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Cure bad headache: Top 14 Best Migraine Hacks for Pain Relief

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Headache Treatment and Headache Relief

Headache Treatment and Headache Relief

A treatment plan is important for chronic headache sufferers. Stanford’s Headache College can help you create a plan tailored to your specific needs.

The main treatment plan categories used to manage headaches include:

  • Rescue: Treatment when a headache is staring you in the face
  • Prevention: Treatments aimed at keeping headaches from developing
  • Lifestyle modification: Strategies to identify, modify, and eliminate triggers that can contribute to headache
  • Complementary medicine strategies
  • Inpatient care

Chronic headache pain can be both frustrating and debilitating. Identifying your type of headache pain is the first step is managing the pain and finding successful treatment options.

Types of headaches include:

Each type of headache has different treatment methods that can be effective in treating headache pain. However, treatment for headache pain is as much an art as it is a science. Two patients that describe their headache pain the same way will not necessarily find relief from the same headache treatment. We often need a process of trial and error to find effective treatment options.

Headache Relief and Treatment for Migraine Headaches

The pain from migraine headaches can be a severe, throbbing pain that can last for many days. Many people that suffer from migraines have a family history of migraine headaches. Effective treatment for migraine headaches include:

  • Rest in a quiet, dark room
  • Hot or cold compresses
  • Massage
  • Tricyclic antidepressants 
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation, a therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate nerve cells in the brain

Headache Relief and Treatment for Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are also known as “hatband” headaches. This is because the pain from these headaches is located around the back of the head, the temples and forehead. They can last from a few hours to a few days. Some treatment options that are effective for tension headaches include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Over the counter pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen)

Headache Relief and Treatment for Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is a type of headache that is relatively short-lived, lasting usually between 20 minutes and two hours. Symptoms include a stuffy nose and tearing. Effective treatment options for cluster headaches include:

  • Injectable medications
  • Prescription nasal sprays
  • Oxygen therapy (breathing pure oxygen via mask)
  • Preventive medications

Headache Relief and Treatment for Hypnic Headaches

Hypnic headaches predominantly affect post-menopausal women and occur during nighttime sleep. Effective treatment options for hypnic headaches include bedtime doses of:

  • Calcium channel blockers (increase blood and oxygen supply to the heart)
  • Caffeine
  • Lithium

Migraine – Treatment – NHS

There’s currently no cure for migraines, although a number of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms.

It may take time to work out the best treatment for you. You may need to try different types or combinations of medicines before you find the most effective ones.

If you find you cannot manage your migraines using over-the-counter medicines, your GP may prescribe something stronger.

During an attack

Most people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room is the best thing to do when having a migraine attack.

Others find that eating something helps, or they start to feel better once they have been sick.

Painkillers

Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms.

They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.

It’s not advisable to wait until the headache worsens before taking painkillers, as it’s often too late for the medicine to work.

Tablets you dissolve in a glass of water (soluble painkillers) are a good alternative because they’re absorbed quickly by your body.

If you cannot swallow painkillers because of nausea or vomiting, suppositories may be a better option. These are capsules that are inserted into the bottom.

Cautions

When taking over-the-counter painkillers, always make sure you read the instructions on the packaging and follow the dosage recommendations.

Children under 16 should not take aspirin unless it’s under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Aspirin and ibuprofen are also not recommended for adults who have a history of stomach problems, such as stomach ulcers, liver problems or kidney problems.

Taking any form of painkiller frequently can make migraines worse. This is sometimes called a medication overuse headache or painkiller headache.

Speak to a GP if you find yourself needing to use painkillers repeatedly or over-the-counter painkillers are not effective.

They may prescribe stronger painkillers or recommend using painkillers along with triptans.

If they suspect the frequent use of painkillers may be contributing your headaches, they may recommended that you stop using them.

Triptans

If ordinary painkillers are not helping to relieve your migraine symptoms, you should make an appointment to see a GP.

They may recommend taking painkillers in addition to a type of medicine called a triptan, and possibly anti-sickness medicine.

Triptan medicines are a specific painkiller for migraine headaches. They’re thought to work by reversing the changes in the brain that may cause migraine headaches.

They cause the blood vessels around the brain to narrow (contract). This reverses the widening of blood vessels that’s believed to be part of the migraine process.

Triptans are available as tablets, injections and nasal sprays.

Common side effects of triptans include:

  • warm sensations
  • tightness
  • tingling
  • flushing
  • feelings of heaviness in the face, limbs or chest

Some people also experience feeling sick, a dry mouth and drowsiness.

These side effects are usually mild and improve on their own.

As with other painkillers, taking too many triptans can lead to a medication overuse headache.

Your GP will usually recommend having a follow-up appointment once you have finished your first course of treatment with triptans.

This is so you can discuss their effectiveness and whether you had any side effects.

If the medicine was helpful, treatment will usually be continued.

If they were not effective or caused unpleasant side effects, your GP may try prescribing a different type of triptan as how people respond to this medicine can be highly variable.

Anti-sickness medicines

Anti-sickness medicines, known as anti-emetics, can successfully treat migraine in some people even if you do not experience feeling or being sick.

These are prescribed by a GP, and can be taken alongside painkillers and triptans.

As with painkillers, anti-sickness medicines work better if taken as soon as your migraine symptoms begin.

They usually come in the form of a tablet, but are also available as a suppository.

Side effects of anti-emetics include drowsiness and diarrhoea.

Combination medicines

You can buy a number of combination medicines for migraine without a prescription at your local pharmacy.

These medicines contain both painkillers and anti-sickness medicines.

If you’re not sure which one is best for you, ask your pharmacist.

It can also be very effective to combine a triptan with another painkiller, such as ibuprofen.

Many people find combination medicines convenient.

But the dose of painkillers or anti-sickness medicine may not be high enough to relieve your symptoms.

If this is the case, it may be better to take painkillers and anti-sickness medicines separately. This allows you to easily control the doses of each.

Acupuncture

If medicines are unsuitable or do not help to prevent migraines, you can try acupuncture.

Some GP surgeries offer acupuncture, but most do not, so you may have to pay for it privately.

Evidence suggests a course of up to 10 sessions over a 5- to 8-week period may be beneficial.

Find out more about acupuncture

Seeing a specialist

If the treatments above are not effectively controlling your migraines, your GP may refer you to a specialist migraine clinic for further investigation and treatment.

In addition to the medicines mentioned above, a specialist may recommend other treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

In January 2014, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved the use of a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment and prevention of migraines.

TMS involves holding a small electrical device to your head that delivers magnetic pulses through your skin.

It’s not clear exactly how TMS works in treating migraines, but studies have shown that using it at the start of a migraine can reduce its severity.

