Migraine Headaches: Causes, Treatment & Symptoms

Overview

What’s a migraine? What does a migraine feel like?

A migraine is a common neurological disease that causes a variety of symptoms, most notably a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of your head. Your migraine will likely get worse with physical activity, lights, sounds or smells. It may last at least four hours or even days. About 12% of Americans have this genetic disorder. Research shows that it’s the sixth most disabling disease in the world.

What are the types of headaches? What type of headache is a migraine?

There are over 150 types of headaches, divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. A migraine is a primary headache, meaning that it isn’t caused by a different medical condition. Primary headache disorders are clinical diagnoses, meaning there’s no blood test or imaging study to diagnose it. A secondary headache is a symptom of another health issue.

What is an aura?

An aura is a group of sensory, motor and speech symptoms that usually act like warning signals that a migraine headache is about to begin. Commonly misinterpreted as a seizure or stroke, it typically happens before the headache pain, but can sometimes appear during or even after. An aura can last from 10 to 60 minutes. About 15% to 20% of people who experience migraines have auras.

Aura symptoms are reversible, meaning that they can be stopped/healed. An aura produces symptoms that may include:

• Seeing bright flashing dots, sparkles, or lights.
• Blind spots in your vision.
• Numb or tingling skin.
• Speech changes.
• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
• Temporary vision loss.
• Seeing wavy or jagged lines.
• Changes in smell or taste.
• A “funny” feeling.

What are the types of migraines?

There are several types of migraines, and the same type may go by different names:

• Migraine with aura (complicated migraine): Around 15% to 20% of people with migraine headaches experience an aura.
• Migraine without aura (common migraine): This type of migraine headache strikes without the warning an aura may give you. The symptoms are the same, but that phase doesn’t happen.
• Migraine without head pain: “Silent migraine” or “acephalgic migraine,” as this type is also known as, includes the aura symptom but not the headache that typically follows.
• Hemiplegic migraine: You’ll have temporary paralysis (hemiplegia) or neurological or sensory changes on one side of your body. The onset of the headache may be associated with temporary numbness, extreme weakness on one side of your body, a tingling sensation, a loss of sensation and dizziness or vision changes. Sometimes it includes head pain and sometimes it doesn’t.
• Retinal migraine (ocular migraine): You may notice temporary, partial or complete loss of vision in one of your eyes, along with a dull ache behind the eye that may spread to the rest of your head. That vision loss may last a minute, or as long as months. You should always report a retinal migraine to a healthcare provider because it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
• Chronic migraine: A chronic migraine is when a migraine occurs at least 15 days per month. The symptoms may change frequently, and so may the severity of the pain. Those who get chronic migraines might be using headache pain medications more than 10 to 15 days a month and that, unfortunately, can lead to headaches that happen even more frequently.
• Migraine with brainstem aura. With this migraine, you’ll have vertigo, slurred speech, double vision or loss of balance, which occur before the headache. The headache pain may affect the back of your head. These symptoms usually occur suddenly and can be associated with the inability to speak properly, ringing in the ears and vomiting.
• Status migrainosus. This is a rare and severe type of migraine that can last longer than 72 hours. The headache pain and nausea can be extremely bad. Certain medications, or medication withdrawal, can cause you to have this type of migraine.

What are the four stages or phases of a migraine? What’s the timeline?

The four stages in chronological order are the prodrome (pre-monitory), aura, headache and postdrome. About 30% of people experience symptoms before their headache starts.

The phases are:

1. Prodrome: The first stage lasts a few hours, or it can last days. You may or may not experience it as it may not happen every time. Some know it as the “preheadache” or “premonitory” phase.
2. Aura: The aura phase can last as long as 60 minutes or as little as five. Most people don’t experience an aura, and some have both the aura and the headache at the same time.
3. Headache: About four hours to 72 hours is how long the headache lasts. The word “ache” doesn’t do the pain justice because sometimes it’s mild, but usually, it’s described as drilling, throbbing or you may feel the sensation of an icepick in your head. Typically it starts on one side of your head and then spreads to the other side.
4. Postdrome: The postdrome stage goes on for a day or two. It’s often called a migraine “hangover” and 80% of those who have migraines experience it.

It can take about eight to 72 hours to go through the four stages.

How common are migraine headaches?

Experts estimate that nearly half of the adult population experiences headaches and 12% of Americans get migraine headaches. Women are about three times more likely than men to experience migraines.

Who gets migraines? What are the risk factors?

It’s difficult to predict who may get a migraine and who may not, but there are risk factors that may make you more vulnerable. These risk factors include:

• Genetics: Up to 80% of people who get migraine headaches have a first-degree relative with the disease.
• Gender. Migraine headaches happen to women more than men, especially women between the ages of 15 and 55. It’s likely more common in women because of the influence of hormones.
• Stress level. You may get migraines more often if you’re high-stress. Stress can trigger a migraine.
• Smoking.

How often do migraines happen?

The frequency of a migraine could be once a year, once a week or any amount of time in between. Having two to four migraine headaches per month is the most common.

Are migraines hereditary?

Migraines tend to run in families. As many as four out of five people with migraines have a family history. If one parent has a history of migraines, their child has a 50% chance of having them. If both parents have a history of migraines, the risk jumps to 75%. Again, up to 80% of people with migraines have a first-degree relative with the disease.

Can children get migraines?

Yes, but pediatric migraines are often shorter and there are more stomach symptoms.

Who should I see about my migraine pain?

Discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider first. They can diagnose migraine headaches and start treatment. You may require a referral to a headache specialist.

Do migraines cause permanent brain damage? If I have migraines, does that mean I’ll get another disease?

No. Migraines don’t cause brain damage.

There is a tiny risk of stroke in people who get migraines with aura – 1 or 2 people out of 100,000.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of migraines?

The primary symptom of migraine is a headache. Pain is sometimes described as pounding or throbbing. It can begin as a dull ache that develops into pulsing pain that is mild, moderate or severe. If left untreated, your headache pain will become moderate to severe. Pain can shift from one side of your head to the other, or it can affect the front of your head, the back of your head or feel like it’s affecting your whole head. Some people feel pain around their eye or temple, and sometimes in their face, sinuses, jaw or neck.

Other symptoms of migraine headaches include:

• Sensitivity to light, noise and odors.
• Nausea and vomiting, upset stomach and abdominal pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Feeling very warm (sweating) or cold (chills).
• Pale skin color (pallor).
• Feeling tired.
• Dizziness and blurred vision.
• Tender scalp.
• Diarrhea (rare).
• Fever (rare).

Most migraines last about four hours, although severe ones can last much longer.

Each phase of the migraine attack can come with different symptoms:

Prodrome symptoms:

• Problems concentrating.
• Irritability and/or depression.
• Difficulty speaking and reading.
• Difficulty sleeping. Yawning.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Sensitivity to light and sound.
• Food cravings.
• Increased urination.
• Muscle stiffness.

Aura symptoms:

• Numbness and tingling.
• Visual disturbances. You might be seeing the world as if through a kaleidoscope, have blurry spots or see sparkles or lines.
• Temporary loss of sight.
• Weakness on one side of the body.
• Speech changes.

Headache symptoms:

• Neck pain, stiffness.
• Depression, giddiness and/or anxiety.
• Sensitivity to light, smell and sound.
• Nasal congestion.
• Insomnia.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Postdrome symptoms:

• Inability to concentrate.
• Depressed mood.
• Fatigue.
• Lack of comprehension.
• Euphoric mood.

What causes a migraine?

The cause of migraine headaches is complicated and not fully understood. When you have a headache it’s because specific nerves in your blood vessels send pain signals to your brain. This releases inflammatory substances into the nerves and blood vessels of your head. It’s unclear why your nerves do that.

What triggers a migraine?

Migraine attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors. Common triggers include:

• Emotional stress. Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers of migraine headaches. During stressful events, certain chemicals in the brain are released to combat the situation (known as the “flight or fight” response). The release of these chemicals can bring on a migraine. Other emotions like anxiety, worry and excitement can increase muscle tension and dilate blood vessels. That can make your migraine more severe.
• Missing a meal. Delaying a meal might also trigger your migraine headache.
• Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives in foods. Certain foods and beverages such as aged cheese, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and food additives such as nitrates (found in pepperoni, hot dogs and luncheon meats) and fermented or pickled foods may be responsible for triggering up to 30% of migraines.
• Caffeine. Having too much caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches when the caffeine level abruptly drops. Your blood vessels seem to become sensitized to caffeine and when you don’t get it, a headache may occur. Caffeine is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers to help with treating acute migraine attacks but should not be used frequently.
• Daily use of pain-relieving medications. If you use medicine meant to relieve headache pain too often, that can cause a rebound headache.
• Hormonal changes in women. Migraines in women are more common around the time of their menstrual periods. The abrupt drop in estrogen that triggers menses can also trigger migraines. Hormonal changes can also be brought on by birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Migraines are generally worse between puberty and menopause since these estrogen fluctuations generally don’t occur in young girls and post-menopausal women. If your hormones are a strong factor in your migraines, you may have fewer headaches after menopause. Hormonal changes do not appear to trigger migraines in men.
• Light. Flashing lights, fluorescent lights, light from the TV or computer and sunlight can trigger you.

Other possible triggers include:

• Changing weather conditions such as storm fronts, barometric pressure changes, strong winds or changes in altitude.
• Being overly tired. Overexertion.
• Dieting, or not drinking enough water.
• Changes in your normal sleep pattern.
• Loud noises.
• Exposure to smoke, perfumes or other odors.
• Certain medications cause blood vessels to swell.

Diagnosis and Tests

What’s a migraine journal?

• Keeping a migraine journal is not only beneficial to you, but it helps your healthcare provider with the diagnosis process. Your journal should be detailed and updated as much as possible before, during and after a migraine attack. Consider keeping track of the following:
• The date and time of when the migraine began – specifically when the prodrome started, if you’re able to tell it’s happening. Track time passing. When did the aura phase begin? The headache? The postdrome? Do your best to tell what stage you’re in and how long it lasts. If there’s a pattern, that may help you anticipate what will happen in the future.
• What are your symptoms? Be specific.
• Note how many hours of sleep you got the night before it happened and your stress level. What’s causing your stress?
• Note the weather.
• Log your food and water intake. Did you eat something that triggered the migraine? Did you miss a meal?
• Describe the type of pain and rate it on a one to 10 scale with 10 being the worst pain you’ve ever experienced.
• Where is the pain located? One side of your head? Your jaw? Your eye?
• List all of the medications you took. This includes any daily prescriptions, any supplements and any pain medication you took.
• How did you try to treat your migraine, and did it work? What medicine did you take, at what dosage, at what time?
• Consider other triggers. Maybe you played basketball in the sunlight? Maybe you watched a movie that had flashing lights? If you’re a woman, are you on your period?

