Discover the truth behind common headache myths. Get expert insights on different types of headaches and effective relief strategies. Stop suffering and start living with our comprehensive guide.

Understanding the Different Types of Headaches

Headaches can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, but understanding the different types can help you find the right treatment. Let’s explore the most common headache varieties and their key characteristics.

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches, also known as “stress headaches,” are the most common type of headache. These headaches are characterized by a tight, constant pressure or ache in the head, neck, or forehead, often caused by muscle tension. Factors like stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and jaw clenching can contribute to tension-type headaches.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches, sometimes mistaken for migraines, are caused by sinus pressure and inflammation. The pain is often felt in the front of the face, around the eyes, ears, and teeth. Sinus headaches are typically accompanied by other sinus symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and facial pressure.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a severe type of headache that can last for hours or even days. Migraines are characterized by throbbing, localized pain, as well as sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Migraines can be preceded by an “aura,” a visual disturbance that can serve as a warning sign.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are considered the most severe type of headache. They occur in “cluster periods” and are characterized by a stabbing pain around or behind the eye, often accompanied by nasal congestion, tearing, and facial swelling. Cluster headaches are more common in those who smoke or drink alcohol.

Myth-Busting: Common Headache Misconceptions

When it comes to headaches, there are many myths and misconceptions that can hinder effective treatment. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones.

Myth: All Headaches Require Medication

Reality: While over-the-counter pain relievers like TYLENOL® can provide temporary relief for minor headaches, some headaches may respond better to alternative treatments like stress management, improved sleep, and dietary changes.

Myth: Migraines and Cluster Headaches Are the Same

Reality: Migraines and cluster headaches, while both severe types of headaches, have distinct symptoms and underlying causes. Cluster headaches are characterized by a stabbing pain around the eye, while migraines involve throbbing, localized pain.

Myth: Sinus Headaches Are Caused by Sinus Infections

Reality: Sinus headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, environmental irritants, and even changes in barometric pressure. While sinus infections can contribute to sinus headaches, they are not the only underlying cause.

Strategies for Effective Headache Relief

Regardless of the type of headache you’re experiencing, there are several strategies you can try to find relief. Let’s explore some effective approaches.

Medication-Based Strategies

Over-the-counter pain relievers like TYLENOL® can provide temporary relief for minor headaches. For more severe or persistent headaches, prescription medications or targeted treatments may be necessary. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Lifestyle and Coping Techniques

Simple lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods, can help prevent and alleviate headaches. Relaxation techniques, like meditation, deep breathing, and gentle exercise, can also be effective in reducing headache symptoms.

Complementary Therapies

In addition to traditional medical treatments, various complementary therapies have been shown to be effective in managing headaches. These include acupuncture, massage therapy, and the use of essential oils or herbal remedies. It’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches

While many headaches can be managed with self-care and over-the-counter remedies, there are certain situations when it’s important to seek medical attention.

Red Flags for Headache Emergencies

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care:

• Sudden, severe headache (often described as the “worst headache of your life”)
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures
• Headache that worsens with physical activity or changes in position
• Persistent, severe headache in someone with a history of cancer or other underlying medical condition

When to See a Headache Specialist

If you’re experiencing frequent, severe, or persistent headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to consult a headache specialist, such as a neurologist or a pain management specialist. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your headaches and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Maintaining a Headache Diary

Keeping a detailed headache diary can be a valuable tool in identifying and managing your headaches. By tracking the frequency, duration, severity, and any associated symptoms, you can work with your healthcare provider to determine the most effective treatment approach.

What to Include in Your Headache Diary

• Date and time of the headache
• Severity of the headache (on a scale of 1-10)
• Location and type of pain (throbbing, dull, stabbing, etc.)
• Associated symptoms (nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, etc.)
• Potential triggers (stress, certain foods, lack of sleep, etc.)
• Treatments used and their effectiveness

Finding Relief and Preventing Future Headaches

Headaches can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can find relief and prevent future occurrences. By understanding the different types of headaches, debunking common myths, and exploring a range of treatment options, you can take control of your headache management and improve your overall quality of life.

Remember, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe headaches, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right approach, you can find the relief you deserve and get back to living your best life.

Types of Headaches and Relief

Types of Headaches and Relief | TYLENOL®
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Know Your Headaches

Before we can get to how to relieve a headache, it’s important to ask “What kind of headache do I have?” Triggers and symptoms for each type of headache can vary. TYLENOL® is recommended for temporary relief from minor aches and pains due to headaches, but if you think you’re having migraines or cluster headaches, or have any other questions or concerns, please consult your doctor.

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01: What is a Tension Headache?

Tension-Type Headache (or TTH) is the most common type of headache, and is sometimes called a “muscle contraction headache” or simply a “a stress headache. ” Tension headache symptoms can last hours or days and cause pain with tight, constant pressure on the head, neck, or forehead from muscle contraction. Common causes are stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, jaw clenching and missed meals.

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02: What is a Sinus Headache?

Sometimes confused with a migraine, sinus pressure headache pain feels like pressure through the front of the face, ears, and teeth and can be caused by a sinus infection or allergies. Symptoms of a sinus headache include a runny nose, nasal congestion, facial pressure, and nausea. The pain of sinus headaches can be treated with OTC pain relievers such as TYLENOL®. Some things that you can try to address the underlying sinus symptoms include taking a hot shower, using nasal saline drops, and drinking plenty of fluids. You can try these quick tips for getting rid of a headache or consider TYLENOL Extra Strength Caplets.

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03: What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe headache that can last anywhere between four and 72 hours, if left untreated. Migraine symptoms include throbbing localized pain, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, nausea and vomiting. Roughly one-third of migraine sufferers can predict an oncoming migraine from a visual disturbance known as an “aura.” Common triggers include stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, bright/flashing lights, lack of food, lack of sleep, and certain dietary substances. If you think you’re experiencing migraines talk to your doctor because this type of headache requires medical oversight.

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04: What is a Cluster Headache?

A cluster headache is considered the most severe type of headache. Cluster headaches occur in “cluster periods” ranging from every other day to 8 times a day, and can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours. Pain associated with a cluster headache feels like a stabbing pain behind or around the eye, usually on one side. Other symptoms of a cluster headache include nasal congestion, tearing, a running nose, facial and forehead swelling, constriction of pupils and eyelid swelling. Cluster headaches are most common in those who smoke or drink. If you think you’re experiencing cluster headaches talk to your doctor, because this type of headache requires medical oversight.

Pain relief you can count on.

Before you can get rid of a headache,
It’s important to know when it started!

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How to prevent and treat them |
MD Anderson Cancer Center

Cancer patients can experience a wide range of side effects. For some, migraine headaches can have a big impact on their quality of life.

But what makes migraines different than regular headaches? And are cancer patients more likely to develop them?

We spoke with cancer neurologist Karin Woodman, M.D., about what cancer patients can do to prevent and treat migraines during treatment.