It can also be used in combination with the medicines mentioned above without interfering with them.

But TMS is not a cure for migraines and does not work for everyone.

The evidence for its effectiveness is not strong and is limited to people who have migraine with aura.

There’s also little evidence about the potential long-term effects of the treatment, although studies into the treatment have so far only reported minor and temporary side effects.

These include:

NICE recommends that TMS should only be provided by headache specialists in specialist centres because of the uncertainty about the potential long-term side effects.

The specialist will keep a record of your experiences using the treatment.

Treatment for pregnant and breastfeeding women

In general, migraine treatment with medicines should be limited as much as possible when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Instead, trying to identify and avoid potential migraine triggers is often recommended.

If medicine is essential, your GP may prescribe you a low-dose painkiller, such as paracetamol.

In some cases, anti-inflammatory medicine or triptans may be prescribed.

Speak to a GP or your midwife before taking medicine when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Page last reviewed: 10 May 2019
Next review due: 10 May 2022

Acute Migraine Headache: Treatment Strategies

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Is Tylenol or Advil Better for Treating Headaches?

If you endure occasional tension headaches, you may wonder which medication to reach for at the onset of an attack. The most common options, acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) and ibuprofen (brand names Advil and Motrin), work differently to relieve pain. Here’s what you should know before treating your headache.

vm / Getty Images

Treatment of Tension-Type Headaches

Typically, people with tension headache self-treat with over-the-counter medications and other non-medical therapies such as sleep, exercise, water, and caffeine.

People tend to go to a doctor’s clinic only when their headache is resistant to these therapies or when they experience other symptoms in addition to their headache, such as visual changes from an aura (which suggests a migraine, not a tension headache).

Classic examples of over-the-counter medications for tension-type headaches are:

  • Tylenol (acetaminophen)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

Research on Tylenol Versus Advil

Whether you reach for acetaminophen or ibuprofen, either will most likely work, although research suggests ibuprofen may be more effective.

In an older study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, over 450 individuals with tension headache were randomized to receive either 400 mg ibuprofen, 1,000 mg of Tylenol, or placebo. Results showed both were more effective than placebo in alleviating headache, with ibuprofen most effective.

That being said, other studies have found no difference between Tylenol and NSAIDs in alleviating tension headache pain.

A review study in Pain found both Tylenol (1,000 mg dose) and ibuprofen (400 mg dose) to be better than placebo at easing moderate to severe tension headaches (using the parameter of being pain-free two hours after taking the medication). Neither was found to be more effective than the other.

The study also found that the number of people needing to take either Tylenol or ibuprofen to obtain headache relief at two hours was nearly nine for both. This is rather high and means that there are still a lot of people who are not getting proper relief.

Potential Adverse Effects

In addition to medication effectiveness, it’s critical to consider the potential adverse effects of each medication.

Acetaminophen, while generally well-tolerated, may cause liver failure in high doses. Be aware that many over-the-counter cold and flu medications contain acetaminophen. Check the label of all the medications you take to ensure you don’t exceed the maximum recommended daily limit.

As an NSAID, ibuprofen should be avoided by some people, since it may cause peptic ulcer disease and bleeding, kidney failure, and worsening of underlying high blood pressure.

Moreover, NSAIDs increase a person’s risk of adverse cardiovascular effects, like a heart attack or stroke, when they are taken frequently in the presence of other risk factors for stroke or coronary artery disease.

NSAIDs should be avoided by people with certain health conditions, such as those with a history of stomach bleeding, kidney disease, and/or heart disease. People with a history of asthma should also be cautious about taking NSAIDs, since they may trigger airway inflammation.

Furthermore, in pregnancy, acetaminophen is generally the preferred choice for a tension headache, although be sure to confirm with your obstetrician.

Which to Choose

The answer is that Tylenol and NSAIDs are both reasonable first-choice options for alleviating your tension headache. In terms of dosage, a 200 mg or 400 mg dose of ibuprofen is typical. If you take naproxen sodium (Aleve), a typical single dose is 220 mg or 550 mg.

Of course, it’s important to always speak with your healthcare provider before taking a medication, including those that are over-the-counter, to make sure it is safe for you.

If you have frequent or chronic tension headaches, it’s not good to regularly take analgesics for pain control. This can actually backfire and cause a medication-overuse headache, which can be difficult to distinguish from your regular tension headaches.

When Tylenol or Advil Fails

If you don’t obtain headache relief from a dose of Tylenol or an NSAID, a next practical choice would be to consider a two-tablet dose of caffeine combined with a pain reliever, such as Excedrin Extra Strength (250 mg acetaminophen/250 mg aspirin/65 mg caffeine).

For some people, starting off with a combination of analgesic and caffeine may even be better for easing an episodic tension-type headache than a simple analgesic (like Tylenol or ibuprofen). That said, you may experience more side effects, such as an stomach upset or dizziness (although these are generally mild and short-lived).

However, remember that a combination analgesic like Excedrin contains both aspirin (an NSAID) and acetaminophen. Be sure to stay within recommended daily limits, especially if you combine it with other types of medication.

A Word From Verywell

In the end, if you have episodic tension headaches and want to take an over-the-counter medication, either ibuprofen or Tylenol is a sensible choice. You may get more benefit from ibuprofen, but this is not a hard and fast rule. As always, speak with your doctor before you take any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I take Tylenol or Advil for a sinus headache?

    Your best best would be Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen). Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve pressure due to inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. Tylenol merely disrupts pain signals.

  • How does Aleve compare to Advil for treating a headache?

    Both are NSAIDs and are likely to be equally effective for easing pain. The primary difference between the two is Aleve is longer-acting, which means it’s taken every eight to 12 hours. Advil is taken every four to six hours.

  • Can I take Advil every day?

    Yes, but you should not take any over-the-counter pain relief medication for longer than your symptoms last. In other words, to help prevent side effects, take the least amount of medication for the shortest amount of time. Reach out to your doctor if you don’t feel better after 10 days.

Brain & Spine Foundation | Migraine

This fact sheet provides information on migraines. Our fact sheets are designed as general introductions to each subject and are intended to be concise. Sources of further support and more detailed information are listed in the Useful contacts section. Each person is affected differently by migraines and you should speak with your GP for individual advice.

Our Helpline team are also here to answer your questions and provide practical and emotional support. Call 0808 808 1000.

You can download this fact sheet to view offline or print by clicking the link below.

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What is a migraine?

A migraine is not simply a bad headache. A migraine is an intense headache that may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), visual problems and an increased sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraines commonly last between four hours and three days. Some people experience migraines several times a week. Others might only experience attacks every few years. If you experience headaches on 15 days or more each month, and eight of these headaches are migraines, this is known as chronic migraine.