There are some smartphone apps you can use to keep a migraine journal if you don’t want to use pen and paper.

How are migraines diagnosed?

To diagnose a migraine, your healthcare provider will get a thorough medical history, not just your history of headaches but your family’s, too. Also, they’ll want to establish a history of your migraine-related symptoms, likely asking you to:

• Describe your headache symptoms. How severe are they?
• Remember when you get them. During your period, for example?
• Describe the type and location of your pain. Is the pain pounding? Pulsing? Throbbing?
• Remember if anything makes your headache better or worse.
• Tell how often you get migraine headaches.
• Talk about the activities, foods, stressors or the situations that may have brought on the migraine.
• Discuss what medications you take to relieve the pain and how often you take them.
• Tell how you felt before, during and after the headache.
• Remember if anyone in your family gets migraine headaches.

Your healthcare provider may also order blood tests and imaging tests (such as a CT scan or a MRI) to make sure there are no other causes for your headache. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be ordered to rule out seizures.

What symptoms must you have to be diagnosed with a migraine?

Migraine with aura (complicated migraine). This is a headache, plus:

• Visual symptoms (seeing spots, sparkles, or lines) or vision loss.
• Sensory symptoms (feeling pins and needles, for example).

Migraine without aura (common migraine). A common migraine is a headache and:

• The attacks included pain on one side of your head.
• You’ve had at least five attacks, each lasting between four and 72 hours.

Plus, you’ve experienced at least one of the following:

• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Lights bother you and/or you avoid light.
• Sounds bother you and/or you avoid sounds.

Are migraines misdiagnosed?

Sometimes you or your healthcare provider may assume that the pain you’re feeling is a sinus headache or a tension-type headache. Show your healthcare provider your migraine journal so that they can learn about your unique situation.

Management and Treatment

How are migraines treated?

Migraine headaches are chronic. They can’t be cured, but they can be managed and possibly improved. There are two main treatment approaches that use medications: abortive and preventive.

• Abortive medications are most effective when you use them at the first sign of a migraine. Take them while the pain is mild. By possibly stopping the headache process, abortive medications help stop or decrease your migraine symptoms, including pain, nausea, light sensitivity, etc. Some abortive medications work by constricting your blood vessels, bringing them back to normal and relieving the throbbing pain.
• Preventive (prophylactic) medications may be prescribed when your headaches are severe, occur more than four times a month and are significantly interfering with your normal activities. Preventive medications reduce the frequency and severity of the headaches. Medications are generally taken on a regular, daily basis to help prevent migraines.

What medications are used to relieve migraine pain?

Over-the-counter medications are effective for some people with mild to moderate migraines. The main ingredients in pain relieving medications are ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen and caffeine.

Three over-the-counter products approved by the Food and Drug Administration for migraine headaches are:

• Excedrin® Migraine.
• Advil® Migraine.
• Motrin® Migraine Pain.

Be cautious when taking over-the-counter pain relieving medications. Sometimes overusing them can cause analgesic-rebound headaches or a dependency problem. If you’re taking any over-the-counter pain medications more than two to three times a week, report that to your healthcare provider. They may suggest prescription medications that may be more effective.

Prescription drugs for migraine headaches include:

Triptan class of drugs (these are abortives):

• Sumatriptan.
• Zolmitriptan.
• Naratriptan.

Calcium channel blockers:

Calcitonin gene-related (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies:

• Erenumab.
• Fremanezumab.
• Galcanezumab.
• Eptinezumab.

Beta blockers:

• Atenolol.
• Propranolol.
• Nadolol.

Antidepressants:

• Amitriptyline.
• Nortriptyline.
• Doxepin.
• Venlafaxine.
• Duloxetine.

Antiseizure drugs:

• Valproic acid.
• Topiramate.

Other:

• Steroids.
• Phenothiazines.
• Corticosteroids.

Your healthcare provider might recommend vitamins, minerals, or herbs, including:

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2).
• Magnesium.
• Feverfew.
• Butterbur.
• Co-enzyme Q10.

Drugs to relieve migraine pain come in a variety of formulations including pills, tablets, injections, suppositories and nasal sprays. You and your healthcare provider will discuss the specific medication, combination of medications and formulations to best meet your unique headache pain.

Drugs to relieve nausea are also prescribed, if needed.

All medications should be used under the direction of a headache specialist or healthcare provider familiar with migraine therapy. As with any medication, it’s important to carefully follow the label instructions and your healthcare provider’s advice.

Alternative migraine management methods, also known as home remedies, include:

• Resting in a dark, quiet, cool room.
• Applying a cold compress or washcloth to your forehead or behind your neck. (Some people prefer heat.)
• Massaging your scalp.
• Yoga.
• Applying pressure to your temples in a circular motion.
• Keeping yourself in a calm state. Meditating.
• Biofeedback.

What’s biofeedback?

Biofeedback is the use of special equipment strapped to your head. The equipment measures the physical tension in your body and alerts you when you need to control your stress, which changes the physical processes related to stress. You won’t have to use the equipment forever because you’ll learn how to detect the tension on your own. The device works on children as well as adults.

Are there surgical procedures that relieve migraines?

Surgical treatments are not generally recommended for migraine headaches.

What are the treatment options for migraine headaches during pregnancy?

Avoid medications for migraines when you’re pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant. They can negatively affect your baby. With your healthcare provider’s permission, you may be able to take a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen.

Prevention

Can migraine headaches be prevented?

There is no cure for migraine headaches, but you can take an active role in managing them, maybe reducing how often you get them and possibly controlling how severe they are by following these tips:

• Keep a migraine diary. Take notes about any foods and other triggers that you think may have caused you to develop a migraine. Make changes in your diet and avoid those triggers as much as possible.
• Get a prescription for CGRP monoclonal antibodies. This injection was created specifically to help with migraines.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
• Eat at regular intervals. Don’t skip meals. Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Learn techniques to control stress such as meditation, yoga, relaxation training, or mindful breathing.
• Take medications as directed by your healthcare provider. Preventative medications include antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, calcitonin gene-related peptides, medicines that lower blood pressure and Botox injections. You might be prescribed timolol, amitriptyline, topiramate and divalproex sodium. Notice that some of the same medications that can help you manage a migraine may also help prevent one.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about hormone therapy if your migraines are thought to be linked to your menstrual cycle.
• Consider trying a transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation device. This battery-powered electrical stimulator device is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent migraines. The device, worn like a headband or on your arm, emits electrical charges. The charge stimulates the nerve that transmits some of the pain experienced in migraine headaches. (The device may not be covered by your health insurance.)
• Get counseling from a therapist for help controlling your stress. Ask your healthcare provider for a referral.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with migraines?

Migraines are unique to each individual. Likewise, how migraines are managed is also unique. The best outcomes are usually achieved by learning and avoiding personal migraine triggers, managing symptoms, practicing preventive methods, following the advice of your healthcare provider and reporting any significant changes as soon as they occur.

Is there a cure for migraines?

Although there isn’t a cure, there are treatments that may help you manage the symptoms.

How long will I have migraine headaches?

You may experience migraine headaches for the rest of your life. If your migraines are caused by your period, you may stop having them when menopause starts.

Living With

When should I seek immediate help, or contact my healthcare provider?

Call 911 or go to an emergency department right away if:

• You are experiencing the “worst headache of my life. ”
• You are having neurologic symptoms that you’ve never had before, including speaking difficulty, balance problems, vision problems, mental confusion, seizures or numbing/tingling sensations.
• Your headache comes on suddenly.
• You have a headache after experiencing a head injury.

Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if:

• The number or severity of your headaches increase or your headache pattern changes.
• Your medications no longer seem to be working or you’re experiencing new or different side effects.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• Will my child grow out of their migraines?
• What medications do you recommend for me?
• What should I change about my lifestyle to prevent my migraine headaches?
• Should I get tested?
• What type of migraine do I have?
• What can my friends and family do to help?
• Are my migraines considered chronic?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Migraine headaches can be devastating and make it impossible to go to work, school or experience other daily activities. Fortunately, there are some ways to possibly prevent a migraine and other ways to help you manage and endure the symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to keep migraines from ruling your life.

Has Anyone Else Had Almost A Warm Sensation In Their Head/brain

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I was suddenly awakened this morning around 4:30am with this weird almost burning sensation on the right side of my head/brain area. It eased just wondered if anyone knows what that was?

posted almost 7 years ago

If it is a hot day I can get an intense feeling of being hot in my face and head. Usually I get a little disoriented and dizzy.

posted almost 7 years ago
 

Thank You I was out during my gallbladder surgery when I had my largest flair so I have no idea if that is the feeling you would get or not. I have felt very sluggish and had blurry vision the first part of the morning and yes I have been very dizzy walking.

posted almost 7 years ago
 

*head burning since

posted almost 7 years ago
 

When I First started having symptoms, I remember that the top of my head felt like it was burning. So odd and hard to explain. It was also that same day that I had trouble putting my words together to form a sentence I haven’t felt my head vining since I got on all of this medicine though

posted almost 7 years ago
 

If we are talking about the same feeling…It felt like warm fluid was moving thru my head. it was really creepy…didn’t hurt per say.

posted almost 7 years ago
 

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My Dog’s Head Feels Hot

You’re cuddling with your pup when you notice that their head is feeling unusually hot.

The first thing you think of is fever. But you’re not sure because your dog seems perfectly healthy.

So why is their head feeling hot?

Your dog could be suffering from fever, but you can’t tell without checking with a thermometer. It could also mean that your dog’s natural cooling mechanism is in action. Or it could be a direct result of staying near a heat source for too long.

So how do you tell if your dog is suffering from a fever? What’s the procedure for checking their body temperature?

Read on to find out!

Why Is Your Dog’s Head Hot?

As humans, our first instinct when we find out that our dog’s head is feeling hot is panic. But just because a hot forehead indicates fever in humans doesn’t necessarily make it valid for dogs.

The reason is that dogs have a higher body temperature than humans. Your dog’s head could be hot for reasons which aren’t an emergency or even dangerous. We’ll discuss all the reasons later on, but first, let’s take a more in-depth look at why a hot head isn’t usually an indication of fever.

Average Body Temperature Of Dogs

Dogs tend to have a higher average body temperature than humans. The body temperature of a healthy dog lies between 99. 5°F – 102.5°F, while humans average between 97.6°F –99.6°F. So, what you might consider being a high temperature for your dog could be entirely normal.

