What are the symptoms of hemiplegic migraines. How do hemiplegic migraines differ from strokes. What causes hemiplegic migraines. How are hemiplegic migraines diagnosed and treated. What are the genetic factors associated with hemiplegic migraines.

Understanding Hemiplegic Migraines: A Rare and Serious Headache Disorder

Hemiplegic migraines are a rare and severe form of migraine headaches that can be particularly alarming due to their stroke-like symptoms. These migraines are characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, known as hemiplegia, in addition to the typical migraine pain. The complexity of hemiplegic migraines often leads to confusion and concern, making it crucial for individuals to understand their unique features and management strategies.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraines

Hemiplegic migraines present with a range of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration. The most distinctive feature is the temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, which typically precedes or accompanies the headache phase. However, the symptoms extend beyond this primary characteristic.

Common Symptoms of Hemiplegic Migraines

• Severe, throbbing head pain (often unilateral)
• Muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Visual disturbances (e.g., zigzag lines, blind spots)
• Speech difficulties
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells

Do these symptoms always occur in the same order? No, the pattern of hemiplegic migraine symptoms can be unpredictable. In some cases, the paralysis may precede the headache, while in others, it may occur simultaneously or even without significant pain. The severity and combination of symptoms can also vary between attacks, making each episode unique.

Differentiating Hemiplegic Migraines from Strokes

One of the most challenging aspects of hemiplegic migraines is their similarity to stroke symptoms. This resemblance can cause significant anxiety for both patients and healthcare providers. Understanding the key differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Key Differences Between Hemiplegic Migraines and Strokes

1. Onset of symptoms: Hemiplegic migraine symptoms typically develop gradually over 20-30 minutes, while stroke symptoms often appear suddenly.
2. Duration: Migraine-related weakness usually resolves within 24 hours, though it may last a few days. Stroke-related weakness tends to be more persistent.
3. Age of onset: Hemiplegic migraines often begin in childhood or adolescence, whereas strokes are more common in older adults.
4. History: Individuals with hemiplegic migraines usually have a history of similar episodes or a family history of the condition.

When should you seek emergency medical attention? If you experience sudden onset of weakness, especially if you’re over 40 or have never had a migraine before, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care to rule out a stroke. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with potentially serious neurological symptoms.

Exploring the Causes of Hemiplegic Migraines

The exact cause of hemiplegic migraines is not fully understood, but research has identified genetic factors that play a significant role in their development. These genetic mutations affect the function of certain proteins involved in nerve cell signaling, leading to the characteristic symptoms of hemiplegic migraines.

Genetic Factors Associated with Hemiplegic Migraines

Four primary genes have been linked to hemiplegic migraines:

• CACNA1A
• ATP1A2
• SCN1A
• PRRT2

How do these genetic mutations contribute to hemiplegic migraines? Mutations in these genes can lead to abnormalities in the production of certain proteins essential for proper nerve cell function. This disruption in neuronal signaling can result in the characteristic symptoms of hemiplegic migraines, including the temporary paralysis and other neurological disturbances.

Are all hemiplegic migraines genetic? No, hemiplegic migraines can be classified into two types based on their genetic origin:

1. Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM): This type runs in families and is associated with specific genetic mutations. Children of affected parents have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition.
2. Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine (SHM): This type occurs in individuals without a family history of the condition and may not be associated with known genetic mutations.

Diagnostic Approaches for Hemiplegic Migraines

Diagnosing hemiplegic migraines can be challenging due to their similarity to other neurological conditions. A comprehensive approach involving various diagnostic tools and techniques is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Common Diagnostic Methods for Hemiplegic Migraines

• Neuroimaging: CT scans or MRI of the brain to rule out stroke or other structural abnormalities
• Cardiovascular tests: To assess heart function and blood vessels in the neck
• Genetic testing: To identify mutations associated with familial hemiplegic migraine
• Detailed medical history: Including family history and description of symptoms
• Neurological examination: To assess muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory function

Why is a thorough diagnostic process important? Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan and distinguishing hemiplegic migraines from other serious neurological conditions that may require different interventions.

Treatment Strategies for Hemiplegic Migraines

Managing hemiplegic migraines can be complex, and treatment approaches may vary depending on the individual’s specific symptoms and medical history. The primary goals of treatment are to prevent attacks, alleviate symptoms during an episode, and improve overall quality of life.

