Why do some people experience frequent headaches. What are the main types of headaches and their symptoms. How can chronic headaches be effectively managed and prevented. What role do lifestyle factors play in headache occurrence. When should you seek medical help for recurring headaches.

The Impact of Frequent Headaches on Daily Life

Experiencing occasional headaches is a common occurrence for most individuals. However, when headaches become frequent, they can significantly disrupt one’s personal and professional life. Dr. Christy Jackson, a neurologist and director of the Donald J. Dalessio Headache Center at Scripps Clinic, emphasizes the importance of seeking medical help rather than relying solely on over-the-counter pain relievers.

Many people hesitate to consult a healthcare professional, believing they can manage their headaches independently. This approach can lead to improper diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Dr. Jackson stresses that chronic headaches are treatable, and no one should endure ongoing suffering.

Primary vs. Secondary Headaches: Understanding the Difference

Headaches are broadly categorized into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are not caused by an underlying medical condition, with migraines and tension headaches being the most prevalent. Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are symptoms of another health issue, such as fever, infection, stress, or head injury.

The frequency and severity of headaches can vary greatly. Episodic headaches occur occasionally, while chronic headaches are more persistent, affecting individuals for 15 or more days in a month. Pain intensity can range from mild to debilitating, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

What are the key differences between primary and secondary headaches?

• Primary headaches: Not caused by another medical condition
• Secondary headaches: Symptoms of an underlying health problem
• Episodic headaches: Occur occasionally
• Chronic headaches: Persist for 15 or more days per month

Tension Headaches: The Most Common Type

Tension headaches are the most frequently experienced type of headache. They typically cause mild to moderate pain and are characterized by a dull, constant discomfort felt on both sides of the head. Unlike other headache types, tension headaches usually don’t present with additional symptoms.

These headaches result from tightening or tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and scalp. Various factors can trigger tension headaches, including:

• Stress
• Noise
• Fumes
• Extended periods of screen time (TV or computer)

While tension headaches are generally easier to manage than other types due to their intermittent nature, chronic tension headaches can be more challenging and less common.

Migraines: The Most Disruptive Primary Headache

Migraines are known for their debilitating effects and are considered the most disruptive type of primary headache. They are characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain that can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Migraine attacks typically occur one to four times a month.

Unlike tension headaches, migraines often come with additional symptoms, including:

• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Preference for dark, quiet environments
• Nausea and vomiting
• Visual disturbances (aura)

Migraines are more prevalent in women than men and can run in families, often beginning at an early age. Environmental factors play a significant role in triggering migraine attacks, with common triggers including:

• Sleep disruption
• Dehydration
• Skipped meals
• Certain foods
• Hormone fluctuations
• Exposure to chemicals

Dr. Jackson emphasizes the importance of prompt treatment for migraine symptoms and prevention through trigger management. Understanding and avoiding individual triggers can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Cluster Headaches: Severe but Less Common

Cluster headaches are characterized by their severity and distinct pattern. Although less common than tension headaches or migraines, they can be extremely painful and disruptive. Key features of cluster headaches include:

• Often begin on one side of the head
• Recur for days or weeks
• Attacks last between 15 minutes to 3 hours
• Can occur daily during active periods

Cluster headaches predominantly affect men between the ages of 20 and 50, with smokers being at higher risk. During an attack, individuals may experience restlessness, agitation, and profuse sweating. Alcohol consumption is a known trigger for cluster headaches.

Who is most at risk for cluster headaches?

• Men aged 20-50
• Smokers
• Those with a history of alcohol consumption

Medication Overuse Headaches: A Paradoxical Problem

Also known as rebound headaches, medication overuse headaches present a unique challenge in headache management. These headaches are paradoxically caused by the overuse of pain medications intended to alleviate headache symptoms. Common culprits include:

• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen

Interestingly, women are more frequently affected by medication overuse headaches than men. This type of headache underscores the importance of proper medication management and the potential risks associated with excessive use of over-the-counter pain relievers.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Headaches

When over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief and headaches become more frequent, healthcare providers may recommend prescription medications and other therapeutic approaches. The treatment landscape for chronic headaches, particularly migraines, has evolved significantly in recent years.