Another thing to consider is that our fingers aren’t sensitive enough to estimate temperatures accurately. So even if you do feel that your dog’s head is feeling hotter than usual, the actual reason might be completely harmless.

Can you test your dog’s temperature by their nose?

A popular misconceptionis that you can check a dog’s temperature by the condition of their nose. But despite its longevity, this method is mainly inaccurate and has no scientific research to back it.

According to the method, if your dog’s nose is wet and cold, your dog is perfectly healthy, and his body temperature is normal. However, if your pup’s nose feels dry and warm, they could be feverish or sick.

In reality, there can be many reasons why your dog’s nose feels this way. Your dog could have licked their nose or recently drank water, which would explain why their nose feels wet and cold. And if their nose feels dry or warm, it could be a result of the dry weather or just old age. 

So if you suspect that your dog is feeling warmer than usual, use a thermometer to check their body temperature and look for symptoms related to fever.

Reasons Why Your Dog’s Head Feels Hot

If you ever suspect that your dog’s head is feeling hotter than usual, it’s always best to do some inspection and find out the cause. Although, in most cases, a warmhead doesn’t indicate a serious issue, leaving a potentially dangerous condition unattended could lead to serious harm to your pup’s health.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog’s head might be feeling hotter than usual. We’ll also explain how to recognize each condition and steps you need to take once you identify them:

1. Fever

Fever is an elevation in body temperature. And while it might sound relatively harmless, fever in dogs should be taken as a serious medical concern and addressed appropriately.

Usually, a temperature of more than 103˚F indicates a fever in dogs. More importantly, it is an indication that your dog might be suffering from a medical issue that might need immediate attention.

Causes of Fever:

A dog can become feverish due to both internal and external factors. While there is a chance that the fever might be due to mental stress, it’s best to rule out any possible infections which could turn fatal to your dog:

1. Infections: Infections cause dogs to become feverish in the majority of the cases. Because an infection could be internal or external, you must find the source as soon as possible and treat it appropriately.

If the infection is external, it could result from a scratch, bug bite, or a cut on the skin that has become infected. Your dog’s ears and teeth can also become infected due to poor hygiene. 

Your dog can also get internally infected if germs enter through a break in the skin. These can be bacterial, fungal, or viral, affecting one or multiple organs at a time. This includes the lungs, kidneys, or even the brain.

In any case, infections can worsenand should be treated immediately. If you find the illness source, contact your veterinarian to take a better look and prescribe medication accordingly.

2. Vaccination: If you’ve recently taken your dog to the veterinarian for immunization, the chances are that the fever is a reaction to the vaccine. In this case, the fever will last no more than 24-48 hours at max. 

However, if it does continue for more than two days, contact your veterinarian for further guidance.

3. Toxication: This is the most alarming of all situations. Your dog could develop a high fever if they consume something poisonous or toxic. 

If you suspect that your pup might have consumed some toxic plants, human medication, macadamia nuts, chocolate, or anything harmful to their health, contact your veterinarian right away.

In most cases, you’ll find some of the toxins such as medicines or chocolate lying around when your dog eats them. If you think your dog has been poisoned, don’t waste time and get them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Fever

If you notice that your dog’s head is feeling hotter than usual and you don’t suspect poisoning, the first thing you should look for is fever-related symptoms. At least one sign will always be present regardless of what the cause is. Some common symptoms of fever include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Shivering
• Vomiting
• Nasal Discharge

If you observe one or more symptoms in your pup, check their body temperature to confirm a fever. 

How to test a dog’s body temperature

Unfortunately, checking a dog’s temperature isn’t as simple as it sounds. First, you need a special thermometer to test your dog’s temperature. There are two types of thermometers available for testing a dog’s temperature:

• Rectal Thermometer
• Digital Thermometer

A rectal thermometer is quite accurate in measuring temperatures, but it’s uncomfortable for your dog and difficult to use. On the other hand, a digital thermometer is easy to use, quick, and accurate enough to know if your dog has a fever.

If you’re using a rectal thermometer, have someone they trust to hold them and give treats while you take their temperature. 

Place some water-based lubricant on the thermometer’s tip, and gently insert it about one inch deep into your dog’s anus. Hold it in for about 45-60 seconds and then take it out to read the temperature.

But if you’re using a digital thermometer, just read the instructions on the thermometer’s manual and gently insert it into their ear. You shouldn’t need to insert it too deeply, and it shouldn’t take more than two to three seconds for the digital thermometer to measure your dog’s temperature.

If your thermometer reads below 102.5˚F, your dog’s body temperature is normal. But if the reading is above 103˚F, it’s probably best to take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as you can.

2.

Natural Cooling Mechanism

Another reason why a dog’s head gets hot, which many people don’t know, is their natural cooling mechanism. Unlike humans, dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating through their bodies. The only way for them to lower their temperature is by panting or sweating through their feet.

However, they do possess a unique cooling mechanism that humans do not. When their body temperature rises above normal, their body circulates warm blood to their heads where it can spread to their ears, making it easier to cool.

On a hot day, the chances are that your dog’s natural cooling mechanism will be working at full capacity unless you’ve got the room temperature controlled. In these cases, it’s easy to misjudge and consider a hot head as fever, while in reality, it’s just hot blood circulating to their heads.

3. Stress

Like humans, stress can cause physical symptoms in dogs, which includes an elevated body temperature. Dogs can even develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if they experience severe trauma!

Any changes in your dog’s environment or routine can easily cause stress.

A change in the environment also includes the addition of a new family member or a pet. In the beginning, most dogs are bound to develop some level of stress unless they’re extremely friendly.

If your dog suffers from a traumatic event, that could also lead to a lot of stress. Getting attacked by another dog or animal, losing a companion or partner, thunderstorms, and fireworks, all of these events can cause them trauma and lead to the buildup of stress.

4. Daily Unharmful Occurrences

While a hot head might indicate something serious, the truth is that in the majority cases, it’s due to completely harmless daily occurrences in your dog’s environment. 

Imagine this; your dog comes to you after sitting in front of the fireplace or heater. Your dog’s head is going to feel warmer than usual. Playing or walking with them in direct sunlight can cause a warm head as well.

The truth is that most of us are guilty of becoming over-concerned in such a situation. However, you can never blame yourself for being protective of your dog’s health. It’s a good thing to be vigilant about any kind of changes in your dog’s overall condition, behavior, health. It’s an indication that you care about your dog’s well-being and is a sign of being a good owner.

FAQ’s

What happens if your dog seems too hot?

Overheating is very dangerous to dogs and can cause heat strokes or sudden death if not addressed immediately. If your dog is panting, disorienting or fainting, breathing heavily, vomiting, or showing any signs of overheating, take them to a vet straight away.

What room temperature is best for dogs?

In summers, you should maintain a temperature of around 78˚F, while in winters, a room temperature of 68˚F is ideal for most breeds of dogs.

At what temperature should you not walk dogs?

To test this, use the five-second rule by placing the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot keep it on for five seconds, it’s probably too hot to walk your dog.

How to cool down an overheated dog?

If your dog shows overheating symptoms, place them in an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan. Place cool, wet pieces of cloth on their pulse points such as the neck, behind their hind legs, armpits, etc. Try to give them cold water to drink, but don’t force them.

What are the signs of dehydration in dogs?

Some common dehydration symptoms in dogs include panting, lethargy, dry nose, vomiting, loss of appetite and skin elasticity, and eyes that appear dry.

Dizziness: Light-Headedness and Vertigo | HealthLink BC

Is dizziness your main problem?

How old are you?

3 years or younger

3 years or younger

4 to 11 years

4 to 11 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.

• If you are transgender or non-binary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Have you had a head injury?

Did you pass out completely (lose consciousness)?

If you are answering for someone else: Is the person unconscious now?

(If you are answering this question for yourself, say no.)

Are you back to your normal level of alertness?

After passing out, it’s normal to feel a little confused, weak, or light-headed when you first wake up or come to. But unless something else is wrong, these symptoms should pass pretty quickly and you should soon feel about as awake and alert as you normally do.

Yes

Has returned to normal after loss of consciousness

No

Has returned to normal after loss of consciousness

Did the loss of consciousness occur during the past 24 hours?

Yes

Loss of consciousness in past 24 hours

No

Loss of consciousness in past 24 hours

Have you had any new neurological symptoms other than dizziness?

Yes

Other neurological symptoms

No

Other neurological symptoms

Do you have these symptoms right now?

Yes

Neurological symptoms now present

No

Neurological symptoms now present

Is the dizziness severe?

Severe means that you are so dizzy that you need help to stand or walk.

Have you had sudden, severe hearing loss?

Yes

Sudden, severe hearing loss

No

Sudden, severe hearing loss

Is vertigo a new problem?

Are your symptoms getting worse?

Yes

Dizziness is getting worse

No

Dizziness is getting worse

Did the symptoms start after a recent injury?

Yes

Symptoms began after recent injury

No

Symptoms began after recent injury

Have you recently had moments when you felt like you were going to faint?

Yes

Episodes of feeling faint

No

Episodes of feeling faint

Have you felt faint or light-headed for more than 24 hours?

Yes

Has felt faint or light-headed for more than 24 hours

No

Has felt faint or light-headed for more than 24 hours

Are you nauseated or vomiting?

Nauseated means you feel sick to your stomach, like you are going to vomit.

Are you nauseated a lot of the time or vomiting repeatedly?

Yes

Persistent nausea or vomiting

No

Persistent nausea or vomiting

Do you think that a medicine could be causing the dizziness?

Think about whether the dizziness started after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine.

Yes

Medicine may be causing dizziness

No

Medicine may be causing dizziness

Have you been feeling dizzy for more than 5 days?

Yes

Dizziness for more than 5 days

No

Dizziness for more than 5 days

Is the problem disrupting your daily activities?

Yes

Dizziness interfering with daily activities

No

Dizziness interfering with daily activities

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines and natural health products can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It may feel like spinning, whirling, or tilting. Vertigo may make you sick to your stomach, and you may have trouble standing, walking, or keeping your balance.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
• Sweating.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
• Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
• A fast or irregular heartbeat.

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you’re having a heart attack. Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom, but some people, especially women, may not notice it as much as other symptoms. You may not have chest pain at all but instead have shortness of breath, nausea, or a strange feeling in your chest or other areas.

Symptoms of serious illness may include:

• A severe headache.
• A stiff neck.
• Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.
• Extreme fatigue (to the point where it’s hard for you to function).
• Shaking chills.

