a day for weeks at a time.
During a cluster headache
series, the pain is always on
the same side, usually around
the eye, and can include nasal
congestion, sinus drainage or
a drooping eyelid. Research
indicates they can be more
active in the spring and fall
due to the changes in daylight
and disruption in the sleep cycle
with the time change. Unfortunately,
some people will
experience chronic cluster
headache.
Treatment: Preventive
treatments are available for
cluster headache once a person
is in an attack series.
During an acute attack, inhaling
pure oxygen by mask
is helpful.
Migraine
What is it: Migraine disease
is believed to be due to a
hypersensitive nervous system
that results in debilitating
and recurring attacks of
pain that can be accompanied
by nausea, vomiting, dizziness
or sensitivity to light
and sound. Some migraine
attacks are preceded by disturbance
in vision or smell,
known as an aura.
For some, other symptoms
begin 24 to 48 hours before
the attack and can range
from dizziness and fatigue
to mood swings or extreme
hunger. Known triggers of
migraine include stress, hormonal
changes, certain foods
(cheeses, chocolate, preservatives),
and beverages (caffeine,
alcohol).
Treatment: Maintaining
a regular sleep schedule, not
skipping meals and hydration
can help prevent migraine attacks.
Keeping a record of triggers
can help you and your
health care practitioner correctly
diagnose and treat your
migraine disease with lifestyle
changes, prescription
and over-the-counter medications,
and non-drug therapies
such as acupuncture, biofeedback
training and relaxation
therapy.
“The next time your head
pain strikes, make note of
the pain location, any potential
triggers and have an honest
conversation with your
health care practitioner so
they can help you get back to
living your life,” said Martin.
For more information
about headache disease or to
fi nd help, visit: www.headaches.
org.
— BPT
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