What are some advanced treatment options for chronic migraines?

• Antidepressants
• Botox injections
• Newer, targeted medications

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a groundbreaking class of medications that target a neuropeptide known to play a crucial role in migraine pathophysiology. These novel treatments offer new hope for individuals suffering from chronic migraines who have not found relief with traditional therapies.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Communication

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective headache management. Dr. Robert Bonakdar, a pain specialist at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, emphasizes the importance of clear and open communication between patients and healthcare providers. The information shared by patients plays a vital role in determining the correct diagnosis and tailoring an appropriate treatment plan.

When seeking medical help for frequent headaches, it’s essential to provide detailed information about:

• Headache frequency and duration
• Pain intensity and location
• Associated symptoms
• Potential triggers
• Impact on daily activities
• Previous treatments and their effectiveness

By understanding your specific headache type and its underlying causes, healthcare providers can develop a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses both symptom relief and prevention.

Integrative Approaches to Headache Management

At specialized centers like the Scripps Clinic, headache specialists employ a combination of traditional and complementary care approaches to help individuals suffering from recurring, chronic headaches. This integrative strategy focuses on prevention and lifestyle changes, recognizing that effective headache management often requires addressing multiple factors.

What components are included in an integrative approach to headache management?

• Medication (both preventive and acute)
• Biofeedback techniques
• Stress management strategies
• Dietary modifications
• Sleep hygiene improvements
• Physical therapy
• Mindfulness and relaxation practices

By evaluating symptoms comprehensively and designing personalized treatment plans, healthcare providers can target the underlying physical, psychological, and environmental causes of chronic headaches. This holistic approach often leads to more effective and sustainable relief for patients struggling with frequent headaches.

When to Seek Medical Help for Headaches

While occasional headaches are common and often manageable with over-the-counter remedies, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize when headaches may indicate a more serious condition or require specialized treatment.

When should you consult a doctor about your headaches?

• Headache symptoms worsen or occur more frequently despite home treatment
• Headaches interfere significantly with daily activities
• You require pain medication more than two days a week
• Headaches are accompanied by neurological symptoms (e.g., vision changes, weakness, numbness)
• You experience sudden, severe headaches (“thunderclap” headaches)
• Headaches occur after a head injury
• You have a history of cancer or immune system problems

Dr. Jackson emphasizes that no one should endure chronic headaches when effective treatments are available. By seeking timely medical help, individuals can receive proper diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and ultimately improve their quality of life.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Headache Prevention

While medical treatments play a crucial role in managing chronic headaches, lifestyle factors can significantly influence headache frequency and severity. Implementing certain lifestyle changes can complement medical interventions and contribute to long-term headache prevention.

What lifestyle modifications can help prevent headaches?

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated
• Eating balanced meals at consistent times
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Regular exercise
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Avoiding known trigger foods
• Taking regular breaks from screen time
• Maintaining good posture

By identifying and addressing individual triggers and adopting healthier lifestyle habits, many people can reduce the frequency and intensity of their headaches. It’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive prevention strategy that incorporates both medical and lifestyle approaches.

The Impact of Stress on Headache Occurrence

Stress is a well-known trigger for various types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. Understanding the relationship between stress and headaches can help individuals develop effective coping strategies and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced headache episodes.

How does stress contribute to headache occurrence?

• Increases muscle tension, particularly in the neck and scalp
• Alters sleep patterns, which can trigger headaches
• Leads to irregular eating habits, potentially triggering migraines
• Elevates cortisol levels, which may influence pain perception
• Can exacerbate existing headache conditions

Managing stress through various techniques can play a significant role in headache prevention and overall well-being. Some effective stress-reduction strategies include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Regular exercise
• Time management techniques
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Maintaining social connections and support systems

By incorporating stress management into their daily routines, individuals prone to headaches may experience a reduction in both frequency and severity of their symptoms. It’s important to experiment with different techniques to find the most effective stress-reduction strategies for each individual.

The Promise of New Headache Treatments

The field of headache medicine is continuously evolving, with researchers and pharmaceutical companies working to develop new and more effective treatments for various types of headaches. Recent advancements have brought hope to many individuals who have struggled with chronic headaches resistant to traditional therapies.