Heartbeat changes can include:

• A faster or slower heartbeat than is normal for you. This would include a pulse rate of more than 120 beats per minute (when you are not exercising) or less than 60 beats per minute (unless that is normal for you).
• A heart rate that does not have a steady pattern.
• Skipped beats.
• Extra beats.

Neurological symptoms—which may be signs of a problem with the nervous system—can affect many body functions. Symptoms may include:

• Numbness, weakness, or lack of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Trouble speaking.
• Confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Problems with balance or coordination (for example, falling down or dropping things).
• Seizures.

Many prescription and non-prescription medicines can make you feel light-headed or affect your balance. A few examples are:

• Antibiotics.
• Blood pressure medicines.
• Medicines used to treat depression or anxiety.
• Pain medicines.
• Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or light-headed, like you may pass out.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
• Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength (325 mg) or 2 to 4 low-dose (81 mg) aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Head Injury, Age 4 and Older

Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger

Why Inflammatory Arthritis Makes You Feel Hot and Overheated

As someone with a chronic illness, you know your body better than anyone else, so when you experience a symptom it can be difficult when the doctors don’t have any explanations, treatments, or can’t even validate the symptom’s existence at all.

That’s what we found when we looked into something many patients with all different types of inflammatory arthritis experience: a “hot-all-over” feeling, but without a fever, infection, or other obvious cause.

What the ‘Hot Feeling’ Feels Like

We were first tuned into this symptom by CreakyJoints member Frances D., who has psoriatic arthritis. When she posted about it on Twitter, she got a ton of responses from fellow patients. “I feel hotter than most people constantly,” she told us when we asked her more about it. “Sometimes at night I wake up sweaty with damp sheets. Often at night and sometimes during the day, my feet feel like they are on fire and are burning. My hands are usually warm when everyone else has cold hands. I’ve mentioned it to three rheumatologists, and they didn’t offer any explanation or remedy.”

When we asked about this symptom on Facebook, we got an overwhelming response from the CreakyJoints community. “I will go from fine to feeling like I’m on fire in a matter of seconds. This has been happening for several years, since being diagnosed,” Rene Marie B. told us. “My face and scalp sweat the most and I can be around people who say it’s not hot while I’m dripping sweat. At night I have blankets on and off a million times. I hate it.”

Nearly all the responses echoed similar situations. “Yes, this happens to me every day. My face feels like it’s going to catch fire it’s so hot,” Diana M. shared. “It’s embarrassing when you are out around people and they ask if you are all right. I just feel like I want to sit on a block of ice and everyone else has their coats on. Very frustrating!”

Although some people said the overheated feeling can be worse during a flare, most people reported it happens frequently and not just during a flare. “It seems like feeling hot with psoriatic arthritis is always present,” Frances says.

How Doctors Respond to Patient Reports of Feeling Hot

Despite much agreement among patients about how common and frustrating this symptom is, we had a difficult time finding studies about it or doctors to comment on it. Many patients we heard from expressed that their doctors ignored them as well.

“Isn’t it about time rheumatologists acknowledge that heat intolerance, ‘thermostat’ issues, and excessive sweating are part of the disease?” Heather W. asked on Facebook.

We consulted CreakyJoints medical advisor Vinicius Domingues, MD, a rheumatologist in Daytona Beach, Florida, to see if he’s heard this complaint from patients. “We do hear this a lot but we don’t have a really good scientific explanation for it — that’s really the problem,” he says. “Regardless of doctors not being able to explain, don’t feel like that this is something that we’re minimizing; it is just that we don’t have a good explanation yet.”

So, What Causes the Overheated Feeling?

The short answer: no one knows for sure. To our knowledge, there are no studies that have researched this specifically. One study that looked into patient perceptions of flares noted one participant who reported, “when I have a flare and there’s a lot of pain I have a feeling that I’m burning up … my whole body is hot … I feel as though I’ve got a very high temperature.”

“We don’t know yet if there’s any kind of connection between my body temperature dysregulation and autoimmune disease,” Dr. Domingues says. Because it is a subjective feeling, he explains, it can be hard for doctors to observe and for researchers to quantify in studies.

What could be done, though, is study fluctuations in actual body temperature. “One of the things we think about is if the inflammatory cytokines such as TNF alpha are upregulated [increased], then that may drive a little bit more of the heat on the body,” he says. (Cytokines are immune system proteins that are elevated when you have inflammation from arthritis.) “This seems to be much more prominent in the joints [which is why your joints may feel hot during a flare] but because inflammatory arthritis is a systemic illness, you can also see it in other soft tissues.”

But, he adds, “I don’t think any study has been done to measure temperature in patients to see if there’s a difference but still in the normality of range — say, from 97 to 98.5 — in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Maybe it’s that their temperature may be a little more elevated than normal but they’re still not febrile [having a fever],” Dr. Domingues says. “We don’t really have good studies on that.”

Other Possible Explanations for Feeling Hot with Arthritis

A couple people we heard from on Facebook noted that in addition to inflammatory arthritis, they also have something called “autonomic dysfunction.” This occurs when the body isn’t properly managing the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls subconscious functions like breathing and — surprise — body temperature. The Cleveland Clinic lists autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis as a secondary cause of autonomic dysfunction; one journal paper even suggests that the autonomic dysfunction may precede RA.

But this still doesn’t answer the question of why.

Another study suggested that inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis may affect the brain, although that research looked more specifically at the development of cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. But, “through the field of psycho-neuroimmunology, we now understand that immune cells do reside in the brain as well as the rest of the body, so all of these systems are connected,” says Hillary Norton, MD, a rheumatologist in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Since the brain plays a key role in regulating body temperature, perhaps if inflammatory conditions like arthritis affect brain function, it could help explain the link between inflammatory arthritis and body temperature fluctuation. But this is all still theoretical and more research is needed.

The Fever Connection

Frequent fevers can be a problem in people with inflammatory arthritis. “Low grade fever in rheumatic diseases is well documented. The cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF are pyrogenic [heat causing], which means they interact with the hypothalamic centers [areas of the brain] for control of body temperature,” says Dr. Norton. “It makes sense that in a disease where there are excess levels of these cytokines, fevers can occur, particularly during flares. I hear this from my patients, but less is known about the phenomenon of feeling hot all the time. I have not been able to find anything in the literature about this.”

As Dr. Norton notes, a fever is not necessarily what patients are talking about with this “overheated” feeling. “Sometimes I feel like I have a fever and check my temperature but I never have a temp,” Frances told us.

However, if you’re feeling hot you should always take your temperature to make sure you don’t have a fever, which could indicate an infection, Dr. Domingues says.

The Menopause Connection

This overheated feeling can be made worse for women going through menopause, which is common around the time many are diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. “There is a connection with the neuroendrocrine system and the immune system, so it makes sense that peri-menopause and menopause can aggravate the elevated body temperature,” says Dr. Norton.

But this “hot” symptom might be too easily dismissed as a hormonal hot flash. And men in the CreakyJoints community reported feeling hot too. Larry K. shared that “I mainly get [the hot feeling] in my feet but occasionally all over” and Larry B. wrote that he gets “occasional night sweats also. Could be a flare of PsA or lupus, as I have both.”

Other patients with the symptom told us on Facebook told us they had already been through menopause or hadn’t gone through it yet. “I’m past menopause and often have periods of extreme heat and sweating, even when it’s freezing,” Deborah M. said. Many reported that hormone tests (as well as thyroid and other likely culprits) were normal.

“A host of my patients who have that [symptom] are also menopausal, so a lot of times we think, ‘Maybe this is hot flashes,’” Dr. Domingues says. “But it’s just much more common in inflammatory arthritis patients, so it’s really hard to say, to be very honest.”

How to Cope with Feeling Overheated

Despite a lack of explanation about what causes this overheated symptom, what can you do about it? Here are some tips.

Layer your clothing

“I wear sleeveless or short-sleeved tops in the winter, and wear cropped pants,” Frances says. “In the winter, I often wear shoes without socks to keep my feet cool.”

Keep your spaces cool

“I’ll drive in my car without the heat or wearing a coat in 40-degree weather, and I’ll keep my house temp at 67 degrees,” Frances says. You can also keep your windows cracked.

Use cold water or ice

“This is that grandmotherly advice of putting a wet towel on your head,” Dr. Domingues says. You can also take cool showers. “I have to shower before bed to lower my core temp, and I always have the fan on in the room,” Katharine S. said on Facebook. Frances also says she puts a large malleable ice pack on parts of her body to cool down.

Eat and drink cold stuff

Think ice water or popsicles.

Soak your feet

“I ice or soak my feet in ice water to reduce the hot and burning feeling,” Frances says. “I also ice my feet at work sometimes — thank goodness I’m in an office area with only four others!”

Wear a hat

Although you think it might make you hotter, a couple of CreakyJoints members recommended it for readjusting your body. “I use a hat indoors to help regulate my temp,” Veronica G. says.

Try to stay calm

Some patients mentioned that the hot feeling got worse if they were stressed. “Use deep breathing exercises help to cool down when you feel overheated,” Dr. Norton suggests.

Take a break

“I advise patients to step outside for fresh air if it is cool outside,” Dr. Norton says.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

Most importantly, remember that you’re not the only one going through this. “You’re not alone, so don’t feel like you’re the only one with that feeling — it’s just the doctors who haven’t figured it out yet,” Dr. Domingues says, noting that it’s important for you to share any strange symptoms with your doctor.

Even if there’s not a good biological explanation for it — yet — your doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team need to know how you feel and can help provide advice and support for coping, especially based on what they hear from their patients as a whole.

Use Our ArthritisPower App to Manage Your Arthritis

Join CreakyJoints’ patient-centered research registry and track symptoms like fatigue and pain. Learn more and sign up here.

Keep Reading

Heat Exposure and Reactions

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Symptoms after being in high temperatures (such as heat waves)
• Symptoms after hard work or sports during hot weather
• Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are covered
• Prevention of heat exposure symptoms also covered

Types of Heat Reactions

• There are 3 main reactions to hot temperatures and heat waves.
• Heatstroke or Sunstroke (Serious). Symptoms include hot, flushed skin with high fever over 105° F (40.5° C). More than 50% of children with heatstroke do not sweat. Heatstroke can cause confusion, coma or shock. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. It has a high death rate if not treated promptly.
• Heat Exhaustion. Symptoms include pale skin, profuse sweating and nausea. Dizziness, fainting, or weakness can also be signs. Can have a mild fever 100 – 102° F (37.8 – 39° C) for a short time. Most of the time, there is no fever. Most of these symptoms are caused by dehydration from sweating. A person can progress from heat exhaustion to heatstroke. So, all patients with severe symptoms (such as fainting) need to be seen now. Mild symptoms (such as dizziness) can be treated at home with fluids and rest. But, if these don’t resolve with treatment, these children also need to be seen.
• Heat Cramps. Severe muscle cramps in the legs (calf or thigh muscles) and stomach are present. No fever. Tightness or spasms of the hands may occur. After your child drinks fluids and cools down, he or she will feel better. All symptoms should go away in a few hours.