Pharmacological Treatments for Hemiplegic Migraines

1. Preventive medications: These may include antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers, or certain antidepressants.
2. Acute treatments: Pain relievers and anti-nausea medications can help manage symptoms during an attack.
3. Specialized migraine medications: Some drugs used for other types of migraines may be considered, but their use in hemiplegic migraines is controversial.

Are all migraine medications safe for hemiplegic migraines? No, there is ongoing debate about the safety of certain migraine medications, such as triptans, beta-blockers, and ergotamine derivatives, in patients with hemiplegic migraines. Some evidence suggests these drugs may increase the risk of ischemia in this population, but more research is needed to establish definitive guidelines.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Managing Hemiplegic Migraines

• Lifestyle modifications: Identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and managing stress
• Dietary changes: Eliminating potential food triggers and staying well-hydrated
• Relaxation techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress
• Physical therapy: To address any lingering weakness or coordination issues
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: To develop coping strategies and manage anxiety related to the condition

Why is a multifaceted approach important in managing hemiplegic migraines? Combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies can often provide the most effective relief and help prevent future attacks, improving overall quality of life for individuals with this condition.

Living with Hemiplegic Migraines: Long-Term Outlook and Coping Strategies

While hemiplegic migraines can be a challenging and sometimes frightening condition to live with, many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Understanding the long-term prognosis and developing effective coping strategies are crucial aspects of living with this rare migraine variant.

Long-Term Prognosis for Hemiplegic Migraines

Can hemiplegic migraines resolve over time? In some cases, particularly when symptoms begin in childhood or adolescence, hemiplegic migraines may improve or even disappear in adulthood. However, for many individuals, the condition persists throughout life, requiring ongoing management.

Are there potential long-term complications? While rare, some individuals may experience persistent neurological symptoms or difficulties with movement and coordination over time. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor for and address any potential long-term effects.

Coping Strategies for Individuals with Hemiplegic Migraines

• Education: Learning about the condition and staying informed about new research and treatment options
• Support networks: Connecting with others who have hemiplegic migraines through support groups or online communities
• Keeping a migraine diary: Tracking symptoms, triggers, and treatment effectiveness to better manage the condition
• Developing an emergency plan: Having a clear action plan for when symptoms occur, including when to seek medical attention
• Workplace accommodations: Discussing potential accommodations with employers to manage the impact of the condition on work life
• Self-care: Prioritizing overall health and well-being through regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management

How can family members and caregivers support individuals with hemiplegic migraines? Understanding the condition, recognizing symptoms, and providing emotional support are crucial. Additionally, helping to maintain a calm environment during attacks and assisting with daily tasks when necessary can be immensely helpful.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Hemiplegic Migraine Treatment

As our understanding of hemiplegic migraines continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for treatment and management of this complex condition. Ongoing studies aim to uncover more about the underlying mechanisms of hemiplegic migraines and develop targeted therapies.

Promising Areas of Research in Hemiplegic Migraines

1. Gene therapy: Exploring ways to correct or compensate for genetic mutations associated with hemiplegic migraines
2. Neuromodulation techniques: Investigating non-invasive brain stimulation methods to prevent or alleviate symptoms
3. Personalized medicine: Developing tailored treatment approaches based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific symptoms
4. Novel drug targets: Identifying new molecular pathways involved in hemiplegic migraines that could lead to more effective medications
5. Advanced neuroimaging: Using cutting-edge brain imaging techniques to better understand the neural processes underlying hemiplegic migraines

What potential benefits could these research directions bring to patients? These emerging areas of study hold promise for more effective treatments, improved quality of life, and potentially even preventive strategies for individuals with hemiplegic migraines. As research progresses, it may lead to a deeper understanding of the condition and more targeted, personalized approaches to management.

In conclusion, hemiplegic migraines represent a unique and challenging form of migraine that requires careful diagnosis, management, and ongoing research. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and current treatment options, individuals affected by this condition can work with healthcare providers to develop effective strategies for living with hemiplegic migraines. As research continues to advance, there is hope for improved treatments and a better quality of life for those affected by this rare migraine variant.