Although migraines are not life-threatening and do not shorten people’s life expectancies, they can significantly damage the quality of people’s lives. A World Health Organisation study identified migraine as the sixth highest cause worldwide of ‘years lost due to disability’ (which could also be understood as the number of years spent in less than ideal health). Repeated migraines can have a negative impact on family life, social life and employment.

There are two main types of migraine: migraine without aura (sometimes called common migraine) and migraine with aura (sometimes called classical migraine).

Migraine aura

Around a third of people who experience migraines experience an aura before their attack. Whilst most auras happen before the migraine, they can occur during or even after the headache stage.

Aura is the name given to part of the migraine made up of a range of temporary neurological symptoms. The main symptoms of an aura are visual problems such as blurred vision (difficulty focussing), blind spots, flashes of light, loss of half of the field of vision (hemianopia) or a zigzag pattern moving from the central field of vision towards the edge.

Other aura symptoms include tingling sensations (pins and needles) and numbness in the face, lips and tongue, or in the arms and legs; speech problems such as slurred speech; dizziness; a stiff neck; and, very rarely, loss of consciousness.

What are the symptoms of migraine?

The main symptoms of migraine are an intense, throbbing or pounding headache often affecting the front or one side of the head, nausea (feeling sick) and sometimes vomiting (being sick), and an increased sensitivity to light smells and sound. The throbbing headache is often made worse by the person moving.

Other symptoms of migraine might include poor concentration, feeling hot or cold, perspiration (sweating), and an increased need to pass urine. This can occur before, during or after the migraine attack.

People might also experience stomach aches and diarrhoea.

It is common for people to feel tired for up to two or three days after a migraine.

What causes migraines?

We do not know the exact cause of migraine however researchers believe that the answer lies in genetics. Migraines tend to run in families, but this does not mean that everyone in the family will get them. Migraine is common in immediate blood relatives (parents, children, brothers and sisters). It is suggested that a mix of several different genes may decide whether or not a person will develop migraine, and a great deal of research is going on to try to identify which genes these are. One very rare form of migraine, called familial hemiplegic migraine, has in fact been traced to a specific gene.

Women are about three times as likely as men to experience migraines. This is thought to be largely due to hormonal factors. Women might find that they experience a migraine just before, or just after, the start of their period. Some women find that oral contraception (the pill) can trigger migraines. It might be that women experience migraines as they approach the menopause, or that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) triggers migraines.

Migraine triggers

There are various factors which might trigger a migraine. Each person is different and you should try to identify which factors might apply to you and try to avoid them. Many people find that they are able to tolerate one of the triggers on its own but a combination of more than one trigger can push them over their threshold and cause an attack.

Emotional triggers

Emotional triggers include

  • stress
  • anxiety
  • anger
  • excitement
  • shock
Physical triggers

Physical triggers include

  • tiredness
  • loss of sleep
  • irregular sleep
  • strenuous exercise
  • tension in the neck or shoulders
  • eye strain (for example, after looking at a computer screen)
  • dental problems (for example, teeth grinding)
Dietary triggers

Dietary triggers include

  • lack of food (dieting)
  • irregular meals
  • dehydration
  • alcohol
  • caffeine
  • certain foods such as chocolate, cheese and citrus fruits
  • certain food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame (a sweetener), Tyramine and nitrates
  • There is now more evidence to suggest that food cravings can be a warning sign that a migraine attack is approaching.
Environmental triggers

Environmental triggers include:

  • bright lights
  • loud noise
  • strong smells
  • smoky environments
Other triggers

Other triggers include smoking and some sleeping tablets.

What are the treatments for migraine?

There is no absolute cure for migraine. However, lots of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms of a migraine attack.

When a migraine attack occurs, most people find that lying down in a quiet, dark room is helpful. Sleeping (if you are able) can also help. Some people find that their symptoms die down after they have vomited (been sick).

Most people affected by migraine will already have tried paracetamol, aspirin and perhaps anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Nurofen) before they seek advice from their doctor. If ordinary painkillers alone are not relieving your symptoms, your GP might prescribe you a triptan (a painkiller specifically for migraine headaches) to be taken in addition to over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen). Triptans are available in different forms to suit individuals (tablets, injections and nasal sprays), although it is important to note that some people develop short-term side effects when taking triptans. Your doctor may also prescribe you anti-sickness medication. If your situation does not improve after treatment, you might be referred to a specialist migraine clinic. (For more information see the Useful contacts section.)

It is important to avoid taking painkillers on more than two days per week or more than 10 days per month as this can in fact make things worse by triggering medication overuse headaches.

If you are having migraine headaches more than three to four times per month, or if your attacks are lingering on as a dull, muzzy headache, regular pain medication may not be the appropriate treatment. You may well need to go on a preventative medication. Before you start or stop taking any medication you should always talk to your GP.

Preventative medication and therapies

If you experience frequent migraines, your GP might discuss preventative medication options with you.

It is important to note that preventatives for migraines are not pain medication, but help to reduce the number of migraines. They take time to work, so the minimum time period required may be three to six months. Contact your GP or specialist for further information. All of these treatments have their advantages and disadvantages and some of the medications might not be suitable for everybody.

You might find that this medication reduces the frequency and severity of your attacks but does not stop them completely. You will need to continue your other migraine treatments when you experience an attack.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that GPs and specialists should consider the following drugs and therapies if they think you might benefit from preventative treatment:

Beta blocking drugs

These drugs are traditionally used to treat angina and high blood pressure. It has been found that certain (but by no means all) beta-blockers prevent migraine attacks. Beta-blockers are unsuitable for people with certain conditions.

Topiramate

This drug is typically prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy but has also been found to help reduce the frequency of migraines. Again, it is not suitable for everyone. In particular, women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should be advised of the associated side effects.

Amitriptyline

This is a type of antidepressant which has also been shown to prevent migraines. This drug is prescription only and is also unsuitable for people with certain conditions.

Acupuncture

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) state that a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over a five to eight week period may be beneficial in preventing migraines. However, more research is needed to understand exactly how acupuncture has this effect.

Botulinum toxin type A

Commonly known as Botox, botulinum toxin type A was recently licensed for the prevention of chronic migraine in some patients. It is injected to between 31 and 39 sites around the head and back of the neck. It should only be administered by a trained headache specialist.

Vitamins and supplements

Many people are keen to try more natural approaches for preventing migraines. Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Riboflavin have all been shown to help ease migraine attacks in some patients.

There are a number of other drugs not mentioned in this fact sheet which can be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of migraine. For further advice, and before taking any of these medications, talk to your GP or specialist.