Causes of Heat Reactions

• All 3 reactions are caused by exposure to high temperatures often with high humidity.
• Exertion. During hot weather, hard work or sports can cause heat production to exceed heat loss.
• Dehydration. Sweating during hot weather can cause sweat loss to exceed fluid intake. Poor hydration then interferes with sweating and increases the risk of heat reactions.
• Heat waves. The first heat wave of the summer can cause heat problems. It takes 8 to 10 days for you to become used to high summer temperatures. This sudden change in temperature can also happen on vacations.
• Exposure to a very high temperature. Examples are being inside a hot car or in a steam tent. Being indoors without air-conditioning during heat waves is the main cause of heat stroke in the elderly.
• Health and risk factors. Babies are less able to sweat when hot. Obese children also have a decreased ability to give off heat.

When to Call for Heat Exposure and Reactions

Call 911 Now

• Hard to wake up or can’t wake up
• Acts or talks confused
• Seizure occurred
• Signs of shock (very weak or gray, cool skin)
• Fever over 105° F (40.5° C)
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Age less than 12 weeks old and not acting normal after heat exposure
• Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
• Vomiting keeps from drinking fluids
• Dehydration suspected. No urine in more than 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth and no tears.
• Fever or dizziness still there after drinking fluids for more than 2 hours
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Self Care at Home

• Normal muscle cramps or sore muscles from heat exposure
• Normal dizziness from heat exposure
• Normal fever (under 104° F or 40.0° C) from heat exposure
• Prevention of heat reactions

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice for Heat Exposure

1. Drink Lots of Fluids:
   • All the symptoms of heat reactions respond to fluid replacement.
   • Type of Fluid. Give your child as much cold water as he will drink. Do this until he feels better.
   • If you have a sports drink (such as Gatorade), give it instead. Sports drinks contain water, salt and sugar.
   • How Much (Teens). Start with 3 cups (24 ounces or 720 mL). Then give 1 cup (240 mL) every 15 minutes for the next 1-2 hours.
   • Preteens (6-12). Start with 2 cups (16 ounces or 480 mL). Then give 6 ounces (180 mL) every 15 minutes for the next 1-2 hours.
   • Urine Color. The urine color can tell you if drinking enough fluids. Dark yellow urine means mild dehydration. Clear or light yellow urine means your child is drinking enough fluids.
2. Heat Cramps – What You Should Know:
   • Heat cramps are the most common reaction to heat exposure. They are never serious. Sometimes, they can be an early warning sign of heat exhaustion.
   • The cramps occur in the muscles that were working the hardest.
   • Heat cramps can be quite painful.
   • Heat cramps mean that the body needs rest and more liquids and salt.
   • Heat cramps should clear in 1 to 2 hours after lost fluids are replaced.
3. Heat Exhaustion:
   • Put the child in a cool place. Have him lie down with the feet elevated.
   • Undress him (except for underwear) so the body surface can give off heat.
   • Sponge the entire body surface constantly with cool water. Make the water as cold as tolerated without causing shivering.
   • Weakness should clear in 2 to 3 hours after lost fluids are replaced.
4. Dizziness – What You Should Know:
   • Dizziness and weakness can be caused by mild dehydration. This occurs from all the sweating that happens when hot.
   • Dizziness should clear in 1 to 2 hours after the lost fluids are replaced.
   • Mild dehydration can also cause nausea. It should pass after drinking enough fluids.
5. Fever – What You Should Know:
   • The body can become overheated from activity when it’s hot outdoors. The temperature should come down to normal after drinking fluids and resting. This may take 1 or 2 hours.
   • Fluids: First, have your child drink some liquids.
   • Cool Bath: Second, take a cool bath or shower for 5 minutes. Cool means less than body temperature. Reason: brings down the temperature faster.
   • No Meds: Fever medicines are of no value for this type of fever.
6. Salty Food:
   • After your child has taken 2 or 3 glasses of water, offer some salty foods. Potato chips or pretzels are helpful.
   • Don’t give salt tablets. Reason: They slow down the absorption of water and may cause vomiting.
7. Rest – Lie Down:
   • Rest in a cool place with a fan until feeling better.
8. Prevention Of Heat Reactions:
   • Drink more water. When working or exercising in hot weather, have your child drink large amounts of cool water. This helps to prevent dehydration. For teens, this means at least 8 ounces (240 mL) every 15 to 30 minutes. Water is the ideal liquid for replacing lost sweat. Very little salt is lost.
   • Sports drinks. Most often, special sports drinks offer no advantage over water. But, they are helpful if working out for longer than an hour. If that is the case, replace 1 water drink per hour with a sports drink.
   • Take water breaks. Do this every 15 minutes in the shade. Drink some water even if you’re not thirsty. Thirst can be delayed until a person is almost dehydrated.
   • Avoid salt tablets. They slow down stomach emptying and delay the absorption of fluids.
   • Dress cool. Wear a single layer of lightweight clothing. Change it if it becomes wet with sweat. Protect babies with fevers from heatstroke by not bundling them in blankets. Also, do not dress them in too many clothes. Children usually need the same number of clothing layers as adults.
   • Exercise smart. Physical activity in hot weather should be increased slowly.
   • Sports coaches suggest that exercise sessions be shortened and made easier when it’s hot. This is usually when the temperature is over 82°F (28°C). Also, this is very important if the humidity is high.
   • Stay cool. During heat waves, spend as much time as possible inside with air-conditioning. Electric fans also help. Slow down. It takes at least a week to get used to hot summer temperatures.
   • Limit hot tub time. When using a hot tub, limit use to 15 minutes. Use a “buddy” system in case a heat reaction suddenly occurs.
   • Do not use a hot tub if your child has a fever. Also, do not use them right after hard work or sports. The body needs to get rid of heat. Age limit: children less than 3 years old should not use hot tubs. Reason: poor heat tolerance and increased risk for rapid onset of high body temperature.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Vomiting keeps your child from drinking
   • Signs of dehydration occur
   • Muscle cramps last more than 4 hours
   • Fever goes above 104°F (40.0°C)
   • Fever lasts more than 2 hours
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/30/2021

Last Revised: 03/11/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Does Alcohol Cause Hot Flashes?

Article at a Glance:

Alcohol is a known risk factor for hot flashes. If you drink alcohol, you might notice that sometimes you feel warm or hot while drinking. It might not take much alcohol for your skin to feel very hot. Important points to remember about alcohol use and hot flashes include:

• When you are drinking alcohol, you may feel warm because drinking leads to more blood flowing through your blood vessels
• When you are hungover from alcohol use, you may experience hot flashes due to the hangover triggering a fight-or-flight response
• During alcohol withdrawal, you may have hot flashes because your brain is over-excited in withdrawal
• Some people of East Asian descent are at risk for flushing syndrome from alcohol because their bodies cannot break down alcohol (a condition called alcohol intolerance)
• The link between alcohol use and hot flashes in menopause is currently unclear and needs further research

Why Does Alcohol Make You Feel Hot?

You may feel like you have a high temperature after drinking alcohol because of how alcohol affects your brain. Your brain controls how your body responds to stimuli. Medical professionals think that alcohol tricks your brain cells into thinking that you are warm.

When you drink alcohol, your brain cells tell your blood vessels to expand to get rid of the extra heat. When the vessels expand, you might feel even warmer because of the increased blood flow inside the blood vessels beneath your skin. You may also find that you sweat more after you drink alcohol, because of increased blood flow in the vessels under your skin.

However, by expanding your blood vessels, alcohol helps cool your body. Your body will cool down even if you are in a warm room. You feel hot from drinking alcohol because you are losing heat through your skin. A link exists between alcohol and low body temperature, and it is known that people who are drunk are at risk of hypothermia.

Hangover Hot Flashes and Sweating

If you have a hangover the day after drinking alcohol, you may also experience hot flashes. During a hangover, your body temperature rises from the low body temperature you may have had when you were drunk.

However, you may start to feel very warm. Excessive sweating after drinking alcohol may also take place. Both hot flashes and sweating are signs that your hangover has triggered your sympathetic nervous system, commonly referred to as your fight-or-flight response.

Fight-or-flight response symptoms of a hangover can include:

• Trembling or shaking                                                  
• Sweating
• Feeling hot
• A rapid heartbeat
• High blood pressure

Additionally, sweating after a hangover can cause dehydration. Alcohol use already causes dehydration, which can lead to other hangover symptoms. Therefore, having a hangover symptom of sweating can further dehydrate your body, leading to additional hangover symptoms from dehydration.

During a hangover, dehydration symptoms may include:

• Being thirsty
• Feeling weak
• Having dry mouth or dry eyes
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

If your symptoms are related to an alcohol hangover, you will likely notice that they probably set in a few hours after you stop drinking. Your symptoms may continue for up to 24 hours after your last drink.

Make sure you drink enough fluids before, during and after drinking alcohol to avoid dehydration. Sports drinks and bouillon are good choices to help your body replace the water, salt and potassium you lost when you were drunk.

Hot Flashes From Alcohol Withdrawal

If you struggle with alcohol abuse or alcohol use disorder and experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or AWS, you may have many uncomfortable symptoms. Hot flashes and sweating are only two of many signs of AWS that you may experience.

Like hangover symptoms, hot flashes and sweating from AWS occur because alcohol withdrawal triggers your fight-or-flight response. Usually, alcohol has a calming impact on your brain, making your brain highly sensitive to glutamate, a chemical that excites your brain. Without alcohol in your system, your brain can become over-excited quickly.

Although some symptoms of AWS are merely uncomfortable, other symptoms can be highly dangerous. Never try to get through AWS without medical help as some withdrawal symptoms can be fatal. Enrolling in a medical detox program can help you avoid life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and detox from alcohol safely with the help of professionals.

Other Causes of Alcohol Hot Flashes

For some people, sudden alcohol intolerance and menopause can contribute to alcohol-related hot flashes.

Sudden Alcohol Intolerance

Some people, especially those of East Asian descent, may face a high risk of sudden alcohol intolerance, an uncomfortable flushing reaction that occurs shortly after drinking alcohol.

This chemical reaction in the body does not mean that you are drunk or drank too much. The response means that your body does not have the chemical enzymes to break down alcohol effectively. Therefore, toxic alcohol byproducts stay in your body, making you feel sick.