Hemiplegic Headaches/Migraines: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Written by Rebecca Buffum Taylor

• What Is a Hemiplegic Migraine?
• Hemiplegic Migraine Symptoms
• Hemiplegic Migraine vs. Stroke
• Hemiplegic Migraines Causes
• Tests to Diagnose Hemiplegic Migraines
• Hemiplegic Migraine Treatment
• More

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare and serious type of migraine headache. Many of its symptoms mimic those common to stroke. For example, muscle weakness can be so extreme that it causes a temporary paralysis on one side of your body, which doctors call hemiplegia.

You may have early symptoms before the actual headache pain. Early symptoms called auras may cause:

• Short-term trouble with muscle control and sensation
• Severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of your head
• A pins-and-needles feeling, often moving from your hand up your arm
• Numbness on one side of your body, which can include your arm, leg, and half of your face
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting

Other aura symptoms may include:

• Seeing zigzag lines, double vision, or blind spots
• Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
• Language difficulties, such as mixing words or trouble remembering a word
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness

Auras usually come on gradually over a half-hour, and then can last for hours and then slowly resolve. They can be more severe and last longer than with other types of migraine.

You have a terrible headache. How do you know the cause? The short answer is: You don’t. Some of the symptoms of a migraine can be very much like those of a stroke.

If you think there’s even the slightest chance you’re having a stroke, call 911 right away. Early treatment can limit the damage to your brain and possibly save your life.

If you’re over 40 and have never had a migraine, assume your pain is something more serious, especially if you notice stroke symptoms like paralysis or slurred speech. People who get migraines typically have it most of their lives. It’s rare to have your first symptoms when you’re older.

The stroke-like symptoms of hemiplegic migraine can range from worrisome to disabling. Unlike stroke symptoms, they come on slowly and build and then may completely go away. Muscle problems usually go away within 24 hours, but they may last a few days.

There’s not a predictable pattern with this type of migraine. Usually, pain follows the paralysis, but it might come before, or you might not get a headache at all. You may hurt a lot and feel only a little weak; then the next attack might bring severe paralysis without much pain.

It’s uncommon, but over time, some people can have long-lasting trouble with movement and coordination.

Hemiplegic migraine symptoms often start when you’re a child or teen. Sometimes, they’ll disappear when you’re an adult.

So far, researchers have found four genes linked with hemiplegic migraine:

• CACNA1A
• ATP1A2
• SCN1A
• PRRT2

Defects, or mutations, in any of these can make your body less able to make a certain protein. Without it, nerve cells have trouble sending out or taking in signals that go between them. One of these chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, is serotonin.

A child of a parent with hemiplegic migraines will have a 50% chance of getting them as well.

A CT scan or an MRI of your head can show signs of a stroke and so rule it out as a cause of your symptoms. Tests of your heart and the blood vessels in your neck can rule out blood clots as a cause of your symptoms.

If you have a family member with similar symptoms, your doctor may want to do genetic testing. Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) means it runs in your family, and you could pass it on to your children. People who don’t have problems with those four genes have sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM).

Doctors don’t always agree on the best way to treat hemiplegic migraines.

Your doctor might prescribe drugs to prevent hemiplegic migraines, to stop them once they’ve started, or to relieve your symptoms. It’s a good idea to discuss these options with your doctor.

There is controversy over whether some drugs that are used to treat other types of migraines should be used for hemiplegic migraines. There is some evidence that triptans, beta-blockers, and ergotamine derivatives may lead to ischemia (when a part of your body isn’t getting enough blood) in patients with hemiplegic migraine. But more research is needed to be sure.

CGRP inhibitors are a new class of preventive medicine for treating most common migraines, but early studies suggest they would not work for hemiplegic migraines.

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6 Tips to Get Rid of a Headache Naturally

• Which headache remedy works best for you will depend on the type of headache you have. 
• For example, if you have a tension headache, you should try meditating or a breathing exercise.  
• Other headache remedies include trying acupressure, drinking water, and taking vitamins. 

Many people turn to over-the-counter pain medications to get rid of a headache, but it can be possible to relieve a headache without medication. 

For example, relaxation techniques, acupressure, or warm compresses are all home remedies that can help combat headache symptoms and give you some relief. 

Here’s what you should know about headaches and how to treat the symptoms naturally. 

