Information on Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints. The number of headache sufferers is high- between 80 to 90 percent of the common population has had a headache. Though headaches could be a sign of a medical emergency or serious neurological disease, most headaches don't suggest such conditions. Frequent, recurring, or prolonged headaches, however, should be initially viewed with concern, and every effort should be made to find out the cause of a headache. Treatment is most probably to be effective and suitable following an precise diagnosis.

Tension-type headaches (also known as tension headaches) are the most common type of headache. They could be brought on by stressful events, and they are characterised by mild-to-moderate pain that feels like pressure is being applied to the head or neck. It's thought that over 90 percent of headaches are tension-type. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, relaxing, resting, correcting poor posture and exercising can all help to relieve and prevent headache pain.

Cluster headaches respond poorly to over-the-counter medications. Oxygen therapy and prescription medications such as lithium,* calcium channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure), steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some anti-migraine drugs, as well as others, can help in many cases. If you suspect that you have cluster headaches, you should check with your doctor.

Since sinus headaches usually result from a sinus condition, the best approach is to treat that underlying condition. Non-prescription medications for sinus headaches normally contain a pain reliever such as acetaminophen, as well as antihistamines for allergic conditions and/or decongestants for nasal congestion. If sinus pressure and pain is not relieved after a day or two of treatment with a non-prescription product, an infection may be present. A prescription antibiotic may be required to treat a bacterial infection. If the sinus infection is caused by a virus, however, antibiotics won't be effective.

Migraines could be treated with over-the-counter painkillers such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the headaches are mild.

Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco. If you drink, limit your intake to an occasional drink or two. Beer and red wine are specific headache triggers for many people. Smoking is a risk factor for several kinds of headaches. Even breathing cigarette or cigar smoke could trigger a headache for some people.

Engage in correct posture while sitting and working. The type of chair you use is important. It should be one that maximises comfort and good posture and might need to be adjusted to suit your needs.

Perform relaxation techniques on a consistent basis.

Get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Some people find that taking the natural herbal treatment Feverfew is very effective at reducing or preventing their headaches occurring. This needs to be taken daily – even if no headache is present – to have an effect. Consult your GP before starting this.

When You Should See a Physician

Not all headaches need medical attention. Some result from missed meals or occasional muscle tension and are easily remedied. But some types of headache are signals of more serious disorders, and call for prompt medical care. These include:

Sudden, severe headache
Sudden, severe headache connected with a stiff neck
Headache associated with fever
Headache associated with convulsions
Headache accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness
Headache following a blow on the head
Headache associated with pain in the eye or ear
Persistent headache in a person who was previously headache free
Recurring headache in kids
Headache that interfere with normal life