Symptoms of sudden alcohol intolerance include:

• Flushed skin
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Sleepiness or lethargy
• A stuffy nose

Menopause

Studies show different results about how alcohol use affects menopause symptoms. Besides being linked to alcohol use, hot flashes and sweating are common symptoms in women who are experiencing menopause.

Some research shows that alcohol use increases the risk of hot flashes, while other studies have found the opposite. Alcohol is known to increase the level of estrogen in the body, which may help to prevent hot flashes. However, as described above, alcohol itself is a known risk factor for hot flashes. Medical professionals are not sure why the results vary so widely in the studies, and more research is likely needed.

If you struggle with alcohol abuse and are trying to quit, you do not have to do it alone. The Recovery Village can help. Our caring representatives can answer your questions about alcohol rehab and help you pick a program that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

• Sources

  Yoda T, Crashaw L, et al. “Effects of alcohol on thermoregulation during mild heat exposure in humans.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, published in July 2005. Accessed April 22, 2019.

  Swift Robert, Davidson Dena. “Alcohol Hangover: Mechanisms and Mediators.” Alcohol Health & Research World, published in 1998. Accessed April 22, 2019.

  MedlinePlus. “Hangover Treatment.” Reviewed May 21, 2017. Accessed April 22, 2019.

  Schilling Chrissy, Gallicchio Lisa, et al. “Current Alcohol Use, Hormone Levels, and Hot Flashes in Midlife Women.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, published in June 2007. Accessed April 22, 2019.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Hot head: how to prevent a stroke

Yuri Subbotin

archive of the clinic of Dr. Subbotin

– What happens in the body during a stroke?

The main type of stroke (80% of such cases) is a violation of blood circulation in the vessels of the brain due to their blockage by a blood clot – a thrombus. In the overwhelming majority, a thrombus does not form in the vessels of the brain, it gets there. There are two main areas for these clots to form: the heart and the carotid artery.From there, the formed thrombus with the blood flow enters some vessel of the head and clogs it. Due to the sudden cessation of blood flow, a part of the brain dies.

– Why is a stroke dangerous?

A stroke is not a cold, when a person first feels a general malaise, then a runny nose and fever appear, and after a week he has pneumonia. This is not the case: a stroke is a sudden condition that occurs without any precursors.And very quickly irreversible changes develop in the brain.

– What are the consequences of a stroke?

The consequences depend on which vessel is blocked by a thrombus and how the human body is individually formed. A person can react simply with a headache. Or the movement of the limbs will be limited, they can become completely motionless. As a rule, this is a unilateral lesion: the left arm and the left leg or the right side. Another manifestation is speech impairment.Unfortunately, there can be more serious consequences, often leading to the death of the patient.

In any case, a stroke is accompanied by high disability. He always leaves consequences. That is why it is easier to prevent a stroke than to treat these consequences later.

Re-stroke is very likely if risk factors are not corrected.

– How difficult is rehabilitation?

It is impossible to predict how the disease will proceed.A completely paralyzed person can become incapacitated. And further, his life expectancy will depend on the possibilities of health care and the patience of his relatives.

Major rehabilitation occurs in the first year; the sooner it starts, the better.

– Who is at particular risk?

First, these are people over the age of 45. Also those who are predisposed to cardiovascular disease. Low physical activity, high blood pressure, overweight, rhythm disturbances, diabetes mellitus are the main risk factors.

– What to do to prevent a stroke?

It is necessary to carry out its prevention. And the basis of prevention, in addition to a healthy lifestyle, is the timely identification of risk factors. A thorough examination of the heart and carotid arteries is necessary. After all, this is where most of the blood clots that cause stroke are formed.

For a heart examination, you must contact a physician or cardiologist. But for examination of the carotid arteries, it is recommended to undergo a duplex scan.If there are signs of narrowing of the carotid arteries, it is necessary to consult a vascular surgeon to resolve the issue of the need for surgical treatment.

– At what age is it necessary to engage in stroke prevention?

It is desirable to be observed by a therapist from a young age, but 45 years old is a red line, when it is imperative to consult a therapist or cardiologist.

At the age of 40-60, a person, as a rule, is at the peak of his professional activity and forgets about everything else, including his own health.

It is at this age that the death rate from stroke is high, especially in men.

– What can a doctor diagnose?

A therapist or cardiologist will conduct a complete study of the cardiovascular system and draw up a stroke prevention program.

There are three options:

1. The person is actually healthy. In this case, all the doctor’s recommendations will be reduced to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while the doctor’s supervision is mandatory.
2. Patients who already have cardiovascular diseases that require correction. Corrective therapy is prescribed, always under the supervision of a doctor.
3. Patients requiring surgery, and mandatory follow-up by a physician.

In any case, the doctor will draw up a treatment and monitoring plan. Will do everything to prevent violations as long as possible, and correct those that have already been identified.

Anyone who has suffered a stroke must necessarily show an ultrasound of the carotid arteries, so that when a certain degree of narrowing is detected, they can perform an operation in time and prevent a recurrent stroke.

Our task is to make sure that people live as long as possible and on their own feet.

We have specially made the clinic complex. The cardiologist assesses not only the risk of stroke, but also the risk of developing a heart attack, rhythm disturbance, valve damage, and more.

However, you must understand that your life expectancy and its quality depend largely on yourself, health care is just a tool.

What will be the most important doctor’s recommendation?

There is no pill, medicine or golden scalpel that can eliminate the risk of stroke once and for all.The most important thing is the observation of a doctor and the implementation of his recommendations. The doctor’s appointment is the starting point. Further – treatment and observation. Even when everything is fine, you need to go to the doctor, exactly when he said. This is important, because outwardly you can feel great, but inside there is already a “breakdown”.

The clinic of Dr. Subbotin is located at:

Barnaul, st. Pushkin, 70

Phone: (3852) 56-06-05

Website: www.subbotin-clinic.ru

License No. LO-22-01-004776 dated 15.12.2017.

CONSULT A SPECIALIST ABOUT POSSIBLE CONTRAINDICATIONS

From a sore head to a healthy one

Pain, from which the head just splits in half … Do you know this picture when it seems that he is ready to drink a whole mountain of painkillers, just to let go? Fortunately, pharmacies offer a whole arsenal of medicines.But, do not rush to grab the pills. Try to understand first why you have a headache? The head of the Regional Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Headaches of the OKDC, Candidate of Medical Sciences Elena Shestel will help to understand this.

All happy heads hurt the same …

In healthy people, the cause of headaches can be stress or banal overwork. The fact is that such negative states as anger, anxiety, fear lead to prolonged tension in the muscles of the face, shoulders and neck.In tense muscles, nerve endings are “clamped”, and the nerve impulses coming from them are transmitted to the receptors in the soft tissues of the head – a person feels pain.
Prolonged sitting in a half-bent position can also provoke pain, since the back and neck in this position “flow”, and this leads to vasoconstriction and a reduction in blood flow, which, in turn, causes a lack of oxygen in the tissues and the accumulation of metabolic products in them … At the same time, dilation of blood vessels (for example, due to excessive eye strain) leads to irritation of the nerve endings, which also causes headaches.

According to the WHO, 99% of the world’s people experience a headache attack at least once in their lives. Most often it goes away on its own: just drink hot tea, relax, take a bath by adding a few drops of essential oils to the water: lavender, lemon, peppermint … Fragrant foam and sea salt are only welcome! Or, taking a hot shower can help ease cramping headaches caused by muscle spasms in the back of your neck and head.You can take mustard foot baths – they lower the blood pressure in the brain. In addition, cold compresses help well, as they constrict the blood vessels in the painful area and reduce the painful pulsation. A bag of ice cubes wrapped in a towel should be applied to the forehead, temples or the back of the head for about 10-15 minutes. Listen to calm, pleasant music or watch an interesting humorous show. Laughter not only tones blood vessels, but also promotes the production of pleasure hormones endorphins, which have an analgesic effect.You can massage the head with light stroking movements from the forehead to the back of the head

But, if the pain does not go away for a long time, if it recurs often, then it is necessary to deal with it already in the doctor’s office.

The fact is that a headache can be a manifestation of such threatening diseases as a brain tumor, heart attack or stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, meningitis, encephalitis, trauma … In this case, we are talking about secondary headaches – in the medical classification, their number is close to three hundred.But, fortunately, this situation occurs only in 2% of cases. Most often, pains are not associated with structural disorders of the brain, are benign in nature with a favorable prognosis. They are called primary. The most common among them are migraine, tension headache, cluster headache.

Disease of responsible people

Almost one fifth of the world’s population suffers from migraines. It has been noticed that the disease, as a rule, occurs in people who are ambitious, responsible and conscientious, inclined to overload themselves with work.Migraines are often hereditary. It is noteworthy that the weaker sex is most susceptible to a serious, but not fatal ailment. The symptom of the disease is well known: with migraine, only half of the head hurts. Severe throbbing pain during an attack may involve the orbital, parietal, temporal, or occipital region of the head. Sometimes, before an attack, a person develops a special visual aura: flickering spots, indistinct outlines of objects, darkening in the eyes. The seizures that occur several times a month turn life into torment.Conventional analgesics, as a rule, are not effective, and special anti-migraine vasoconstrictor drugs are required. You need to take them at the beginning of the attack. But only a doctor should prescribe a medicine, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and concomitant diseases.

Courageous on the outside, gentle on the inside

However, one should not think that headache is a purely female privilege. For example, cluster headache, the most excruciating of all, is unique to men.It manifests itself in characteristic painful periods lasting 15 – 180 minutes, repeated several times a day for up to 3 months. This is an extremely intense paroxysmal pain localized in the area of ​​one eye, accompanied by lacrimation, nasal congestion, and a pronounced feeling of anxiety and anxiety. The pain disappears suddenly and it happens that for several years it does not bother a person at all. It is widely believed among physicians that representatives of the “stronger” sex with an exceptionally masculine, but deceptive appearance suffer from cluster pain.In fact, they are soft, fearful, indecisive.

Tired – rest

Everyone knows the headache associated with overwork. Its cause is not only stress, but also a busy work schedule, personal problems, changing weather. This is the most common type of headache called tension headache. It manifests itself as episodes lasting from several minutes to several days, usually bilateral, compressive or pressing, of moderate intensity.But often, in the absence of proper treatment, such a headache turns into a chronic form, is permanent and is poorly relieved by taking classical analgesics.