Other treatments

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

This new procedure aims to reduce the severity of migraine symptoms, as well as to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves a device being held on the patient’s head which then sends a magnetic pulse through the skin. It is not certain why the treatment helps to reduce severity and frequency of migraines in some patients and research is limited as to the long-term effects. For this reason, NICE recommends that TMS is only given by headache specialists and records are kept for each patient to help increase understanding of the treatment.

External nerve stimulators

There is emerging evidence for handheld nerve stimulators as a way to reduce the pain and frequency of migraine attacks. The device is held on the side of the person’s neck and works by giving out an electrical current to stimulate a nerve in the neck. These devices have been approved as safe to use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) but more research is needed to confirm exactly how effective they are. Currently, the device is not routinely available on the NHS.

What can I do to prevent migraines?

One of the best ways to prevent migraines is to try to avoid the things that might trigger your attacks. Most people benefit from trying to get stable sleep, eating regular meals, drinking plenty of fluids to keep hydrated, and trying to manage stress. Taking regular exercise may also help prevent migraines since it helps with breathing, improving blood sugar balance and maintaining general wellbeing. Although you should take care not to engage in very strenuous activity that your body is not used to as this can sometimes act as a migraine trigger.

Keeping a diary of your migraines can be a useful way to record when and where you experience attacks, check for any patterns, and try to identify your triggers. Take the diary when you see your GP so you can communicate your symptoms with them and they can find the best way to help you.

Useful contacts

 

Migraine Action
4th Floor
27 East Street
Leicester LE1 6NB

Helpline: 08456 011 033

[email protected]

www.migraine.org.uk

Support and information on migraine.

 

The Migraine Trust
52-53 Russell Square
London WC1B 4HP

Helpline: 020 7631 6975

www.migrainetrust.org

Support and information on migraine. Their website has an extensive list of migraine clinics located nationwide.

 

NHS Choices

www.nhs.uk

NHS non-emergency number: 111

 

 

Thank you

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this fact sheet, especially Julie Edwards (Clinical Nurse Specialist for headaches) and Dr Manjit Matharu (Consultant Neurologist).

 


 

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This information was last checked in December 2016.

Should you wish to view the references for this publication, please contact [email protected]

 

How To Get Rid Of A Migraine With Massage For Headaches

Getting a massage for your headache is one of the best natural headache treatments there is. And odds are, you could use some headache relief every now and then, since research shows nearly everyone has an occasional headache.

Which Type of Headache do You Have?

Believe it or not, there are three different categories of headaches and six different individual types within those categories. They range from common and benign to potentially serious.

Tension-Type Headaches: Tension-type headaches (TTH) are the most common of all headaches. Though their exact cause is still unknown, TTH are typically characterized by recurring feelings of tightening or pressure in the head that lasts from minutes to weeks. Tension-type headaches are often mistaken for migraines, although the two present very differently.

Vascular Headaches: The umbrella of vascular headaches includes four different subtypes of headaches, including cluster, sinus, and migraine headaches. Migraines are intense headaches on one or both sides of the head, usually accompanied by nausea, and light or sound sensitivity. They may also be preceded by an “aura,” a visual disturbance which may appear as shimmering lights, fractal lines, or stars. Migraines are up to 3 times more common in women than in men, due to hormonal differences.

Traction-Inflammatory Headaches: This type of headache is rare but can be serious, with a wide range of possible causes. In this case, the headache is serving as the canary in the coal mine, sounding the alarm about a more serious issue within the body. This type of headache should be treated by your healthcare provider as soon as possible to rule out potentially serious causes.

Natural Relief for Migraine & Tension Headaches

Massage therapy has proven to be an effective measure for reducing both chronic migraines and tension headaches. Research shows that professional therapeutic massage can decrease pain, tension, duration, intensity, and frequency of headaches. Massage also eases the muscle tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders, which can cause headaches in the first place.

Studies have shown that massage reduces the frequency of migraines and even reduced pain in the midst of an active migraine. Scalp massage show particular promise for reducing migraine pain. And when you can barely bring yourself to leave your darkened room, scheduling an in-home massage may be a lifesaver when the alternative is navigating through brightly lit traffic to find some relief.

For sufferers of tension headaches, massage may not only prevent them but also reduce their frequency. One study found that even just 30 minutes of massage showed significant physical and psychological improvements.

Do You Suffer from Regular Headaches?

If you’re living with headaches, a regular massage should be part of your self-care routine. It’s easier and more affordable than ever with Zeel’s Massage Membership. With flexible options, you’ll enjoy up to 33% off regular rates, rollover credits that never expire, and most importantly, the comfort of knowing you’ll have a therapeutic massage waiting for you every month.

Margo Carroll

Margo Carroll is a marketing strategist and email funnel copywriter for online business owners. She has worked with many massage therapists and has been featured in Massage magazine, the Massage Business Blueprint and MindBodyGreen. Learn more about Margo at margocaroll.com and on LinkedIn.

Migraine Headaches in Children & Teens: Parent FAQs

​​​​​​​​​​Roughly 39 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. While they most often strike adults, many children also experience intense, throbbing headaches and other symptoms of migraines. Read on for helpful information about the signs, symptoms and causes of migraines and how to help children and teens dealing with them.

What is the difference between a migraine and a hea​dache?

Migraine pain usually is more severe. It often includes throbbing on one side of the head that often worsens with activity. Migraine headaches also tend to strike with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, vision problems (seeing spots or flashing lights, for example), light and sound sensitivity, and tingling.

At what age can children get m​igraines?

Any child can get a migraine. About 10% of children age 5-15 and up to 28% of teens get them. Half of people who get migraines have their first attack before age of 12. Migraines have even been reported in children as young as 18 months!

What are some migraine causes, risk factors and ​triggers?


Family history. Migraines tend to run in fam​ilies. If one parent has migraines, there is roughly 50% chance that their child will too. If both parents have them, the chance is close to 90%.


Gender. Before
puberty, boys have more migraines than girls. That flips in the teen years and by age 17, as many as 8% of boys and 23% of girls have had a migraine. For adults, migraines are more common in women.


Stress & sleep. Irregular sleep schedules – getting too much or too little sleep – can be migraine triggers. So are changes in
stress levels.


Exercise. While exercise can sometimes trigger migraines,
regular exercise may help prevent or reduce the number of attacks.


Food & fluids. Skipping meals and eating certain foods and
additives can set off migraines. Common triggers include aged cheeses and meats, chocolate, citrus fruits, red and yellow food dyes,
monosodium glutamate (MSG), and the
artificial sweetener aspartame. Too much caffeine and spicy foods can also trigger migraines, but sometimes help headaches because they act as vasodilators and expand blood vessels. Not drinking enough water and other
beverages can cause dehydration, another migraine trigger.


Weather. Stormy weather with changes in barometric pressure, extreme heat or cold, bright sunlight and glare, high humidity or very dry air all can be triggers.