What is a headache? 

A headache is when you feel pain in the head or face. There are different types of headaches with varying causes, such as: 

• Tension headaches often feel like a dull, aching head pain and tightness across your forehead. These are often caused by stress.
• Migraine headaches feel like intense throbbing in one part of the head. These can also be caused by stress or by strong stimuli in your environment, like bright lights and intense smells.  
• Cluster headaches often manifest as intense pain behind the eye and are similar to migraine headaches. 
• Sinus headaches often feel like pressure around your forehead, cheeks, and eyes. This is usually a sign that you have some nasal or sinus congestion, and may be a sign of a sinus infection. 

The following are some simple strategies you can try at home to help relieve these types of headaches:

1. Use a cold or hot compress

For headaches with radiating pain that starts in one area and spreads to another, like migraine headaches, cold compresses can be placed over the spot from which the pain originates, says Michael Devine, MD, internal medicine doctor and geriatrician with Devine Concierge Medicine, a primary care practice in Philadelphia. 

Cold temperatures have a numbing effect, which can dull the pain. They can also constrict the blood vessels, which may help relieve migraines. You can make your own cold compress by placing a damp towel in the freezer for about 10 minutes. An ice pack would also work. 

Heat is better suited for tension headaches, Devine says, which often manifest as dull, aching head pain and a feeling of tightness across your forehead. 

Tensions headaches are typically caused by stress and relaxing stiff neck and shoulder muscles can help relieve this type of headache. For example, heat packs or a hot towel can be draped over the neck and shoulder muscles to help relax the muscles. 

2. Try acupressure

Acupressure is the act of applying firm pressure to certain parts of the body for one to two minutes at a time. 

This is most helpful at the back of your neck or base of your skull, and helps relax tension in the stabilizer muscles located in the neck that are often affected in tension headaches, Devine says. You can do this yourself at home. For example, you can follow these steps from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: 

1. On your left hand, find the space between the base of your thumb and index finger. This space is known as pressure point LI-4, or Hegu. 

2. Using your right thumb and index finger, press down on this point. Slowly move your thumb in a circle as you apply pressure. You should be firm, but don’t hurt yourself. 

3. Find the same space on your right hand, and with your left thumb and index finger, repeat this process for another five minutes. 

3. Practice relaxation techniques 

Relaxation techniques — like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises — can also be helpful in managing certain headaches, especially cluster headaches. 

Cluster headaches, which often manifest as intense pain behind the eye, can often be relieved with deep breathing exercises, Devine says. For example, you can practice a breathing exercise known as rhythmic breathing by taking long, slow breaths and slowly counting to five as you inhale and exhale. 

In addition, tension headaches and migraine headaches are often related to stress, Devine says. Yoga and meditation can be particularly helpful with these types of headaches because they can help relax the body and reduce stress over time. 

Note: For more information, learn about how to perform breathing exercises for relaxation. You can also follow our beginners guide on how to meditate. 

4. Improve your diet

Foods containing phenylalanine and tyramine may increase the frequency of migraine headaches for some people. 

Phenylalanine is an amino acid often found in:

• Artificial sweeteners
• MSG and nitrate-containing foods like processed meats and hot dogs

Tyramine is a compound produced by the breakdown of amino acids and is often found in:

• Smoked or fermented foods
• Alcoholic beverages
• Strong or aged cheeses, like parmesan and blue cheese

To prevent headaches, Devine suggests eating three to four small meals throughout the day instead of one to two large meals. Foods rich in protein and dietary fiber, like almonds and cherries, may also help ward off headaches.

5. Stay hydrated 

Drinking more water — and less dehydrating beverages, like alcohol or coffee — can also help prevent headaches. 

Devine recommends drinking an 8 to 16 ounce glass of water every two to three hours when you start to notice a headache coming on, as migraine headaches often respond well to this approach.

Quick tip: Read more about how much water you’re supposed to drink each day for optimal health. 

In addition, caffeine could be a possible headache culprit, especially if it’s something you used to consume regularly but then stopped or cut back. Caffeine is tricky because it can help certain headaches, like migraines, but drinking too much of it can also lead to dehydration, which can also cause headaches. 

Alcohol can also be a migraine trigger, especially if you are stressed or anxious, according to the American Migraine Foundation. Alcoholic beverages can also dehydrate you and cause a headache the next day. 