What is a migraine headache?

In general, a migraine is a severe headache that’s considered debilitating. Many patients who suffer from migraines find even talking can make the headache more painful.

How are migraines diagnosed?

When diagnosing migraines versus other headaches, we look at the length of time the patient suffers from the headache. Migraines typically last for four hours or more – usually for most of the day. We also look for associated symptoms. These may include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• light and/or sound sensitivity
• inability to tolerate movement, including even talking, during the migraine

Many patients experience aura, or warning signs before the pain of a migraine occurs. Patients may see fleeting bright lights or zigzag lines if they experience a visual aura. Non-visual auras can be other sensory symptoms, such as tingling, numbness or fatigue. Some people may notice that they are yawning frequently the day before they have a migraine.

What happens in the brain during migraines?

Cortical spreading depression is a wave of nerve cell activation that spreads across the command centers of the brain. This causes the auras of migraine, activates pain signals, and affects how inflammatory particles move across the blood-brain barrier. The neurogenic inflammation is thought to play an important role in determining how long migraine pain lasts and how intense it is.

Over time, nerve cells become more sensitive to pain signals, which can cause you to experience migraine symptoms, such as throbbing pain and sensitivity to movement. The increased sensitivity over time can also cause periodic migraines to become chronic migraines.

Which cancer patients most commonly suffer from migraines?

There are different groups of cancer patients who suffer from migraines. Up to one in five patients have a history of migraine headaches before starting cancer treatment. When they receive cancer treatment, they may have more frequent or more severe migraine headaches.

A second group of patients have never had a migraine before but start to have them upon diagnosis or treatment of their cancer. Certain drugs and types of chemotherapy are clearly associated with severe headache as a side effect.

Hormonal therapies, such as those used for prostate or breast cancer treatment, when used in addition to chemotherapy, can trigger headaches or migraines. Immunotherapy, chemotherapy combinations, certain anti-nausea medications, and a variety of other medications can have headaches as a side effect.

Some patients develop migraine headaches in the context of lifestyle changes due to a cancer diagnosis or treatment. Reduced sleep, lack of exercise, changes in activity level and increased stress can be associated with migraines, in a susceptible patient.

Stress can intensify pain and migraines. But it may not necessarily be the cause of the migraine. Stress can affect that patient’s ability to react to and manage a migraine. Try to manage stress. It’s not necessarily preventable, but the way you manage it can have profound impacts on your health.

Can a migraine be a symptom of a stroke, brain tumor or bleeding in the brain?

It can be very scary when you have your first migraine, but that doesn’t mean you should assume the worst. For patients in their teens and 20s, the onset of migraines can be a benign condition, especially if there is a family history of migraines. However, since a benign migraine and a migraine that results from a brain tumor or bleeding can appear the same, it’s essential that you seek medical attention to get the proper workup and diagnosis.

How can cancer patients manage and treat migraines?

The treatment for migraines can be different from other headaches, so it’s very important to classify them appropriately.

Patients are often prescribed narcotic medications for cancer-related pain or other types of pain.  But narcotics aren’t ideal for treating migraines, since they do not target the specific characteristics of migraine. For similar reasons, combination pills such as Fioricet or Fiorinal are not ideal for treating migraines. These medications can result in overuse and dependency.

If a patient is consistently experiencing more than four migraines per month, daily medications known as preventive or prophylactic agents can reduce that number.

Many patients struggle with medication-overuse headaches, which are a withdrawal symptom of taking too much over-the-counter pain medication. As migraines become more frequent, patients sometimes treat themselves by taking increasing amounts of over-the-counter medicines, which can cause more headaches. If you’re taking an over-the-counter medication for more than 10 to 15 days out of the month, you’re at risk for this complication. A prophylactic prescription medication may be more appropriate.

Triptans have been the main prescription medication used to treat episodic migraines. For more frequent migraines, Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can be given once every 12 weeks for prevention of chronic migraine. More recently, two other drugs that target the specific receptors involved in migraine pain have become available:

• “Gepants” are CGRP-receptor antagonists that can be used for acute treatment and prevention,and are oral medications.
• Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies are long-acting monthly self-administered injections given for prevention.

How can cancer patients manage migraines without medication?

Lifestyle modifications can help treat and prevent migraines. If someone is trying to avoid medication, I often advise them to focus on getting adequate sleep – seven to eight hours every night. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, staying hydrated and stress management can also play a big role in headache prevention.

It can take some time to see their benefits, but integrative medicine approaches, such as acupuncture and yoga, may help for some people. If you’re an MD Anderson patient, to ask for a referral to our Integrative Medicine Center. They can work with your care team to determine which therapies may benefit you.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.

Headache – Better Health Channel

Headache is one of the most common health-related conditions in Australia, with around 15 per cent of us taking pain-relieving medication for a headache at any given time. It is likely that nearly all of us will experience headache during our lifetime. People of any age can be affected, but people between the ages of 25 and 44 years are more likely to report having a headache.

There are different types of headache and many different causes, which explains why the condition is so common. Most headaches have more than one contributing factor. Some of the more common triggers for headache are lifestyle related, such as poor diet, stress, muscle tension, and lack of exercise. Serious underlying disorders, such as brain tumours, are rarely the cause of headache, although persistent headache should always be investigated by a doctor.

Headache can be classified into two broad categories: primary and secondary. Examples of primary headache include cluster and tension headaches. Secondary headaches are triggered by an underlying disorder – such as infection, injury or a tumour – and are a side effect of the main illness.

Pain receptors and headache

You feel pain when various structures of your head are inflamed or irritated. These structures include:

• the muscles and skin of the head
• the nerves of the head and neck
• the arteries leading to the brain
• the membranes of the ear, nose and throat
• the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities inside the head that form part of the respiratory system.

The sensation of pain can also be ‘referred’, which means that pain occurring in one area can transmit the feeling of pain to an area nearby. An example is the referred pain of a headache arising from a sore neck.

Causes of headache

Anything that stimulates the pain receptors in a person’s head or neck can cause a headache, including:

• stress
• muscular tension
• dental or jaw problems
• infections
• diet
• eye problems
• hormonal influences
• medications
• disorders of the ear, nose or throat
• disorders of the nervous system
• injury to the head, neck or spine
• high blood pressure
• poor posture – puts unnecessary strain on the muscles of the back and neck
• hangover from abuse of alcohol or drugs
• temperature – extremes of heat or cold
• dehydration – affects blood pressure
• noise – especially loud noises
• temporal arteritis – inflammation of the artery at the temple, most common in elderly people
• arthritis
• meningitis.

Headache caused by stress or tension

Tension headache is the most common type of headache. Two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime, which:

• feels like a tight band of pressure around the head
• is often associated with muscle tightness in the head, neck or jaw
• can be caused by physical or emotional stress
• is best treated by making lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, diet, stress management and attention to posture.