Are there differen​​t stages of migraines?

Migraines often develop in stages:


  1. Premonitory or warning phase: tiredness, stiff neck, mood changes (can last up to 24 hours).


  2. Aura: seeing spots, squiggly lines, dizziness, weakness, numbness and/or confusion. These symptoms, which don’t happen with all types of migraines, may last up to an hour.

  3. Headache or attack: severe, throbbing/pulsating pain with nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity.

  4. Resolution: sleep ends the headache pain for some children.

  5. Recovery: feeling tired (lasts hours to days).

How is a m​igraine diagnosed?

The
diagnosis of a migraine​ is usually based on a thorough medical history along with physical and neurological exams. Occasionally, tests like bloodwork, MRI or lumbar punctures may be recommended.

How are mig​​raines treated?


Lifestyle changes. Keeping healthy, regular routines can help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of migraines:


  • Sleep hygiene. Children, especially those with migraines, should get 8-10 hours of sleep daily. If your child has trouble sleeping, your pediatrician may recommend tests to monitor for snoring or sleep disorders, which have been linked to migraines. Make sure TVs, cell phones, tablets and other
    media devices are turned off an hour before bedtime, since they can interfere with sleep.

  • Healthy diet. Eat three regular meals each day at consistent times. Avoid heavily processed foods, which tend contain more migraine triggers like additives and artificial colors and sweeteners. Drink plenty of water and other healthy beverages to stay hydrated.


Acute medications. Your child’s doctor may recommend or prescribe medications that can help during a migraine attack. These work best when taken at the first sign of an attack. Keep in mind that
medication overuse headaches may start if these are used daily or frequently. Examples of medicines that can help during a migraine include:

  • Analgesic pain medicines such as
    acetaminophen and products that combine ​acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, and nons​teroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as
    ibuprofen and naproxen.

  • Triptans, a category of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Evidence shows that combination sumatriptan/naproxen tablets and zolmitriptan nasal spray can stop headache pain within two hours.


Preventive medications. There are some medications that when taken daily can help reduce the severity and/or frequency of migraines. These tend to be “off-label,” meaning they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for migraines. Their risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor. Options include:

  • Cardiovascular drugs: propranolol
  • Antidepressants drugs: amitriptyline
  • Anti-seizure drugs: topiramate
  • Antihistamines: cyproheptadine

Are there any alternative therapies​​ shown to help migraines?

There are some alternative or
natural and non-pharmaceutical approaches to migraine treatment that may help. These include:


Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on coping skills, positive thinking, sticking to healthy habits, and relaxation techniques to help ease migraine pain. Research also has found that CBT combined with migraine medications is more helpful in treating migraines that medication alone.


Herbs, vitamins and minerals. Certain extracts and supplements may help with migraines, although some should be avoided for safety reasons. Talk with your child’s doctor before using any herbal or vitamin supplements. Common supplements include:

  • Feverfew: this plant contains parthenolide, which some small studies suggest may help prevent migraines in some people. However, the evidence remains mixed.
  • Riboflavin (vitamin B-2), coenzyme Q10 and magnesium supplements may decrease the frequency of migraines.
  • Butterbur extract: plant containing petasins is
    NOT recommended because of long-term liver disease risk.

How can I help my child avoid missing s​​chool from migraines?

Children who suffer from migraines are
absent from school twice as often as other students. Talk with your child’s teachers and school nurse about ways to help avoid missed class time. A letter from the doctor explaining your child’s diagnosis and the medications they take when they feel a migraine coming on can help the conversation. Helpful
accommodations may include making sure your child has ready access to water and snacks, for example.

Additional Inf​​ormation:


The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

90,000 Treat without crippling. A neurologist on how to deal with a headache correctly

Instead of drinking handfuls of painkillers and convincing yourself that the pain will go away, think about why you have a headache and whether you are already addicted to pills.

It is unlikely that in your environment there is a person who has never had a headache at least once in his life. How to distinguish dangerous pain from harmless pain? When is it not necessary to take medicine? Who is at risk of being addicted to pills?

The head of the Pain Clinic of the GKB No. 1 named after A.I.N.I. Pirogova, neurologist Ekaterina Abramova.

Is it possible to endure a headache and do without pills?

If a headache interferes with performing work duties or household chores, then you do not need to endure it, it is worth taking an anesthetic drug. However, there are situations when, even with a seemingly ordinary headache, it is necessary to consult a doctor, and not try to relieve it with analgesics on your own.

There are four criteria for a dangerous headache, accepted by leading experts around the world.Everyone needs to know them.

1. Did the headache first appear after 50 years? This is most often a sign of a serious illness.

2. Did you get a headache suddenly and very badly? Such pain can be a symptom of intracerebral hemorrhage.

3. Does the headache gradually increase, become more severe, continue for several days or even weeks? This is how the first migraine attack, the development of a tumor or an infectious process in the brain (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.)etc.). The infection can be accompanied by symptoms of general malaise, in particular, high fever, weakness. But sometimes there is only one symptom: headache.

4. Is the headache accompanied by nausea or impaired consciousness (fainting, confusion, the person seems to be inhibited, loses orientation, etc.) or is it significantly increased by coughing and sneezing? This condition suggests that there is increased intracranial pressure. The cause may be a tumor or problems with the cerebrospinal fluid that washes the brain (impaired circulation, increased or decreased production, etc.).etc.).

Any of the listed symptoms suggests that you need to see a specialist.

What to do if the head hurts often?

Of course, in the case of chronic pain, when the head hurts often and severely, because of which a person is forced to constantly increase the dose of painkillers, it is also necessary to go to the doctor. Otherwise, the risk of acquiring an already drug-dependent headache is high. Such a headache will not go away on its own, it will require an increasing dose of pills.And they, in turn, can provoke complications from the cardiovascular system, for example, a tendency to thrombosis, or cause an exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, in a severe case – even gastrointestinal bleeding.

Here again there is a clear criterion. If you take more than 15 tablets per month for headaches (this can be counted from the purchased packages), it means that you have formed a dependence on medications. It is imperative to consult a neurologist or cephalgologist: this is also a neurologist who has undergone special training in the treatment of headaches.Young working women with a family often turn to our clinic with a similar problem: they cannot afford to endure a headache, but do not have time to take care of their health, start taking painkillers, and reach the level of taking several pills a day. However, the head continues to hurt, sleep is disturbed, and overall health worsens. In this case, a detoxification course is carried out for a week, sometimes with the installation of intravenous droppers, and special drugs are prescribed to relieve headaches.As a result, the dosage of painkillers is gradually reduced, and over time, the headache itself stops.

How to choose pain relievers?