Do not rush to drink pills

What to do if you have a headache? First and foremost, take your time to take your medication. No matter how good, modern and expensive the drug is, any of them has side effects. This is especially true for homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements.In addition, self-administration of medication gives only a short-term result, but does not affect the mechanisms of the onset of pain. As a result, the headache comes back again and again, the number of painkillers increases, which leads not only to the development of side effects of the drug itself, but also to the development of dependence on analgesics, which in itself can also provoke a headache. Competent therapy with specific drugs can only be selected by a doctor, and in such cases it is necessary to take drugs under strict medical supervision.

Important

Very often, headaches are caused by certain provoking factors – triggers. They are all different and can change in one person from attack to attack. The most common ones are:

1. Power supply. Basically, this is an irregular diet. In addition, some people are sensitive to certain types of foods (cheese, chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits). Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, champagne, cocktails, are common triggers for headaches.
2. Sleep. Lack of sleep or prolonged sleep are common causes of headaches. Try to get up on weekends no later than 2 hours after your usual awakening on weekdays.
3. Physical activity. Strenuous physical work or intense exercise in the gym can provoke a headache, but at the same time, regular exercise and staying fit are a good defense against this scourge. Dosed aerobic exercise and swimming are desirable.
4. Environment: bright or flickering light, strong (sometimes even pleasant) odors, stuffy rooms, sudden changes in weather, long trips (especially with a change of time zones).
5. Psychological factors: negative emotions or, surprisingly, relaxation after a stressful situation.
6. Hormonal factors in women: a certain phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, taking or interrupting hormonal contraception.

If you have changed your lifestyle, and you still have headaches and have to take more than 2 analgesic tablets a month, you need to see a doctor.

What is strictly prohibited:

– Drink alcohol. It dilates blood vessels and at first, indeed, it becomes easier, but then the condition worsens.

– Drink coffee. If you have high blood pressure or are prone to atherosclerosis, even one cup of coffee can be harmful.However, for hypertensive patients, on the contrary, a couple of sips of coffee will be salvation. For those who constantly take horse doses of this drink, an extra dose will not help, but will only make it worse.

– Smoking. Nicotine causes a sharp spasm of blood vessels, from which the pain will become even more intense.

Main:

If you have changed your lifestyle, and you still have headaches and you have to take more than 2 analgesics a month, you need to urgently see a neurologist.Residents of the Rostov region have a unique opportunity to get into the only in the south of Russia Regional Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Headaches on the basis of the OKDC. In order to undergo an in-depth examination that meets European standards and receive specialist advice, it is enough to have a compulsory medical insurance policy and a referral from a district hospital or polyclinic.

The staff of our headache center are members of the Russian Society for the Study of Headache (ROIGS).

90,000 From a sore head to a healthy one

Modern life with its frantic rhythm brings new diseases.

Recently, doctors have discovered another type of headache – tension headache (HDN). Two-thirds of the population suffers from it today, and 90 percent of them are people of working age.

If life is tortured

There are many known types of headache.

Related . Accompanies any serious diseases such as hypertension, sinusitis, etc.

Migraine . This is usually the privilege of women. The fairer sex suffers from it in twenty percent of cases, while the male part of the population does not even reach ten.

Bundle pain . An exclusively male disease. Severe pain in the eye and temple area recurs for two to three weeks. The causes of cluster pain are not known today.

Exotic types of pain . Persecute people regardless of gender. Some have headaches only when they eat ice cream. Others experience headache only during orgasm.

Sports headaches associated with overload.

There are other types of headaches. But the most common pain today is from life. It occurs in 70 percent of cases. Doctors call it a disease of civilization, and if they have already diagnosed “tension headache” – that’s it, you need to change your life.

– I think that primitive people did not have this form of headache. Computers, televisions, telephones, enormous mental and emotional stress are the main causes of this type of headache. It can be episodic – lasting two or three days, and sometimes it is chronic, when a person comes and says: “I have a headache every day, from morning to evening, for several months already.” “In this case, long-term treatment with the use of various drugs is required,” says a professor at the Department of Nervous Diseases of the Moscow Medical Academy.THEM. Sechenov Andrey Danilov.

Indeed, the head is constantly “swelling” from thoughts of where to make money, “cracking” from everyday worries and minor troubles, “cracking” under the weight of piled-up problems. At home, at work, on the road, the same thing – stress, stress, stress … Andrey Borisovich believes that “the main thing is a person’s attitude to his life. – then at least there are no prerequisites for the appearance of a tension headache. “

Self-medication is like a guillotine

The best remedy for headaches, as the French say, is the guillotine. But, not deciding on such a radical treatment, the sufferer, distraught with pain, seeks relief in the pharmacy among many different pain relievers. The Moscow Headache Clinic, for example, remembers well a woman who took three hundred pills a month. It would be more correct, of course, to first find out, taking into account all your ailments, which drugs can be taken and which cannot.But, alas, eighty percent of headache sufferers never go to a doctor. As a result, two hundred thousand patients are annually registered with such “effective” self-medication that twenty thousand of them require urgent hospitalization. Why?

– There are three of the most common modern analgesics: aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen. They are sold over the counter without a prescription. But in case of gastric ulcer, for example, aspirin is contraindicated. And with a sick liver and after hepatitis, it is better not to take paracetamol, – explained Professor Danilov.- It’s good when, after one or two swallowed pills, the head stops hurting and then does not remind of itself for a long time. But it is quite another matter if it hurts often, requiring almost constant medication. In this case, the pharmacy is not at all the place to resolve the issue. It is better to seek the advice of a doctor.

Anatomy of Pain

Causes of tension headache (HDN):

Stress.

Alarm.

Depression.

Overstrain of the muscles of the head, neck, shoulder girdle.

Excessive intake of analgesics and other drugs.

How it appears:

With episodic HDN, the head hurts from 30 minutes to 7 days, with chronic – constantly and daily.

More often half of the head hurts, but the localization of the pain can be bilateral.

The pain is not throbbing, but squeezing, squeezing – the head seems to be squeezed in a vice.

Daily physical activity does not increase pain, but seriously interferes with work and reduces the quality of life.

Increased pain may be accompanied by intolerance to sounds, bright light, decreased appetite or nausea. True, to a lesser extent than with migraine, and, as a rule, not all symptoms appear at once.

What may be accompanied by:

panic attacks;

fainting and light-headedness;

excessive sweating;

changes in blood pressure;

sleep disorders.

Tips

1 Lack of sleep is no more harmful than overfill.In both cases, the head hurts. This means that it is better to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends and holidays. Learn to rest, relax mentally and physically.

2 It is very important to get used to eating regularly and remember that some heads, especially those with migraines, hate chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits, bananas, celery, cheese, smoked meats, canned food and many other products, and champagne is especially unpleasant for them from drinks , beer and red wine.Doctors advise: if you really want to drink, drink vodka. Wine can only be white.

3 It is necessary to get used to feasible physical exercises and walks in the fresh air, lose weight, quit smoking, do not fry in the sun, learn to relax.

4 Stay emotionally connected with family and friends. Good relationships with others are an excellent prophylactic remedy for loneliness and headaches.

5 Do not overestimate your capabilities.You cannot reach the sky, but you shouldn’t feel guilty about not having wings. Work to the best of your ability and enjoy it.

6 Don’t try to please everyone. Don’t be afraid to speak up and express your emotions. It’s better than storing up negative experiences in yourself.

7 Get used to positive thinking. Smile, laugh more often. Scientists have shown that the release of endomorphin, a naturally occurring mood-enhancing substance, can significantly elevate the state of mind.

HOT BLOOD, COLD HEAD AND FAST LEGS

Allowed young Andrey Nogai to rise to the highest step of the podium of the championship of Russia among youths in Vityazevo, near Anapa and win the gold medal of the winner of 2019

About two hundred young boxers from almost all regions of the Russian Federation took part in the Russian championship. Andrey Nogai, a pupil of the Sparta boxing school from the regional center Pereyaslovka (coaches Anatoly Lebedev-Aleksandr Khabarov-Vasily Kolodeznikov), who held three fights in the ring in the weight category up to 72 kg near Khabarovsk.And in all fights with boxers from Krasnodar, St. Petersburg and Moscow (generally recognized centers of boxing in Russia), the Far East won by unanimous decision of the judges. The fight with Krasnodar Semyon Zakharov generally lasted no more than a minute and ended with a heavy knockout for Semyon. In the semifinals, Andrei clashed with Ruslan Kharitonov, a tough fighting style and tactically well-trained boxer from St. Petersburg. Based on the instructions of the coaches, Andrei managed to impose his tactics and strategy on the Petrograd.Andrei did not get involved in close combat, where Kharitonov was clearly stronger, but spun, spun his opponent into the “Moldovan quadrille” and, working ahead of the curve, repeatedly struck precise straight lines to the head, at an average distance he met the young St. body and head. This tactic of fighting has justified itself and brought Ivan a well-deserved victory. It was no easier for Andrei in the final battle with Muscovite Teymur Tagiyev. And here again the instructions of the athlete’s coaching staff, headed by the master of sports of international class Anatoly Lebedev, worked again, who does not get tired of repeating to his students – the winner in the ring is the one who has good head work, fast legs and an accurate shot.The referee’s verdict 0: 5 in favor of Andrey Nogai speaks for itself.

According to the results of the championship, Andrey Nogai entered the main composition of the Russian national team and will soon take part in the European championship, which will be held in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi.

So, even in the remote taiga, you can raise cool boxers, which is confirmed by the practice of the Khabarovsk Krai Boxing Federation coaches (President Valery Fedorovich Lebeda) Anatoly Lebedev, Vasily Kolodeznikov and Alexander Khabarov.

P.S. In the early morning of May 29, the newly-made winner of the Russian championship among youths Andrei Nogai flew in by flight SU6287 Moscow – Khabarovsk. At the airport, the hero of boxing battles in Vityazevo was greeted by Andrei’s father, Dmitry Valentinovich, athletes and their mentors led by the head coach of the Khabarovsk Krai Boxing Federation Sergei Sobin, Federation President’s assistant Mikhail Snigur, representatives of the sports community of the region and the city. It was clear from the face of the young athlete that he was pleased with such a solemn meeting that he noted in an interview with the journalist of the TV program “Made in Khabarovsk” Stanislav Mikhailov and promised to perform with dignity at the upcoming European Championship, which will be held in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi.So we wish the young puncher from Perejaslovka good luck in the international ring. And, judging by the mood of the young winner, it won’t rust behind him!