Misalignments of the spine and neck, poor posture and muscle tension can refer pain into the head. Therapies to treat recurring headache caused by musculoskeletal problems may include osteotherapy, physiotherapy or chiropractic.

Stress is thought to trigger our body’s ‘fight or flight’ response, which is characterised by shallow breathing, faster heart rate and raised blood pressure, and greater amounts of ‘stress chemicals’ such as adrenaline.

Stress can cause or worsen a headache in a number of ways, including:

• tightening the muscles, particularly of the upper back, shoulders, neck and head
• lowering a person’s tolerance to pain
• reducing the effects of medications such as pain-relievers
• reducing the levels of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Headache and jaw or dental problems

If the teeth of a person’s upper and lower jaw fail to meet smoothly, the resulting muscle tension in the jaw can cause headache. Treatment may include correcting the bite, replacing missing teeth or using occlusal splints, which allow the jaw to close without dental interference. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.

Tooth decay, dental abscesses and post-extraction infection can cause headache, as well as referred pain to the face and head, and these need to be professionally treated by a dentist.

Headache caused by infection

Many infections of the nose, throat and ear can cause headache. Depending on the disorder, treatment can include medications such as antibiotics, decongestants or antihistamines. Persistent problems, such as chronic tonsillitis, may need surgery as a final resort. Consult with an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Headache caused by diet and food

According to some studies, what we eat and when we eat it can play a significant role in headache. Different causes of diet-related headache include:

• fluctuations in blood-sugar levels, which can lead to spasm of the arteries in the head
• caffeine withdrawal, commonly caused by regular and excessive consumption of coffee or tea
• food additives, such as MSG (monosodium glutamate)
• naturally occurring chemicals in foods, such as amines.

Some other foods can cause headache in susceptible people. It is important to seek professional help. Self-diagnosis of food sensitivities can result in unnecessary diets that may not work.

It’s a good idea to keep a diary of what you ate or drank in the 24 hours before a headache. This gives clues to the triggers of food-related headache. Healthcare professionals who may be able to help include a doctor, dietitian or naturopath.

Eye problems and headache

If a person has difficulties with their vision, such as long-sightedness, they tend to squint and strain their eye muscles in order to better focus their vision. Eye diseases such as glaucoma can cause headache by referring pain into the structures of the head.

Many of the eye problems that contribute to headache can be treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Talk to a qualified eye-care specialist such as an optometrist.

Medications and headache

Medications are designed for a particular target in the body, such as a diseased organ. However, they can also affect other areas in the body. Unwanted side effects or adverse reactions are possible with all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal preparations and vitamin pills.

Oral contraceptives (‘the pill’) can cause headache as an unwanted side effect. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – also known as hormone therapy (HT) – makes headaches worse for some women. Some diabetes medications can also make headaches worse.

Suggestions for reducing the risk of medication-induced headache include:

• Follow the dosage directions on the label.
• Don’t mix prescription medications with drugs such as alcohol.
• Avoid dependence on painkillers.
• Report any side effects or unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately.

If you believe that medications may be giving you recurring headache, it is important to consult with your doctor. In many cases, a different medication can be prescribed.

Pain-relieving medications and ‘rebound’ headaches

There are many causes of recurring headache, with multiple factors working in combination. Rather than address the causes, it may seem easier to take pain-relieving medications, such as aspirin. However, taking more than three doses of these per week could make your problem worse.

Once the medications wear off, the headache returns because the triggers remain. If you then take more pain-relieving medications, the cycle of relief and rebounding headache continues, prompting you to take ever-increasing amounts of medication.

Ear, nose and throat disorders and headache

Disorders of the ear, nose and throat that can cause recurring headache include:

• sinus problems – caused by infection, cold, flu or allergic reactions such as hay fever
• labyrinthitis – the general term for any type of inflammation of the inner ear
• infection – of the ear, nose or throat, caused by either bacteria or viruses
• trauma – such as a blow to the ear or perforation of the eardrum
• hay fever – when the immune system overreacts to irritants such as pollen
• tonsillitis – an infection most often caused by the bacterium streptococcus.

The nervous system and headache

Irritated, inflamed or damaged nerves can bring on a headache. Causes may include:

• haemorrhages – some health conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, can damage the blood vessels
• infection – such as meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord
• nerve damage – can be caused by, for example, vitamin deficiencies or trauma to the head or neck
• very rarely, a tumour.

Neurologists specialise in disorders of the nerves and brain. It is rare for headaches to be caused by serious problems such as a brain tumour, but these need to be ruled out through medical examination. Usually, you will only be referred to a neurologist after all other causes of chronic headache have been investigated and eliminated. Some neurological tests include CT and MRI scans. Treatment depends on the disorder.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are relatively uncommon and tend to mainly affect men. Cluster headaches:

• usually involve severe pain, localised to one eye
• include other symptoms, like swelling and watering of the affected eye
• can be triggered by alcohol and cigarettes, but the underlying cause is unknown
• are treated with medication or oxygen therapy.

Diagnosis of headache

Headache can be caused by many contributing factors working together. That’s why you need professional advice to investigate and properly diagnose the specific factors behind your recurring headache. In some cases, headaches may be a warning about more serious underlying problems. Tests can include scans, eye tests and sinus x-rays.

Factors that are considered when diagnosing a headache include:

• location of the pain, such as around one eye or over the scalp
• degree of pain experienced
• duration of the headache
• other symptoms, such as visual disturbances or a sore neck
• how often the headache recurs
• factors that worsen the headache, such as certain foods
• factors that improve the headache, such as massage.

Treatment for headaches

Successfully treating chronic headache usually requires a combined approach that takes all the triggers for a person into account. Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for help in treating chronic headache. Your doctor can refer you to appropriate experts, such as ear, nose and throat specialists, neurologists, optometrists and physical therapists.

Treating a headache depends on its cause. Some of the various treatments include:

• over-the-counter pain-relieving medications, such as aspirin or paracetamol
• relaxation techniques, such as massage
• changing your diet
• alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic
• stress management
• eliminating any medications that may be causing headache as a side effect, such as birth-control pills
• medications that act on the arteries
• treatment for any underlying disorder, such as high blood pressure, neck problems or jaw problems.

Choosing a complementary therapist

In addition to conventional medical treatment, you may benefit from the help of a complementary therapist. Usually, your doctor will have a list of trusted complementary therapists. If not, suggestions include:

• Contact the professional association for your chosen therapy and ask for a list of members in your area.
• Ask your friends for word-of-mouth recommendations.
• During the first visit with your therapist, ask about their training and qualifications.
• Treat with suspicion any therapist who advises you to stop your conventional medical treatment, and consult with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Neurologist
• Pharmacist
• Dentist or orthodontist
• Ear, nose and throat specialist
• Eye-care professional
• Dietitians Association of Australia Tel. (02) 6163 5200
• Osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor

Things to remember

• Headaches are very common, with around 15 per cent of Australians taking pain-relieving medication for headache at any given time.
• There are different types of recurring headache and many causes, so it is important to seek diagnosis from a qualified health professional.
• Causes of headache can include stress, medications, diet, jaw problems, and illnesses of the eye, ear, nose and throat.