Everything is individual here. For some, regular paracetamol or ibuprofen helps with headaches. For others, they are useless. There are more modern drugs that do not so negatively affect the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, in general, cause fewer side effects.

The most reasonable approach is to choose an anesthetic drug together with a doctor, especially if there is, for example, chronic gastritis, if the patient is over 40 years old.

Is it possible to get rid of a headache without medication, with home remedies?

Yes, but not always. For example, against migraine (one-sided pain, often in the area of ​​the eye or behind the eye, pulsating, gradually increases and lasts from 4 to 72 hours) there are no “folk” remedies. An adequate course of drug treatment is required.

If the headache is caused by an increase in blood pressure, then you need to take a drug that lowers the pressure (not anesthetic).If you have a headache, you should first measure your blood pressure before taking pain pills.

But the headache associated with overexertion, it is quite possible to alleviate non-drug methods. Often the head begins to ache due to improper posture. For example, a person works at a computer for a long time, sits in the wrong position: the shoulders are raised, the head is moved slightly forward. As a result, the neck muscles are overstrained and give out a characteristic pulling headache, not very strong, but exhausting.In this case, simple exercises for stretching the muscles of the neck and massage help well. You can even just get up from your desk, move around, and the pain will go away.

Headache often occurs towards the end of the working week. Especially if a busy schedule fell out and the person did not get enough sleep, did not eat very well, etc. In this case, first of all, you need to get enough sleep (healthy sleep is extremely important for a person with a headache). You can take a hot bath, if there is no high blood pressure, drink green tea, take a walk in the fresh air.In general, if it is possible not to take pills, it is better not to do so.

What should I do if my head hurts after a long time in the sun?

With prolonged exposure to the sun, the head often hurts due to loss of fluid. In the sun, a person sweats much more than usual, especially if he moves, swims in the pool. At the same time, the amount of water drunk is often the same as on days when the sun is much less. The result is a headache.In this case, preventive measures are most effective. On a long walk on a sunny day, drink enough water, wear hats, umbrellas, and be sure to wear sunglasses. Eye strain when a person squints in the sun can also make headaches worse.

If the headache has already appeared after prolonged exposure to the sun, then be sure to drink water, preferably mineral water, in order to replenish the loss of electrolytes. You can take a cool shower, wash your hair, that is, cool the body.When it is not possible to go to the shower, you can wet a towel with cool water, put it on your head and lie down for a while. If the headache does not go away from such general events, you can take an anesthetic pill: paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is in the first-aid kit. However, if the headache after returning from the sunny beach is very strong, coordination is disturbed, dizziness appears, this indicates a strong loss of fluid, an increase or sharp decrease in blood pressure.In this situation, it is imperative to move the person into the shade, carry out all cooling measures, give an anesthetic pill to drink. If symptoms persist, you should definitely see a doctor so as not to miss a more serious illness.

Information source: “Arguments and Facts”

Pain after sleep

The causes of pain after sleep are countless. First of all, you need to see a doctor in order to exclude a rather rare, but still occurring disease – ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis).

This disease is characterized by nighttime lower back pain, however, only a specialist can confirm or remove this diagnosis. With ankylosing spondylitis, such a rather specific picture is observed – within three months there are very painful sensations in the lower back, the mobility of the spine in the morning is somewhat limited, the state of rest only increases them. Very pulling and pain in the lower back after sleep.

Another, but already common, cause of nighttime low back pain is osteoporosis.Sometimes, with this disease, lower back pain at night becomes simply unbearable. Morning pain in the lower back is also quite common. Then it is advisable to take some kind of pain reliever, and in the morning, all the same, having gathered up the courage, go to the doctor.

Suffice it to say that herniated discs, and osteochondrosis, and muscle spasm, and the so-called instability of the spine, characteristic of postmenopausal women – all this can lead to such an unpleasant phenomenon as night and morning lower back pain.

Only an osteopath can make you a correct diagnosis, especially since the modern level of diagnostics allows you to do this with ease. And modern medicine has enough methods in its arsenal to eliminate all the problems associated with diseases that cause lower back pain at night.

Headache after sleep

The first reason a head hurts after sleep is squeezing of the blood vessels in the head and neck.If you lie on one side for a long time – the vessels on this side of the head are squeezed, narrowed – edema occurs, which will not allow normal blood circulation to resume for a long time. In this case, the nerves in the vessels become inflamed, and to protect the inflamed area, the brain sends signals to the surrounding muscles of the head (temporal, occipital, frontal) so that they strain and protect the diseased area. Muscle tension compresses blood vessels and nerves even more. And when you wake up, you feel heaviness and squeezing on one side of your head.

Consumption of alcohol in the evening greatly contributes to the development of such a process. First, after drinking alcohol, you will fall asleep better and will toss and turn less. Sleep all night in one position. Secondly, alcohol disrupts the absorption of fluids and contributes to the occurrence of edema. In addition, alcohol adds to the bouquet a headache caused by intoxication of the body.

Another way to increase swelling is to drink plenty of fluids before bed.

But the greatest effect is achieved when the vertebral artery is squeezed due to the uncomfortable position of the neck during sleep.The vertebral artery is steamy, and, as a rule, it is also compressed on one side. And after sleeping, you feel a heaviness in the head and neck (on one side) and the pain intensifies when turning the head. Happy owners of cervical osteochondrosis are especially likely to get a headache after sleep.

The second cause of headache after sleep is oxygen starvation of the brain. After all, you often sleep in an apartment with closed windows. And since During sleep, the brain continues to work and needs energy, then due to a lack of oxygen, toxic substances are released, which affect the pain receptors of the vessels of the brain.

The third reason is that due to the horizontal position of the body, the venous outflow of blood from the head is impeded, and therefore, with prolonged sleep, intracranial pressure increases, which also causes a headache.

To increase your chances of having a headache after sleep, be sure to get a couple of extra hours of sleep in the morning. Thus, muscle tension will increase and brain intoxication.

In addition, everyone knows that it is very common to have a headache if you sleep at sunset.The fact is that after sunset, the level of electromagnetic radiation from the sun drops sharply, which affects all internal processes in the body. In a state of wakefulness, the body manages to adapt to new conditions, and during sleep, no changes occur and the electromagnetic balance of the blood is disturbed, which can cause a headache.

For several sessions in the OSTEOMED clinic, the osteopath will not only relieve muscle and intraosseous tension that contribute to some types of headaches, but will also significantly increase the protection of your body to external influences.The headache will not manifest itself, the pressure will normalize, and the mood will improve.

Headache – features, how to get rid of | time +

The patient is managed not by one doctor, but by a team of experienced specialists,

who quickly and efficiently solve the problem

  • Flexible treatment system
  • Rehabilitation complex
  • Identifying the cause of the disease,

and not just relieve symptoms

  • An integrated approach.