What are some promising new treatments for chronic headaches?

• CGRP antagonists: A new class of drugs specifically designed for migraine prevention
• Neuromodulation devices: Non-invasive devices that stimulate specific nerves to reduce headache pain
• Monoclonal antibodies: Targeted treatments that can prevent migraine attacks
• Gepants: A new class of oral medications for acute migraine treatment
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques: Helping to better understand headache mechanisms and guide treatment

These innovative approaches offer new options for individuals who have not found relief with existing treatments. As research continues, it’s likely that even more targeted and effective therapies will become available, potentially transforming the landscape of headache management.

While these new treatments show great promise, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can vary among individuals. Working closely with a headache specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on an individual’s specific headache type, frequency, and overall health profile.

The Importance of Headache Diaries in Management and Prevention

Keeping a headache diary is a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers in the management and prevention of chronic headaches. By systematically tracking headache occurrences, symptoms, and potential triggers, individuals can gain valuable insights into their condition and contribute to more effective treatment strategies.

What information should be included in a headache diary?

• Date and time of headache onset
• Duration of the headache
• Pain intensity (usually on a scale of 1-10)
• Location of the pain
• Associated symptoms (e.g., nausea, sensitivity to light or sound)
• Potential triggers (e.g., foods eaten, stress levels, sleep patterns)
• Medications taken and their effectiveness
• Impact on daily activities

By maintaining a detailed headache diary, patients can:

• Identify patterns in headache occurrence
• Recognize potential triggers
• Assess the effectiveness of treatments
• Provide accurate information to healthcare providers
• Track progress over time

Many smartphone apps are now available to help individuals easily track their headaches and associated factors. These digital tools can simplify the process of maintaining a headache diary and often provide helpful analytics to identify patterns and trends.

Healthcare providers can use the information from headache diaries to refine diagnosis, adjust treatment plans, and offer more personalized recommendations for headache management and prevention. This collaborative approach, combining patient-reported data with medical expertise, often leads to more effective outcomes in the long-term management of chronic headaches.

Why Am I Getting Frequent Headaches?

To say, “I have a headache,” is one thing. To say, “I always have headaches,” is another. The latter is often more concerning.

Most people get headaches from time to time. They usually go away with or without any treatment. Frequent headaches are much less common and much more serious. They can disrupt your work or personal life. They can also be a sign of an illness or injury.

“Unfortunately, many people don’t seek help because they think they can cope on their own,” says Christy Jackson, MD, a neurologist and director of the Donald J. Dalessio Headache Center at Scripps Clinic. “They may rely on over-the-counter pain relievers instead of getting medical help. In some cases, headaches are not properly diagnosed.”

Consult with your primary care doctor if your headache symptoms get worse or occur more often despite treatment at home. Your doctor may refer you to a headache specialist.

“No one should go through life suffering from chronic headaches,” Dr. Jackson says. “Not when they are treatable.”

Headache specialists at Scripps help people who suffer from recurring, chronic headaches through a combination of traditional and complementary care with a focus on prevention and lifestyle changes.

“We evaluate your symptoms and design a treatment plan that targets the underlying physical, psychological and environmental causes of your headaches,” Dr. Jackson says.

“There are many effective treatments to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks,” adds Robert Bonakdar, MD, a pain specialist at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Treatments may include medication, biofeedback and other therapies.

Dr. Bonakdar stresses the importance of clear and open communication between doctor and patient. “Correct diagnosis depends largely on the information you share with your health care provider.”

It’s important to understand your diagnosis as much as possible, including what type of headache you have and what is causing it. There are many types of headaches, levels of frequency and severity.

Headache pain can range from mild to disabling. Headaches can be episodic or chronic. Episodic headaches occur occasionally. Chronic headaches are more consistent. They can strike for 15 days or more in a month.

Headaches are divided into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are those not caused by another medical condition. Migraine and tension headaches are the most common.

Secondary headaches are symptoms of another health problem, such as a fever, infection, stress or a head injury.