Severe Headache Emergency Room Treatment – Fast Headache Relief

A severe headache is a throbbing, stabbing, dull, or pulsing pain that occurs anywhere in the head. It may spread across a wide region of the head, or it may be localized in one place. Severe headaches may develop gradually or occur suddenly, and they can last from one hour to several days.

Headaches are one of the most common illnesses Americans suffer and there is a good chance you will experience a headache during your lifetime. They can affect anyone, age, race, income and gender notwithstanding.

If you have a severe headache that is not responding to over-the-counter medications, you should visit the closest emergency room. SignatureCare Emergency Center has numerous emergency room locations in Houston including Westchase, Montrose, Heights and Memorial City, Sugar Land/Mission Bend, Austin and College Station.

Our ERs and walk-in clinics are open 24/7, and our board-certified doctors treat severe headaches. Make an appointment today or just walk in. We treat all medical emergencies.

Causes of Severe Headaches

Headaches are classified according to their causes but there are different types of headaches.

1. Primary Headaches

Primary headaches occur when the pain is not the result of another symptom or disease. These headaches are caused by chemical activity in the brain, genetics, or the reaction of pain-sensitive structures. There are several types of primary headaches, including:

Tension Headaches – A tension headache is characterized by a tight band of pressure and pain around the head. Scientists are not sure what causes tension headaches, but the pain can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

Cluster Headaches – A cluster headache is a sharp, burning pain that is located on one side of your head. It often occurs without warning in the middle of the night, and the pain may go away in a short time. Cluster headaches may be managed using medications and acute treatments.

2. Migraine Headaches

A migraine headache is a severe headache that is often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to sound and light. These pulsing and throbbing headaches may last for a few hours or several days. Migraine headaches may be managed using preventative measures and medication.

3. Chronic Daily Headaches

If you have headaches almost every day, then you may suffer from chronic daily headaches. These headaches are incessant and may make it difficult for you to participate in regular activities. Chronic daily headaches may be managed with medication, but some people find that their pain continues despite taking medicine.

4. Activity Headaches

Activity headaches are brought on by participating in an activity. They are often associated with exercising, having sex, and coughing.

5. Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are triggered when another health issue causes the nerves in the head to overreact to pain. Many illnesses and health conditions can cause secondary headaches, including:

• Dehydration
• Sinusitis
• Influenza
• Hangover
• Stroke
• Meningitis
• Medications
• Glaucoma
• Ear Infection
• Blood Clot

When to Seek Emergency Room Treatment for Severe Headache

If you notice that you are having more headaches than normal or that your pain is increasing in intensity, visit a nearby emergency room immediately.

SignatureCare Emergency Center has several emergency rooms in Texas. Come in as soon as you notice the following symptoms:

• Vomiting or nausea if you do not have the flu
• Fainting or weakness
• Confusion
• High Fever
• Loss of balance
• Speech difficulties
• Paralysis

If you are suffering from a severe headache, visit our closest ER today. Our emergency room is always open so that we can provide you with pain relief 24/7. Our board-certified physicians are available 24 hours to diagnose and treat all medical emergencies including severe headaches.

6 Natural Ways to Soothe Your Tension Headache-That Work

If there’s one thing that can kill your mood and zap your ability to get anything done, it’s a headache — particularly, a tension headache.

They’re shockingly common, affecting up to 80% of Americans at least once in a while. Unlike migraines, tension headaches aren’t usually severe, and they won’t leave you nauseous or cause a visual aura. But they’re still no fun.

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Like the name suggests, they tend to come on when the muscles in your neck and scalp are literally all tensed up. Sometimes, all that scrunching is caused by an injury. But most often, it’s the result of—you guessed it—stress.

The good news is that you don’t need to rely on conventional pain meds for relief. When it comes to taming your tension headache, these 6 simple, natural solutions can help.

Take a nature break.

Since stress is a top cause of tension headaches, finding ways to decompress can be a great pain management tool. And one of the most effective ways to chill out is to spend some time in nature.

While a truly remote retreat is ideal, a quiet visit to a nearby park can also be very helpful.

Sure, you could always take a mental health day and spend some time forest bathing. But if that’s not realistic, just go hang out in the park or garden. Countless studies have confirmed nature’s ability to promote feelings of calm, tranquility, and balance. Just make sure you leave your phone behind. When your goal is to relax, the constant pings aren’t exactly helpful.

Sit up straight.

Sitting at your computer for hours on end won’t just stress you out. Chances are, it’ll also mess with your posture—which has more to do with head pain than you think.

By causing the muscles in your neck to tense up, slumping or hunching can actually trigger a headache.

So make the effort to sit up tall and straight. Pull in your abdomen, keep your thighs parallel to the ground, and look forward and out instead of down, recommend

Mayo Clinic experts.

If you think you’ll forget, put a reminder sticky on the corner of your laptop. It’s low-tech—but it works.

Sniff a soothing essential oil.

There’s not much science behind using aromatherapy for headaches. But traditional practitioners have relied on the power of scent to ease head pain for thousands of years, so it’s certainly worth a shot.

Traditional practitioners have relied on the power of scent to ease head pain for thousands of years.

Which aromas work best? Lavender is thought to have a calming effect, and some aromatherapists also use it to treat pain. Or, try eucalyptus: The scent
has been shown

to ease knee pain, swelling, and inflammation, and
some findings suggest

that it could also be helpful for headaches. (Always check with your doctor first, though. Some essential oils—including eucalyptus—aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.)

Try an ice pack.

Just like a sore shoulder or ankle, a simple ice pack (or a bag of frozen veggies—it works just as well) could help ease the awful, pulsating pain in your head.

The reasons why, though, aren’t entirely clear. Some experts believe that the cold shrinks your blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the brain, dulling discomfort. But it could also simply be that the icy sensation gives you something to focus on besides your head pain.

Snack on a green apple.

If the smell and taste don’t perk you up, using your jaw muscles may release some tension.

But before you take a bite, take a deep whiff. One study from Chicago’s Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation found that headache sufferers who sniffed the smell of green apple had a greater improvement in their pain compared to those who didn’t smell anything.

What’s more, the carbohydrates in the apple can actually help you feel less stressed. That’s because your brain uses carbs to produce the feel-good, relaxation-promoting hormone serotonin. (As an added bonus? All that chomping and crunching has been shown to ease anxiety, too.)

Take a nap.