6.

Take vitamins or supplements

There are many vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies that can alleviate or prevent headaches, especially migraines. 

Devine says these natural remedies work to relieve headaches by improving your circulation, acting as an anti-inflammatory, bringing more oxygen to your tissues, providing muscle relaxation, or offering direct pain relief.

For example, Devine recommends the following: 

• Magnesium
• Riboflavin
• Coenzyme Q10
• Chamomile
• Feverfew

When to see a doctor 

While home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help with headaches, Devine recommends working with your doctor to determine and treat the underlying cause of recurring headaches. 

Migraine and tension headaches, for instance, are often caused by a lack of adequate sleep, stress, poor circulation, eye-strain, allergies, and poor dietary habits. 

If you experience frequent headaches severe enough to disrupt your life, then you should visit a primary care doctor or neurologist who can diagnose and treat conditions that may be contributing to your headaches.  

Insider’s takeaway

Overall, to combat frequent tension headaches or migraines, Devine recommends getting six to eight hours of sleep a night, consuming at least 64 ounces of water a day, exercising for at least 20 minutes three to five times a week, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. 

With these home remedies, you may be able to quickly relieve or even prevent headaches naturally. But if you consistently suffer from headaches or migraines, you should check in with your doctor, who may prescribe you medication or work with you to make lifestyle changes. 

Erin Heger

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist located in the Kansas City area. She primarily covers stories related to healthcare policy, maternal mental health, parenting, and personal finance. Her work been featured in The Atlantic, Rewire.News, Refinery29, HuffPost, and more. 

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How to get rid of headaches and migraines: advice from an experienced osteopath

Almost everyone has experienced a headache. According to WHO, about 47% of adults suffer from it at least once a year. How dangerous this condition can be and how to get rid of it, says the osteopath of the clinic Kolyshnitsyn Nikita Yuryevich.

Is it true that a headache can be very dangerous?

Of course, because it is considered a symptom of various diseases and does not occur without a cause. And there may be several. The main ones include tension in the muscles of the head, problems with blood vessels, cervical osteochondrosis, and a violation of neuro-hormonal regulation. Unfortunately, most people do not attach importance to a headache – they just drink another pill that relieves pain. This is where the danger lies – gradually there is an addiction to drugs, and there will come a moment when they can not help. To get rid of a headache, you need to find and eliminate its causes. This is where an osteopath can help you.

In what way?

First of all, at the first appointment, he will determine why you have a headache. Many people who come to me for help have tension headaches. They occur due to muscle spasm, often during stress, negative emotional overstrain. In this case, the osteopath can relax tense head muscles with gentle hand movements. Then he works out the ligaments of the neck, goes to the back of the head, the upper back. It also affects the oblique and suboccipital muscles and other structures. These manipulations help to deeply and comprehensively relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. Thus, the headache may soon disappear.

What if the pain is caused by high intracranial pressure?

This occurs in almost half of my patients. When the pressure inside the skull increases, a person develops severe headaches that can last for several hours. In this case, cranial (craniosacral) therapy is used: the osteopath puts his hands on the head and with barely noticeable movements, with minimal pressure with the palms and fingers, can restore the cranial rhythm and ensure free circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. This, in turn, helps to reduce and even completely remove the headache.

What does an osteopath do if it is determined that the cause of the headache is cervical osteochondrosis?

As a rule, problems in the cervical region occur due to muscle spasms, poor blood supply to the discs, and also when degenerative and dystrophic processes develop. As a result, the nerve roots are pinched, in response, muscle spasms appear. It is they who block the blood flow to the head, the brain does not receive enough oxygen, the pressure rises and falls sharply. All this causes moderate to severe headaches.

Osteopath helps relieve muscle spasms and tension, restore normal blood flow in the cervical artery. Thanks to its actions, blood flow to the head can improve and blood pressure normalizes. Thus, the cause of the pain is eliminated, and it passes.

Such techniques can affect not only pain symptoms, but also have a beneficial effect on the disease of the spine itself. The fact is that blood flow is normalized not only to the brain, but also to the intervertebral discs with joints. In other words, you can do two things at once – and eliminate the headache, and start restoring the discs of the spine.