Performance Monitoring

in the course of treatment

Headache is familiar to every person. Most often, it lasts from half an hour to several hours, it can be both regular and episodic. It is difficult to talk about the statistics of headache, because many people suffer in silence and do not go to the doctor until the pain becomes completely unbearable.

In medical classifications, there are more than a hundred types of headaches.We will consider only the most common types, find out the causes of pain and share ways to get rid of unpleasant symptoms.

This is the most famous type of headache. It manifests itself in the form of squeezing and discomfort in the head area. It can increase depending on factors, starting with the external environment and ending with the characteristics of the organism.

Causes of tension headache

  • Overwork;
  • Lack of sleep or excessive sleep;
  • Hunger or overeating;
  • Reaction to temperature and weather conditions;
  • Stress;
  • Tension of the muscles of the eyes.

According to the World Health Organization, about a third of men and half of women in developed and developing countries suffer from it. At the same time, one in twentieth adults has a regular tension headache.

What to do if you have a headache?

Do not immediately resort to medication. You can try to relax in a quiet and cool room with dim lights. Relaxation brings relief even in the case of severe pain; head and neck massage is also recommended.Tension headache often occurs in people who do not have constant physical activity, so exercise, walks, gymnastics can significantly alleviate the condition. Since stress is a common cause of tension headaches, it is very important to maintain an emotionally stable state. In case of severe pain, you can resort to simple analgesics like aspirin, analgin, ibuprofen and other similar drugs. The use of medications is possible only in the absence of contraindications.

For pain that is episodic, it is not necessary to see a doctor. But with regular pain, a timely visit to a specialist will help to avoid serious problems. If the headache is persistent, be sure to keep a diary of the condition, where you need to record the duration of the pain syndrome, accompanying symptoms. This will assist the specialist in making a diagnosis.

The Migraine Trust has published statistics according to which approximately 15% of the world’s population suffers from migraines.Moreover, it is the third most common disease in the world. According to the Global Burden of Disease Survey (2013), migraine was ranked sixth among the causes associated with years lost as a result of disability. Headaches, among these causes, rank third.

Migraine symptoms

Migraine has characteristic differences from tension pain. Symptoms include throbbing pain (in one area of ​​the head), which may worsen with movement.In turn, migraines are often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to sound and light, and other unpleasant symptoms.

How to get rid of a migraine?

Unfortunately, a universal remedy for migraine has not yet been invented. However, there are effective ways to eliminate symptoms and prevent them. When a migraine occurs, the algorithm of actions is similar to the pain of tension. This is rest in a quiet and dark room, a light diet, depending on the patient’s condition – taking medications.

With frequent migraines, it is important to pay attention to your lifestyle. This type of headache occurs due to high levels of stress, workload, alcohol and certain foods. A healthy diet and adequate rest can help reduce the risk of migraines.

Persistent or recurrent pain in the neck, occipital and parietal parts of the head is often the result of a violation of the correct anatomical structure of the cervical spine.

Among the reasons for the appearance of such pain stands out:

  • Sedentary lifestyle;
  • Incorrect posture;
  • Features of the structure of the body;
  • Consequences of trauma;
  • Incorrect and excessive load on the spine;
  • Congenital defects of the spine.

Unpleasant sensations can become worse with prolonged sitting, active movement and stress. Among the accompanying symptoms are dizziness, nausea, high blood pressure.

How to remove pain in the neck and back of the head?

Unfortunately, medications usually only relieve symptoms. Posture correction may be necessary to address the causes of pain in the back of the head. Special exercises and physical therapy are also beneficial.The most adequate treatment model for such symptoms can be made exclusively by a specialist neurologist after a comprehensive study of the problem. As a rule, such a problem requires comprehensive restorative treatment. Time + clinic specialists can diagnose and offer the most optimal treatment option.

This type of headache (aka Horton’s migraine) occurs irregularly and sometimes for no apparent reason. The pain, as a rule, is quite intense and has a periodic (cluster) character.

Symptomatic features of cluster headache

The most unpleasant feature of these pain syndromes is spontaneity and the absence of warning signs. The causes of Horton’s migraine are still not thoroughly understood. Such painful attacks can occur several times a day and accompany a person for a long time (from a week to a month). Cluster headache is accompanied by side symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety;
  • Redness of the eyes;
  • Nasal congestion;
  • Tears;
  • Descent of the upper eyelid.

What to do with cluster headache?

It is almost impossible to independently select the necessary medicines and ways to get rid of such a pain syndrome. Correct diagnosis and an individual treatment program will help to completely get rid of such a problem. The most adequate and safe solution would be to see a doctor.

Specialists of the Clinic of Neurology and Orthopedics Time + since 2001 have been helping clients to get rid of the symptoms and causes of most types of headaches.

Correct diagnostics, safety, selection of treatment regimens that are optimal in terms of indications and financial capabilities of the client.

90,000 Headache in a child: causes, symptoms, treatment

Headache is one of the most common symptoms of many diseases on the planet. It is a common complaint in childhood and adolescence. There is an opinion that children may periodically have headaches and this is due to growth and transitional age.In this statement, it is true that the peak in the frequency of complaints in children occurs precisely in the transitional age. The appearance of complaints of a headache in a child indicates that he cannot cope with the increasing teaching load, including the exaggerated demands from parents and teachers. Consequently, he needs planned help, which is based on the reorganization of the daily regimen, optimization of loads, and, if necessary, drug treatment.

A child can complain of a headache from the age of 5, when he can already describe his feelings.In very young children, it is determined by his behavior.

Reasons

  • Head Injury
  • Inflammatory diseases of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis)
  • Violation of the daily regimen with lack of sleep, increased physical and emotional stress
  • Eating disorders, anemia
  • Weather changes
  • Vascular diseases – an increase or decrease in blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, anomalies in the development of cerebral vessels, etc.
  • Helminthic invasions
  • Infectious diseases with ARVI, infectious mononucleosis, meningitis, encyphalitis
  • Increased intracranial or intraocular pressure
  • Visual impairment

If a child complains of frequent headaches, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. In Saratov, you can turn to a pediatrician for qualified medical help at the First Children’s Medical Center: here you can get help from narrow specialists, as well as, if necessary, pass the necessary tests or undergo a full examination.

Types and symptoms

1. Migraine – is an independent pathology, not associated with the disease, and is manifested by bouts of intense pain, often of a pulsating nature. It is localized on one side of the head in the frontotemporal region, less often in the orbital region, and is often accompanied by vomiting, after which relief comes. In young children, migraine is bilateral.

2. Tension headache – mild or moderate, compressive or pressing character, bilateral.Localization in the frontal and frontotemporal regions. Duration – several hours. Often clears up on its own after rest. The reason is the tension of the muscles of the head and neck.