It’s not uncommon to get slammed with throbbing head pain when you’re zonked. In fact, 59% of tension headache sufferers say that too little sleep tends to trigger their headaches, found one study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

So close your eyes, close the shades, and let yourself take a quick trip to dreamland. Just remember to keep your nap to 20 minutes or so: That’s enough time to help you feel refreshed, but not so much that you wake up groggy—and in worse pain than before.

Migraine Information | Mount Sinai

There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to treat your migraine symptoms right away and to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing your triggers.

A key step is learning how to manage your migraines at home. A headache diary can help you identify your headache triggers. Then you and your provider can plan how to avoid these triggers.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Better sleep habits, such as getting enough sleep and going to bed at the same time each night
• Better eating habits, including not skipping meals and avoiding your food triggers
• Managing stress
• Losing weight, if you’re overweight

If you have frequent migraines, your provider may prescribe medicine to reduce the number of attacks. You need to take the medicine every day for it to be effective. Medicines may include:

• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medicines, such as beta blockers
• Anti-seizure medicines
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide agents

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections may also help reduce migraine attacks if they occur more than 15 days a month.

Some people find relief with minerals and vitamins. Check with your provider to see if riboflavin or magnesium is right for you.

TREATING AN ATTACK

Other medicines are taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful when your migraine is mild. Be aware that:

• Taking medicines more than 3 days a week may lead to rebound headaches. These are headaches that keep coming back due to overuse of pain medicine.
• Taking too much acetaminophen can damage your liver.
• Too much ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate your stomach or kidneys.

If these treatments do not help, ask your provider about prescription medicines. These include nasal sprays, suppositories, or injections. The group of medicines most often used is called triptans.

Some migraine medicines narrow the blood vessels. If you are at risk for having a heart attack or have heart disease, talk with your provider before using these medicines. Some migraine medicines should not be used by pregnant women. Talk with your provider about which medicine is right for you if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Other medicines treat symptoms of migraine, such as nausea and vomiting. They may be used alone or along with the other drugs that treat the migraine itself.

Feverfew is an herb for migraines. It can be effective for some people. Before using feverfew, make sure your provider approves. Herbal remedies sold in drugstores and health food stores are not regulated. Work with a trained herbalist when selecting herbs.

PREVENTING MIGRAINE HEADACHES

If your migraines occur more than twice a week despite the use of triptans, your provider may place you on medicines to take every day, which may help prevent your migraines. The goal is to prevent how often migraines occur and how severe the headache is. These types of medicines may help prevent or reduce migraine headaches:

• Medicines commonly used for high blood pressure (such as beta-blockers, angiotensin blockade agents, and calcium channel blockers)
• Certain medicines used to treat depression
• Certain medicines used to treat seizures, called anticonvulsants
• Botulinum toxin type A injections for select patients

Newer devices that provide different kinds of nerve stimulation or magnetic stimulation are also being evaluated for treatment of migraine headaches. Their exact role in treating migraines remains unclear.

Headache Infusion Therapy Brings Relief When Severe Headaches Strike

Background

As many as 50 million Americans have chronic severe headaches that can be disabling. Headache infusion therapy is an alternative treatment option for patients with severe or refractory headaches. Infusion therapy refers to the intravenous (IV) administration of medications to treat and manage the symptoms of headache. Our infusion therapy is available on site on an outpatient basis during scheduled office hours in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere, in a non-emergency setting under the supervision of our neurologists.

Indication and Goal for the Infusion Therapy

Compared with the emergency department’s long and exhausting wait, our clinic can offer a wider range of effective and definitive treatments and offer headache patients maximum degree of success without the need to spend hours in the emergency department.  Our general approach in our clinic is a far more cost- and time-effective mode of treating intractable headaches, which include refractory chronic migraines and medication overuse headaches as well.

Our goal is to develop a customized and individualized treatment plan based on the special needs of each patient to help them break the headache and to reduce headache intensity and frequency as well.

Process of the Infusion

Our neurologists and staff will determine your individualized program treatment plan. You will spend a minimum of 2 hours in the infusion area, depending on your treatment. While you are receiving treatment, you will be resting in a reclining lounge chair in a private room in our designated infusion area. Your vital signs will be checked on a frequent basis and the staff will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible during your treatment.

Different medications will be administered, some will be used to treat your pain, and other type of medications will be used to treat you nausea or vomiting if you present with such symptoms.

You may have one adult visitor at a time during your treatment. You may bring a laptop computer with you if you wish to do so. Wi-Fi is available for you to use. We also encourage you to bring any reading material or to listen to soft music.

Post Infusion Therapy

It is recommended that you arrange for a family member or a friend to accompany you during the procedure. Plan to rest for the rest of the day to prevent headache recurrence.  A return office visit appointment will be made for follow up. The patient is also encouraged to call at any time if any problems occur.

How to cure a headache – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Headache is many-sided and changeable. Sometimes it is just a feeling of heaviness and discomfort, sometimes it is sheer torture, such that it is impossible to open your eyes and lift your head off the pillow. Doctors say there are 300 reasons for the appearance of a headache. With 150 diseases, the patient complains primarily about having a headache. But since there are many reasons, it is important to establish why it still hurts.

Meanwhile, most of the population is treated independently, does not come to doctors at all, says a professor at the Department of Nervous Diseases at the 1st Moscow State Medical University.THEM. Sechenov, President of the “Russian Society for the Study of Headache” Guzyal Tabeeva. They blame it on fatigue, stress, “bad blood vessels” … Fortunately, most often it is bypassed: only 5 out of 100 attacks give a reason for hospitalization. And yet, hopefully it’s silly.

Why does it hurt?

“In 40% of cases there is tension headache caused by an increased tone of the muscles of the neck and head,” explains Guzal Tabeeva. whose head hurts, uses symptomatic remedies thoughtlessly, and they do not help, and even aggravate his condition, can lead to chronic pain. “

There are a lot of sources of headache. Banal lack of sleep, stress, osteochondrosis, colds, flu. Often, pain is provoked by a deficiency in the body of trace elements – potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus. There are meteosensitive people – atmospheric pressure changes, blood vessels react with spasms, pain arises. Doctors also call such a reason as chronobiological cycles – when the head hurts, for example, strictly on the full moon.

When should I see a doctor?

If we are talking not about a one-time malaise, but repeated attacks, if the pain does not go away on its own, does not stop with analgesics, increases, accompanied by symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, this may indicate such serious diseases as meningitis, stroke, tumor brain.

If the head hurts more than 15 days a month, we are talking about a chronic disease, and in these cases it is also necessary to carry out diagnostics, to understand the causes of the disease.

Writing a diary

If the patient’s condition is not acute, but pain has become a habitual phenomenon, one must try to understand for oneself what provokes it. And for this – to keep a diary. Record when and with what intensity the attack occurred, what provoked it. This will help the doctor understand the nature of the pain and prescribe adequate treatment.