90,000 Enterovirus infection

Enterovirus infection

Enterovirus infection is caused by a large group of viruses from the picornavirus family. Viruses are stable in the external environment, persist for a long time in soil, water, on infected objects, but quickly die when boiled, under the influence of disinfectant solutions and ultraviolet radiation.Most often they get sick in the autumn-summer period. Infection occurs from patients with enterovirus infection and virus carriers, which are most often preschool children. The infection is transmitted both by airborne droplets when coughing, sneezing, and by contact – when using objects contaminated with the patient’s secretions. Possible infection through contaminated food and water. Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions contribute to the spread of infection. More often children aged 3-10 years get sick. Breastfed babies rarely get sick, as they receive immunity from the mother.After the transferred enterovirus infection, repeated cases of the disease are possible due to the variety of the pathogen.

Periods and forms of the disease

The following periods of the disease are distinguished:

• incubation, latent period – from 2 to 10 days;
• period of pronounced manifestations of the disease;
• convalescence period.

The duration of the disease may vary depending on its form and severity. For enterovirus infection, common symptoms are characteristic that are detected in all patients.

The onset of the disease is acute: the condition worsens, weakness, lethargy, headache, and sometimes vomiting appear. The temperature rises, sometimes up to 39-40 °. There may be redness of the skin of the upper half of the body, especially the face and neck, redness of the eyes – scleritis. In the pharynx, reddening of the soft palate, arches, granularity of the posterior pharyngeal wall is visible. Tongue coated with white bloom. A rash of a different nature may appear on the skin of the torso. The cervical and axillary lymph nodes are enlarged, an enlargement of the liver and spleen is possible.In addition to these general symptoms, enterovirus infection can take various forms. Against the background of the general symptoms of the disease, a leading symptom arises, which determines the form of enterovirus infection.

Herpetic sore throat is one of the most common forms. It occurs more often in young children. Against the background of an elevated temperature, which lasts for 1-3 days, on the oral mucosa, small raised spots (papules) appear in the pharynx, which quickly turn into bubbles (vesicles), which last for 24-48 hours, after which they open up, forming erosion with a white bloom.The upper anterior cervical lymph nodes are often enlarged.

Epidemic myalgia (Bornholm’s disease, “devil’s disease”) is the most striking form of enterovirus infection, which makes it possible to diagnose on the basis of severe intoxication and pain in the muscles of the chest, abdomen, lower back and legs of a paroxysmal nature, lasting from several minutes to an hour. The disease often has an undulating course, sometimes the temperature drops by 1-3 days, and then rises again.The liver is enlarged; in boys, especially during adolescence, the testicles may be involved.

Enterovirus exanthema is characterized by a rash that appears 2-3 days after the temperature drops. The rash can be varied – punctate, spotty, with minor hemorrhages. It appears instantly, is located on the body, less often on the legs and feet, lasts 2-3 days, after which it disappears without a trace.

As with other forms of the disease, a combination of a rash with changes in the pharynx, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes is possible.

Enterovirus infection can affect the nervous system: the meninges (serous meningitis), brain tissue (encephalitis) and spinal cord (myelitis). These forms are characterized by manifestations of intoxication, headache, vomiting, convulsions, even loss of consciousness and paralysis are possible. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor and hospitalize the patient. Severe infections in newborns with heart and brain damage are very rare. Heart damage is also possible in older children.

Enteroviral diarrhea is one of the forms of enterovirus infection that occurs more often in children in the first years of life. Within 2-3 days, against a background of moderately elevated temperature and intoxication, loose stools appear, sometimes with an admixture of mucus.

With enterovirus infection, it is also possible to damage the eyes in the form of hemorrhagic conjunctivitis and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye – uveitis. With hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, photophobia, lacrimation, eyelid edema, redness and punctate hemorrhages in the conjunctiva of one or both eyes are observed.

The listed forms do not exhaust the whole variety of clinical manifestations of enterovirus infection. With this disease, damage to the kidneys, biliary system, liver, lungs, pancreas is possible. Combined forms of enterovirus infection are often observed, for example, herpangina and myalgia, etc.

Treatment

Patients with enterovirus infection can be treated at home, children with moderate and severe forms of the disease, with damage to the central nervous system, eyes, heart, liver, as well as young children are hospitalized.For home treatment, bed rest is prescribed for 5-7 days. The diet should be appropriate for the patient’s age, an abundant drink is necessary. Medical treatment is carried out according to the doctor’s prescription. A child is considered healthy after normalization of temperature and disappearance of all manifestations of the disease, which usually occurs no earlier than 10-12 days. Follow-up after recovery, depending on the form and severity of the disease, is carried out by a pediatrician, neuropathologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist.

Prevention

No vaccine against enteroviruses has been developed.

A patient with an enterovirus infection is isolated for at least 10 days from the onset of the disease.

Contact children are monitored for 7 days. The patient’s room and belongings should be washed and disinfected.

90,000 Brain Freeze: Why Can Ice Cream Have a Headache?

• Jason G. Goldman
• BBC Future

October 13, 2015

Photo author, SPL

numb.According to some reports, “cold” headache (or, as it is sometimes called, “brain freeze”) is familiar to every third person. Correspondent

BBC Future decided to investigate the causes of the phenomenon.

It has long been known that cold desserts can cause pain, but the reasons why this happens are still a matter of controversy.

The first report on this phenomenon is dated 1939. “Your nose and fingertips go numb, and if you don’t rub your forehead, you’ll get a cold headache,” says Rebecca Timbres’ book We Didn’t Ask for a Utopia: A Quaker Family in Soviet Russia.

Despite the fact that the phenomenon was discussed in the medical literature already in the 1850s, the phenomenon received recognition of the International Headache Society only in 1988. Then they started talking about him as a “headache caused by the cold.”

In the third edition of the International Classification of Headaches, published in 2013, a team of scientists concluded that this type of pain occurs only when cold is applied to the head or mouth. As soon as the irritant disappears, the headache also disappears.

The area in front of the head most often hurts from the cold. However, in some cases, pain occurs near the ears or as if right behind the eyes.

However, wherever this pain manifests itself the next time, it will definitely be “sharp, short and sharp.”

Anyone who has ever had an attack of a brain freeze will tell you that this is not very pleasant.

Since cold headache is often associated with irritation of the upper palate, the scientific name of the phenomenon is sphenopalative ganglioneuralgia, that is, “neuralgia of the palatine ganglion” (a nerve node that transmits sensations from the palate to the brain).

Pain is thought to result from constriction or dilation of blood vessels that occurs in response to cold.

As soon as our body feels cold, it sends warm blood to the brain as an antidote. It is the rapid change in blood flow that can cause pain.

Cold headache was also considered a subtype of migraine headaches, since both phenomena are associated with a disordered response to stimuli. The widening and narrowing of blood vessels that occurs with cold headaches is similar to the causes of migraines.

According to another version, cold headache is an example of “reflected pain”, a mysterious, but at the same time well-studied phenomenon, in which irritation of one part of the body causes pain in a completely different place.

Photo author, Getty

Caption,

Cold headache attacks are short but intense

The link between cold headache and migraine is still not fully understood; however, almost everyone recognizes that phenomena are related.

In 2001, neurologist Peter Mattson conducted a study at the Swedish University Hospital.He found that women who experienced migraines at least once a year were twice as likely to experience cold headaches as those who never had migraines.

Palate and Brain

In 2004, Turkish neurologist Matsit Selekler examined those suffering from migraines and tension headaches (that is, the pain that occurs from stress or intense exertion).

Together with his colleagues, Selekler conducted the “ice test”. During the experiment, subjects were asked to press an ice cube with their tongue against the palate.

As a result, 60% of the participants in the experiment suffered headaches, and 80% of them had suffered from migraines before.

Photo author, Getty

Photo caption,

Children who were given enough time to enjoy the treat did not experience headaches

Taiwanese neurologist Zhong-Ling Fuh came to a similar conclusion while observing Taiwanese teenagers. Together with her colleagues, she interviewed almost 9 thousand people aged 13 to 15 years.

It turned out that about 40% of adolescents have ever experienced a cold headache, and it was 15% more common in those who, in principle, suffered from migraines.

According to Fuh, the link between the two types of headache can be explained by the dynamics of blood flow between the palate and the brain.

Scientists continue to study the neurological and vascular aspects of this phenomenon, but something, nevertheless, has already been clarified.

For example, one doctor at McMaster University found that teenagers who were asked to eat a serving of ice cream in five seconds were twice as likely to have a cold headache than students who were allowed to stretch out the pleasure.

So these pains are more likely when the cold stimulus is in sharp contact with the palate.

It is also known that ice-cold desserts and drinks are not the only ones that cause cold headaches. For example, winter surfing can lead to it, said Mark Harris, a doctor at the British Olympic Medical Center.

“From my own crazy past as a winter surfer, I know of a nauseating frontal headache that occurs seconds after riding an oncoming wave,” he wrote in a 1997 letter to the editor of the British Medical Journal.“The pain lasts 20-30 seconds, increasing with each subsequent wave.” passing through the palate is probably the cause of the patient’s pain, “Australian neurologist Stacey Yankelowitz wrote in her 2001 report.

Fortunately, a relatively affordable remedy has been found to combat pain.”The pain persists as long as the stimulus is applied. So the patient gave up skating.”

Nearly 20 years ago, Joseph Halihan of Temple University concluded that it is not necessary for those with cold headaches to give up ice cream altogether.

Photo author, Getty

Caption,

Preventive measures usually help avoid ice cream

Since pain mostly irritates the back of the palate (where it becomes soft and fleshy), you can simply try to eat so that the cold food did not touch the sensitive area.

“Most people are able to take these preventive measures without consulting a doctor,” he says. “Avoiding ice cream is not indicated.”

hot head, normal body

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• For the third day already, the 3-year-old has a very hot head, a normal body.The mood is variable. I understand, the question is vague, but maybe who had this?

• and what does the thermometer show?

• infrared head – 37.8, and conventional electronic under the armpit 36.6, I myself feel that my head is very hot

• In my region of a year and a half, it happened when my teeth were getting out. Then the head is hot, but there is no temperature … But at three years old – ??? I don’t even know, but I guess I at least called the doctor.

• our grandmother is a pediatrician, she says that maybe the sun is now very active, but she looked like that, everything seems to be fine

• In the youngest, the temperature is almost always manifested in this way, the frontal can show up to 39, and the armpit max.37. Doctors shrug their shoulders, but they say that we need to be guided by the frontal temperature.

• and what does the frontal tempo mean ??? besides mercury and electronic there are also frontal thermometers ??? Sorry for the stupidity

• Tell me, when a child’s head sweats, there is no sour smell of sweat?

• he doesn’t sweat at all, not a drop, just a hot forehead

• infrared, just bring it to your forehead and press the button

• Electronic armpit hold until the first beep? If yes, then hold for 5 minutes or measure with mercury.