How do you help fight migraines?

This is a special part of the conversation, now this disease occurs in every 10th inhabitant of the planet. I will not describe what kind of torment a person experiences during migraine attacks, since only those who have experienced them can understand them.

From the point of view of an osteopath, migraine is a simultaneous disorder of the neuroendocrine and autonomic systems at the level of the central nervous system. As a rule, it is caused by improper circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and blood in the brain. Very often, the appearance of a migraine provokes stress and severe nervous strain. The osteopath affects the nervous system, primarily by removing muscle blocks, spasms, and constrictions. Relaxing the patient’s muscles, the doctor seems to release his emotional tension, “preserved” in them, thereby eliminating the effects of stress. And this, in turn, has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state, hormonal system and neurohormonal regulation. Along with this, the vascular tone increases, blood circulation improves, and the headache disappears.

In general, osteopathy of the head is an excellent prophylactic for the whole organism. Directed actions of a specialist can quickly launch the mechanisms of self-healing and rejuvenation, improve the psycho-emotional state, improve the functioning of the digestive system, and restore metabolic processes.

The Osteopathy Center of the Naedine clinic hosts experienced specialists who work with various diseases every day. You can make an appointment by calling 8 (8332) 32-77-77 or on the clinic-alone.rf website.

What to do if you have a headache – useful information for patients, blog of the Vitbiomed clinic +

Text: Irina Frolova

Since childhood, many of us have learned: with a headache, you need to take Citramon, and everything will pass. However, this cheap medicine is not always effective and not so harmless. Let’s figure out why the head hurts and what needs to be done in each case.

High blood pressure

Perhaps the most common cause of headaches. In any case, it is precisely the increase in pressure that is thought first of all in the case of a headache, but this is not always the case. Therefore, before taking medication, it is worth measuring blood pressure. If it is really elevated (relative to your usual indicators), you can take a remedy prescribed by a doctor, such as ACE inhibitors, or no-shpu – it will help relieve vasospasm and thereby reduce pressure.

If, despite the treatment prescribed by your doctor, your blood pressure continues to rise and your head hurts, contact your doctor again – this group of drugs may not suit you and you need to change it or you need to adjust the dosage. The selection of drugs for hypertension is an individual task.

With increased pressure, the pain is usually concentrated in the back of the head and eyes and has a pressing or pulsating character (it seems as if the eyes are squeezed out or the head is pulled together by a tight hoop, patients often say). Headache with hypertension may be accompanied by nausea.

Take a vasodilator and/or an ACE inhibitor (watch your doses and don’t let your blood pressure drop too fast, it’s dangerous).

It is in this case that citramon can be useful, because it increases blood pressure due to the content of caffeine. Strong coffee and strong tea can also help with low blood pressure (and strong black tea may be more effective than coffee for raising blood pressure).

If your blood pressure is very low, try to lie down with your head lower than your legs: this will help the blood reach the brain and supply it with nutrients and oxygen.

Headache with reduced pressure usually focuses on the crown and has a constant pressing character, while the head may feel dizzy, especially if you suddenly change your body position, for example, stand up quickly or straighten up from a sitting or lying position.

Take Citramon or drink very strong tea or coffee.

Tension Pain

This is the most commonly reported headache in the world. In this case, the headache usually occurs in the middle of the day, increases slowly and gradually, and can last up to a week. Headache on both sides, and dull pain extending down to the neck. It seems as if the head was pulled into a tight hoop. These pains can be chronic or occur from time to time.

Tension headache can develop due to various reasons: overexertion of the neck muscles, sleep disturbances, stress, mental overexertion.

Short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, massage, physical therapy, psychotherapy is usually recommended to relieve such pain. Antidepressants are prescribed for chronic tension headache.

Take NSAIDs once (if used continuously, they can have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys) .

Other causes of headaches

In addition to the above causes, headaches can be caused by a brain tumor, glaucoma, stroke, atherosclerosis, small brain hemorrhages and even spasms of the facial muscles that make us grind our teeth at night.

There can be many causes of headaches, and it is often difficult to independently determine what exactly causes a headache, but the treatment of different types of pain can be drastically different.

Painkillers should not be taken regularly – in addition to side effects, they can also mask the true cause of the headache and make it difficult to make a timely diagnosis and treatment.