Tense? Relax

Tension headache – occurs most often. The usual, well-proven ibuprofen-based remedies help to cope with pain. Non-drug therapy – relaxing massage, warm (not hot!) Bath, sleep. Natural sedatives, tea with chamomile, tincture of motherwort, valerian, peony help. Self-massage of the head is also good: the usual prolonged brushing of the hair with a brush increases blood flow, and the muscles relax.

Pain from the plate

Even food can provoke headaches.The reason is in substances affecting blood vessels:

– Tyramine – found in chocolate, hard cheese, sour cream, salted fish, smoked meats, beer.

– Monosodium nitrate and glutamate – deli meats, sausages, Chinese and Korean cuisine (in particular, Korean salads), bouillon cubes, chips, flavored croutons.

– Caffeine – but here a headache arises from a lack of it, usually with low blood pressure.

How to deal with migraine

Sometimes the patient can diagnose himself.For example, the symptoms of migraine are very characteristic. We can recall Pontius Pilate (from Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita”). He suffered from the classic manifestation of migraine. Irritation, anticipation of a seizure and fear of pain, intolerance to odors (Pilate could not stand the scent of rose oil …), and when pain comes, intolerance to light – all these are typical signs of a migraine attack.

In addition to correctly selected drugs (usually powerful combination drugs), doctors give the following recommendations:

1.Sleep hygiene – observe the regime, without deviating from the usual time to fall asleep by two hours.

2. Physical activity – at least 30 minutes three times a week. Do what you like – you need positive emotions. Yoga and meditation are good.

3. Regular food regimen. You cannot skip breakfast. Liquid – at least 1.5-2 liters of clean water per day. Skipping meals can trigger seizures.

4. If the migraine is “food”, identify your triggers – cheese, chocolate, red wine, etc.and follow a diet.

Without pills, the old fashioned way. How to get rid of a headache on your own? | Healthy life | Health

Fresh air

It is believed that headache can arise from hypoxia, i.e. lack of oxygen in the body, arising, for example, due to stuffiness in the room, lack of sleep, etc. In this case, there is a recommendation to get up and walk along the street. It should be understood that in such a situation the headache will not be severe, even, rather, it will not be pain at all, but a slight malaise, which will pass with the flow of fresh air.

If the state is not very active and wants to sleep, this may also indicate a lack of oxygen. In such a situation, it is recommended to relax in a room where it will be fresh, slightly humid (the optimal level of air humidity can be achieved with the help of humidifiers) and ventilated.

– Yes, indeed it is. Often, the head hurts from hypoxia in apartments, offices, especially during the heating season, when the heaters burn out the oxygen we need so much. The best way is to walk in the fresh air for half an hour or go out onto the balcony, breathe slowly and deeply for 10 minutes, says neurologist of the highest category, Ph.MD, head of the neurological department “Medintsentr” (branch of the GlavUpDK at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia) Lyudmila Prozorova .

Herbal medicine and foot baths

Those who suffer from pressure drops are usually able to recognize headaches that begin against this background. Naturally, it is advisable to check your guesses with the readings of the tonometer. With reduced pressure, to normalize the condition, people take tonics, for example, tincture of ginseng, etc. In addition, caffeine can also correct the situation – it is enough to drink a small amount of coffee to feel better.

If the pressure is high, other options are usually used at home. Foot baths, herbal warm teas – all this helps to improve the situation. It is clear that we are talking about a slight increase in pressure. If the numbers are very high, you have to fight with official methods.

With the development of headaches, a variety of herbal and plant teas are often recommended. One of the most effective methods is called ginger tea. It is enough to grind a little ginger root and boil it with boiling water.

Neurologist Lyudmila Prozorova agrees with these recommendations.

Massage

Another recommendation for headache therapy without pills is a massage. Gently, you need to walk with your fingertips all over the head, performing massaging movements confidently, but without active pressure. In the process, you can also capture traditional biological points on the head – in the corners of the eyes, in the earlobes, on the back of the head, etc. This manipulation allows you to tone the muscles, strengthen the vascular walls.

– If the causes of the headache are known, and it is not associated with neurological diseases, you can try. This will work if, for example, the reason lies in osteochondrosis, says Lyudmila Prozorova.

Cold use

It is believed that cold compresses can be used to relax muscles. There is a theory according to which clamps and spasms in the collar zone of the neck lead to a deterioration in blood circulation, which becomes the cause of the same hypoxia.And if you relax this tense knot, you can correct the situation.

It is recommended to wrap a few ice cubes in a kitchen towel and apply to the forehead, temples or even the neck area. Here it is important not to apply and press, but to act as if with blotting movements. This method should be approached with caution. After all, it is possible to excessively cool the spasmodic vessels and further worsen the situation. If in the first minutes there is no improvement, then the method is chosen incorrectly.

– But you don’t need to experiment with this option. Because if the cause of the headache is tension, then it is better to relieve it by distracting attention or switching to another type of activity. For example, go for a walk in the fresh air. It will be more effective. And if the cause of the headache is a chronic inflammatory process or migraine, then the cold can aggravate the situation, the doctor notes.

Doctors note that headache is a symptom that should alert you, especially if it recurs with a certain regularity.

“Headache is a very common complaint of patients. It occurs in many diseases, including serious, life-threatening ones. It can be caused by too wide a range of reasons, from traumatic brain injury to infectious diseases, so there is no universal advice on how to alleviate it.

If a person develops headaches, especially long-term ones, it is impossible to tolerate, “drown” the pain with pills and self-medicate. It is necessary to find out the causes of the ailment and completely eliminate them.To do this, you should definitely consult a doctor who will prescribe an examination, establish an accurate diagnosis and give recommendations for relieving pain, including non-drug methods.

The best prevention of headaches is taking care of yourself and keeping the body in good shape: balanced nutrition, moderate regular physical activity, preferably in the fresh air, good sleep, restorative procedures. It must be remembered that self-medication, untimely access to a doctor can lead to irreparable consequences, ”says neurologist Lyudmila Prozorova.

What herbs treat headache

The most effective recipes that will relieve discomfort and have a positive effect on the entire body.

When tired of pills

We are used to dealing with headaches with pain relievers. It would seem that it is easier – I drank one pill and the spasms disappeared as if by hand. But if pills stop helping, then you need complex treatment, and here folk remedies will come in handy.

The fact is that each herbal infusion helps to fight not only with pain, but with its accompanying factors. For example, you are tormented by inflammation of the sinuses or osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, or intracranial and intraocular pressure, as a result, unpleasant spasmodic attacks in certain parts of the head. Natural remedies are based on the principle of sedative, relaxing action. By relieving spasms, pain is reduced. The only thing you have to put up with is that medicinal plants do not heal instantly, the effect is achieved in about two weeks.

Headache treatment with herbs

Chamomile tea

Chamomile helps with throbbing pain in the temporal part of the head. As a rule, such painful sensations arise from overeating or are associated with poor outflow of bile.