3. Headaches with infections occur during the period of illness or precede it. It is accompanied by an increase in temperature, catarrhal phenomena.

4. Headache with neuroinfections. Any localization. The nature of the pain is bursting. It is accompanied by vomiting, convulsions, fever.

5.Headache with brain tumors is a consequence of intracranial hypertension. The nature of the pain is bursting, manifested more often in the morning, accompanied by nausea or vomiting, which does not bring relief.

6. Headache in infants. Crying appears for no apparent reason, the cry is monotonous. There are profuse regurgitation, vomiting “fountain”, sleep disturbances. The large fontanelle protrudes above the level of the skull.

7. Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve provides sensitivity to the face.the cause of inflammation can be hypothermia, trauma, infections (often – the herpes virus). Manifested by bouts of intense throbbing pain (in the cheeks, jaw, forehead). Sometimes it is accompanied by tears and drooling.

8. Headache associated with eye strain. When reading books, drawing, watching TV, practicing with gadgets, the optic nerve receives a heavy load, which the child’s body cannot cope with. Painful sensations of a pressing character appear without nausea and vomiting, pain in the eyes, tearing.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

1. Strong and sudden headache

2. Unusual shooting pain with noise in ears and head.

3. When changing the position of the body, pain sensations increase

4. Headache begins to bother in the morning

5. Severe pain after trauma

6. If the pain is very intense and accompanied by:

  • increase or decrease in blood pressure
  • weakness or impaired sensitivity in the limbs, speech impairment
  • violation of sensitivity, numbness of the skin of the face, tongue
  • convulsions
  • change of consciousness

Indications for emergency hospitalization – to exclude neuroinfection, hemorrhage, masses.

First Aid: Pediatrician Advice

  • Put the patient to bed
  • Eliminate TV and other external stimuli
  • Provide fresh air
  • You can take a pain reliever (check the dosage with your doctor)

There are a lot of varieties and forms of this pathology in children. Only a doctor can identify the cause after a thorough examination. To clarify the diagnosis can be assigned:

  • General analysis of blood, urine, blood biochemistry
  • feces for eggs of worms
  • ecg
  • duplex examination of the vessels of the brain and neck
  • X-ray of the cervical spine
  • MRI

Only after the diagnosis, the doctor can tell exactly why the child is experiencing discomfort.

Preventive measures

Follow these simple rules to reduce the intensity of pain:

  • Compliance with the daily routine
  • Timely, good nutrition
  • Outdoor walks
  • Protect your child from stress, overwork
  • Remediation of chronic foci of infection (tonsillitis, adenoids)
  • Timely sanitation of the oral cavity
  • Restrictions on computer games, watching TV
  • Active lifestyle

Where to get help from a pediatrician in Saratov?

Frequent headaches in childhood can be the cause of the pathology.In order to determine what exactly is happening with your child, you need to seek the advice of a specialist. First of all, you need to make an appointment with the child’s pediatrician.

The First Children’s Medical Center offers the assistance of highly qualified doctors working with children of all ages. Our Center provides everything for the comfort of children and parents. If you cannot visit a pediatrician (Saratov is not your city, and you cannot get to the Center) in person, then you can sign up for an online consultation with one of our specialists.

You can sign up for a consultation from 8.00 to 20.00 by phone (8452) 244-000. Reception is by appointment.

90,000 Get out of my head!

Here is a visual-digital scale of pain, where 0 is no pain at all, 10 is the most severe pain you have experienced in your life (not necessarily a headache).

Correlate your feelings with this scale and get ready to read about the headache.

There are many types (and causes) of headaches, so let’s talk about some of the more common and relatively safe for life.

Tension headache


The intensity of pain is 1-5 points.

What is she like? Expands, presses, covers the head symmetrically on both sides. There is a feeling of a tight helmet, a hoop. There is no fear of light or sound, nausea or vomiting. The pain is mild or moderate in intensity, occurs in the afternoon, in the late afternoon.

What provokes? It is believed that tension headaches can be caused by stress, anxiety, fatigue, tension in the muscles of the head or neck, often due to an uncomfortable position at the desk, as well as various external factors – cold, heat, noise.

How is it treated? Medicines, massage, IRT, physiotherapy, exercise therapy can be used to treat such pain.

Prevention? There will be no provocations (see above) – there will be no pain.

Cervicogenic headache


The intensity of pain is 4-9 points.

The pain is associated with changes in the cervical spine.These are attacks of one-sided headache, which often runs in an arc, from the occiput to the temporal region.

What provokes? A headache attack occurs when you sit at the computer for a long time in one position or after a sharp movement of the neck.

To treat this type of pain, the doctor may prescribe blockades, manual therapy, exercise therapy.

Prevention? Don’t hang around your computer, don’t bury your phone, take gymnastics breaks when you’re sedentary — that’s the least you can do for your neck and head.But this is within your power, so do it. But if you desperately need a cervicogenic headache for mysterious reasons, then don’t, and the pain will be with you forever.

Abuse (drug-induced) headache 90 100


The intensity of pain is 1-3 points.

A weak, background headache occurs between attacks of other headaches – migraines, tension headaches.

What provokes? Usually, abusal headaches occur if a person takes painkillers for more than 15 days or drugs for the treatment of migraines for more than 10 days a month, while abusing caffeine and tannin-containing drinks (coffee, tea, cola), and all this disgrace continues for more than three months contract.

Ambulance: Limit, to the point of complete withdrawal, pain relievers and caffeinated beverages.

Against the background of the abolition of painkillers, an increase in headache may occur, and a doctor’s intervention will be required. It is also necessary to deal with the original type of headache, which was complicated by the abuse.

Cluster headaches


The intensity of pain is 8-10 points!

Attacks of cluster or “bundle” headaches occur at a certain period of time, several weeks a year.More common in men.

The pain is intense, boring. One of the most severe pain syndromes. Half of the head hurts, more often in the area of ​​the eye or temple.

The attack usually lasts 15 minutes to three hours. The pain is accompanied by lacrimation from one eye, nasal congestion, or profuse rhinorrhea, redness of the face or conjunctiva of the eye. It is believed that cluster pain is related to migraine.

What provokes? Alcohol, taking certain medications such as nitrates (nitroglycerin).Smoking is a risk factor for the development of cluster headaches.

For treatment, medications are used that are prescribed only by a doctor. In some cases, surgical treatment is required. Using over-the-counter pain relievers is usually ineffective and you need to see your doctor.

***

Migraine.

Migraine is such that it is necessary to treat it with special respect – therefore we will devote a separate article to it.

90,000 Which doctor should you contact with a severe headache

Neurologists in Moscow – latest reviews

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