To prepare an infusion of chamomile, you need to take one teaspoon of flowers per 200 milliliters of water. Pour boiling water over the herb in a container of a suitable size.Cover with a lid for 10-15 minutes. Drink the infusion warm. You can add half a teaspoon of natural honey.

Wormwood tea

Wormwood does an excellent job with headaches and stomach pains. You need to brew it in a thermos. Pour a teaspoon of the crushed mixture with boiling water – 500 ml. An hour later, you can use 50 ml three times a day half an hour before meals. Despite the fact that wormwood is a bitter herb, try to avoid using it with honey.

Oregano tea

An excellent remedy for spasmodic headaches. Oregano has excellent relaxing properties and is a good medicine for those with sensitive vessels.

The herbal decoction is prepared in much the same way as chamomile. A teaspoon of herbs is poured into 250 ml of boiling water. To cover with a lid. Healing tea is brewed in just 10 minutes. No longer worth it, as the broth may lose its flavor.Drink it twice a day for half a glass.

Sorceress-mint

Peppermint tea will help with many diseases. The herb acts both as an antispasmodic and as an antiviral agent. The infusion is prepared as follows: pour a liter of water into an enamel pan, when it boils, add 1 tbsp. l. mint. Remove from heat. Cover and let the tea brew for 10 minutes. Cool the infusion. Drink warm, half a glass each, you can add honey, lemon to taste.

Rosemary leaves

If the cause of your headaches is overwork or a nervous breakdown, rosemary will help you.The infusion is prepared from two teaspoons of herbs and 200 ml of boiling water. Pour, cover and leave for 30-40 minutes. Strain the finished infusion and divide into 5-6 receptions. By the way, an infusion of mint and rosemary is excellent for a hangover. Pour a tablespoon of mint and the same amount of rosemary with 400 ml of boiling water. After insisting 30 minutes under the lid. Drink like tea.

Linden tea

An excellent remedy for any headaches caused by colds, overexertion, insomnia, hormonal disruption.It is enough to mix 1 tbsp. l of the mixture and 25 ml of boiling water. You can consume it after 20 minutes.

Treating headaches with herbs, drinking herbal teas can be very effective and will give good results.

Earlier, “Kubanskie Novosti” wrote about which medicinal herbs should be used to increase immunity.

Professor explained severe headache in coronavirus

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A
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Scientist considers this to be the most typical manifestation of COVID-19

Alexander Kukharchuk, MD, professor, director of ReeLabs (Mumbai, India) called an unbearable headache the first and most common symptom of coronavirus infection.Followed by complaints of severe, extreme weakness. Other signs of illness such as fever, cough, conjunctivitis, rash, etc. at the initial stage of the disease may be absent.

A person close to me caught covid back in February, when it seemed that the deadly virus was somewhere very far away. We learned that it was COVID-19 much later, when the tests appeared. And then most of all I remembered complaints about a terrible headache, from which I could climb the walls, because nothing helped, except for the advice of the doctor of the next “ambulance” – to take a very hot shower.

“The first and most frequent symptom is an unreasonable severe and prolonged headache, which cannot be relieved by the usual drugs for the patient. Nothing else! – Professor Alexander Kukharchuk writes on his page on social networks. – This is already 90% of the correct diagnosis: remove hypertension, vegetative-vascular disorders and head trauma in the anamnesis by interviewing the patient – the diagnosis in a pandemic becomes 99% accurate. One percent can be left to alarmists and neurasthenics. ”

The doctor considers the second most frequent symptom to be extreme weakness and weakness, when a person complains that he cannot raise his hand, it is difficult to tear his head off the pillow.Some admit that they are simply dying of weakness. According to the professor, this is not intoxication familiar to most people, but a deep violation of metabolism, that is, metabolism.

Other symptoms in the initial phase of the disease are much less common and, according to the scientist, have practically no diagnostic value, although they should arouse suspicion. For example, coronavirus conjunctivitis, in adults, as the first manifestation of COVID-19 occurs in 5% of cases, more often in dentists and ophthalmologists who worked without eye protection.

Since there is still no direct-acting drug against the coronavirus, and the severity of the disease largely depends on the number of viral particles that entered the body during infection, treatment in the early stages, in fact, is the prevention of the development of severe forms.

Why do people with COVID-19 experience severe headaches?

– The fact is that headache in coronavirus infection is associated with damage to vascular endothelial cells, – comments Lev Kaktursky, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, scientific director of the Research Institute of Human Morphology, President of the Russian Society of Pathologists.- This applies not only to the lungs, but also to all organs absolutely. With inflammation of the walls of blood vessels, their lumen narrows, as a result of which insufficient blood flow occurs. Headache is a sign of hypoxia, that is, a lack of oxygen, which is carried with the blood stream. This is a cry for oxygen starvation. Due to vascular damage, blood clots and hemorrhages occur, which aggravate the blood supply to the tissues.

– What is the autopsy picture after COVID-19?

– On autopsy, we find inflamed blood vessels.On a micrograph of the brain of a deceased patient with coronavirus infection, we see a blood vessel with signs of inflammation: the lumen is sharply narrowed, the wall is infiltrated with inflammatory cells. Such a vessel cannot provide the necessary blood supply to the brain tissue, which causes oxygen starvation (hypoxia) of the brain tissue, which is manifested by a sharp headache.

90,000 Medicines to prevent headache after lumbar puncture

Lumbar (lumbar, spinal) puncture is an invasive procedure used by medical personnel to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic purposes (for example, to diagnose meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage) by inserting a needle into the lower part dorsal area.A lumbar puncture can also be used to administer drugs such as anesthetics and analgesics (when performing regional anesthesia), chemotherapy, or radiopaque contrast agents.

Postpuncture headache (PPH) is the most common complication of lumbar puncture. A manifestation of PDPH is a persistent headache that worsens in the upright position, decreases in the supine position and goes away on its own within five to seven days. Several interventions have been used before, during, or immediately after lumbar puncture to prevent PDPH, but there is still uncertainty about their clinical efficacy, especially with regard to drug therapy.Therefore, the aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of these drugs in preventing PDPH in children and adults.

We included 10 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving 1611 patients evaluating seven drugs (epidural and intrathecal morphine, intrathecal fentanyl, oral caffeine, rectal indomethacin, intravenous cosyntropine, intravenous aminophylline and intravenous dexamethasone). Epidural morphine and intravenous cosyntropin were shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of PDPH of any severity in study participants after a lumbar puncture, compared with placebo.The use of aminophylline also led to a decrease in the incidence of PDPH of any severity in participants after a lumbar puncture, compared with no intervention. The use of dexamethasone resulted in an increased risk of PDPH compared with placebo after spinal anesthesia for caesarean section.

Morphine use also resulted in an increase in the number of participants with adverse events such as pruritus, nausea and vomiting. Other interventions (fentanyl, caffeine, indomethacin, and dexamethasone) have not shown conclusive evidence of efficacy.

Pooled data was only possible for subgroups of one study comparing different doses of caffeine versus placebo, as other RCTs evaluated a variety of drugs, outcomes, or populations.

A meta-analysis (pooling of data) was not possible because all included RCTs evaluated different drugs, different doses, different outcomes, or study participants differed in key characteristics.

These findings should be interpreted with caution, given the lack of information to adequately assess the risk of bias and the small number of participants included in the studies.

How to get rid of a headache without pills at home

What are the ways to get rid of a headache without pills? We have collected the most popular options to help yourself at home or where there is no way to take medicine.

Aromatherapy against headaches

The aromas of essential oils of various plants have been used since ancient times, they were used to treat many diseases. The scent of lavender helps with headaches – it relaxes, relieves stress and soothes, helps to fall asleep.

If you don’t like lavender, mint will help – it also absorbs stress and soothes the nerves that sometimes cause headaches. It is recommended to rub peppermint oil into the scalp for ten minutes. If there is no peppermint oil, you can use fresh mint leaves: grind them into a gruel and apply, rubbing gently, on the area of ​​the temples, nape and crown.

You can drink mint tea with honey . Put a bottle of peppermint or lavender oil in your purse, and at the first sign of pain, open it and breathe in for about a minute with each nasal passage.

Salvage cold

For headaches due to overexertion, allergies, cramps or colds, cold helps. Wrap the ice with a towel or soak a linen napkin in cold water, apply to your forehead and temples. If your whole head hurts, you can also apply cold to your neck and shoulders.

Warning: Do not use ice without wrapping it in a towel. This will cause vasospasm and, with a little relief, increase the pain.

Soothing warmth

If the headache is associated with circulatory disorders due to cervical osteochondrosis or muscle spasm, the blood supply to the head is impaired.It is necessary to expand the vessels by applying a hot water bottle to the neck area or taking a hot shower on the neck area.

By the way, the shower itself perfectly relieves headache attacks, especially contrasting ones. If there is no heating pad or shower nearby, rotating your head around to knead the muscles and lightly rubbing the back of the neck or wrapping the neck with a woolen shawl helps.

Fresh air for headaches

Pressing pain in the eyes: causes and treatment

Sometimes we experience a special kind of discomfort – it seems that it is either the head or the eyes.This pain occurs in the sinuses or in the back of the eye. Sometimes it is pulsating, sometimes it is constant. This condition scares us very much and I want to know what caused this pain? What can be done to make it easier? Is there something wrong with your eyesight?

Let’s answer the last question first.

Scientists at the American Academy of Ophthalmology have defined “eye pain” as “physical discomfort caused by an eye or other medical condition.” But scientists emphasize at the same time that “the place of pain does not necessarily indicate the cause of the pain.”

In most cases, the cause of the headache felt in the eyes may lie elsewhere. We feel pain in this very place because of the network of interconnected sensory nerves that permeate all tissues of the body.

“Nearly all pain-sensitive structures in the head transfer pain to the eye area,” says Dr. Mark W. Green, MD, professor of neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “The fact that the eye hurts does not mean that the problem is in the eye itself.In fact, this happens quite rarely. ”

Green advises to remember one useful rule: if the white part of the eye (sclera) is not red, and there are no complaints of vision – a fuzzy or distorted picture, it is highly unlikely that the headache is associated with the eyes themselves.

Common causes of eye pain

Migraine

Migraine is the most common type of headache that deprives us of the joy of life. It is a hot flush-like headache that can last up to 72 hours and is often characterized by severe throbbing pain on one side of the head and behind the eyes.The pain can also be felt in the back of the head. Other classic migraine symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds.

“Migraine comes from the term” migraine “, which means” pain in half of the head. ” People with migraines have a very hard time, says Greene. “This is severe pain, and it is of different types, that is, there are several types of headache. People may feel differently, but they all have migraines. ”

Visual disturbances such as flickering of light or halos around light sources may precede the headache.However, most people with migraines do not have these symptoms.

There are many triggers that can trigger migraines. These include fatigue, emotional stress, lack of sleep or excessive sleep, skipping meals, bright or flickering lights, harsh odors, loud noises, certain foods, and changes in temperature and humidity.

There is also a genetic predisposition to migraine: 70% of patients report at least one close relative who also suffered from migraine.

Migraine, detected early enough, can be successfully treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, but there are several prescription medications that can be used prophylactically and to reduce the number of attacks and pain.

Daily medication may be required to treat chronic migraines and sore eyes.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headache is a condition characterized by multiple and frequent attacks of headaches.These cluster periods can last for weeks or months, followed by a period of remission when headaches do not occur for several months or years.

Cluster headache usually occurs quickly, sometimes there are precursors to pain, pain can last up to three hours. Symptoms include excruciating pain (often a headache behind one eye) that radiates to other parts of the face, head, and neck; red and puffy eyes; and excessive tearing.

It is believed that the causes of cluster headaches can be abnormalities in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls many important functions of the body).What can cause pain has not yet been identified, and there is no cure for cluster headaches in the eyes yet.

Treatment of cluster headaches aims to reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the period of cluster pain, and prevent future attacks. Treatments include oxygen therapy, triptan injections and local anesthetics.

Nasal sinus infections

Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They are located behind the nose, forehead and cheeks, as well as behind the eyes.Sinus infection (sinusitis) is a common cause of pain, including headache in the eyes.

Migraine is often mistaken for sinus infection headache. Treatment for sinus headaches includes treating the underlying infection with prescription antibiotics and decongestants.

Ophthalmic diseases causing headache localized behind the eyes

Finally, there are a number of eye diseases and other problems that can cause pain in the eyes.Among them:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve is affected, causing loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, difficulty adjusting to darkness, and halos around light sources.

A special type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause nausea and severe headache behind the eyes. If you experience these symptoms, you should see an optometrist immediately.

Sclerite

Scleritis is a severe inflammation of the sclera or the outer lining of the eyeball.It is most commonly caused by autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include headache behind the eye, red or pink eyes, watery eyes and blurry vision, and photosensitivity.

Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis or inflammation of the optic nerve is accompanied by eye pain or headache behind the eye, blurred vision, loss of color vision, floating flies, nausea, and loss of vision.

Graves ‘disease or Graves’ disease

Basedow’s disease is an autoimmune disease associated with a malfunction of the thyroid gland.Basedow’s disease affects the eyes, they become very bulging, redden, the eyelids are drawn in, patients have limited ability to move their eyes, the image doubles, sometimes there may be loss of vision. In some cases, Graves’ disease can also cause eye pain.

When to see an optometrist?

If you experience unusual pain behind the eyes, see an optometrist immediately. If the white of the eye changes color, or you experience nausea or vision problems associated with a headache, these are signs and symptoms of an acute attack of glaucoma that can cause permanent vision loss.Find out what causes eye pain. Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist and be sure to get a consultation.

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