Tension headaches, which are the most common type of headache, cause mild to moderate pain. They often present as a dull, constant pain felt on both sides of the head, and have no other symptoms.

These type of headaches are caused by tightening or tension in the muscles in the head, neck and scalp. They can be brought on by stress, noise, fumes and even long periods of watching TV or computer screens. They’re easier to handle than other types of headaches because they usually just come and go. Chronic tension headaches are much less common.

Migraine is the most disruptive type of primary headache. It is often marked by a throbbing pain that is moderate to severe. It can last four to 72 hours and happen one to four times a month.

Migraines often include other symptoms. Someone with a migraine may be sensitive to light and sound. They may prefer to be in a dark, quiet space. They may also experience nausea and vomiting and visual disturbances (aura).

Women are more likely than men to get migraines. Migraine attacks may also run in a family and begin at an early age.

Certain environmental factors are common triggers, such as sleep disruption, dehydration, skipped meals, some foods, hormone fluctuations and exposure to chemicals.

“The goal is to treat migraine symptoms right away and to prevent symptoms by avoiding or changing triggers,” Dr. Jackson says.

Cluster headaches are more severe but less common. They often begin on one side of the head and recur for days or weeks. Attacks can last between 15 minutes to three hours and occur every day.

They tend to affect men between the ages of 20 and 50, and smokers. People who experience these types of headaches are often restless, agitated and sweat profusely. Alcohol can trigger an attack.

Also known as rebound headaches, they are caused by an overuse of pain medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Women are affected more often than men.

When over-the-counter medicine fails to work and headaches become more frequent, medication and other therapies may be prescribed.

Medications to prevent frequent migraines include antidepressants and Botox injections and newer medications.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new class of medications that modulate a neuropeptide known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that is believed to play a key role in migraine. Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other.

For treatment of migraines as they occur, your doctor may prescribe triptans for relief.

Medication for frequent headaches may be combined with non-medication options, such as biofeedback, relaxation, bio stimulation and diet therapy.

Biofeedback uses electronic monitoring to help teach individuals how to control certain physical responses, such as muscle tension.

Many different relaxation therapies are available and can be individualized.

“Manual and massage therapy can be especially helpful for those with significant muscle tension or neck stiffness related to headache,” Dr. Bonakdar says.

For those who may have significant stress and sleep issues, one of the most powerful techniques is mindfulness. “This technique helps individuals increase awareness to manage triggers and automatic responses that often lead to the next headache.”

Mindfulness is typically offered at Scripps as an 8-week stress reduction course.

Biostimulation is a broad term that encompasses therapies such as acupuncture, which involves the use of needles to stimulate specific points of the body to alleviate pain.

“With a treatment course, acupuncture has been found to be as helpful as medication in the prevention of migraines,” Dr. Bonakdar says.

Electrical stimulation and other techniques can also be used. The most recent is the Nerivio wearable device, which was one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2019.

Many headache sufferers often report a diet-related trigger. “When this is the case, the solution may be as simple as identifying and avoiding these triggers or finding a diet or supplement regimen that can fill gaps created by long-term headaches,” Dr. Bonakdar says.

While many foods can cause headaches, some are more common than others. Dr. Bonakdar works closely with the center’s dietician to help patients identify and avoid individualized triggers, which typically fall into a few categories:

• Allergenic foods which may take testing to confirm, such as peanuts and foods made with gluten
• Additives, such as those found in pre-packaged and processed foods
• Artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet foods to reduce calorie content
• Aged foods, including wine, cheese, sauerkraut and cured meats.

“Diet is just one component of headache management,” he adds. “It’s important to look at the whole person to develop a treatment plan that includes a healthy lifestyle, integrative therapies — and when appropriate — medication.”

Is It Normal To Get Headaches Everyday?

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May 16, 2022

No, it’s NOT normal to get headaches everyday

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches, which come in many forms – most of them pretty disabling.

You may be suffering from chronic daily headaches if the headaches occur 15 days or more a month and you have experienced them for at least three months.

In general, there are four kinds of chronic daily headaches. They include:

• Chronic migraine headaches. These can affect one side or both sides of your head, have a throbbing sensation, and cause moderate-to-severe pain. They can also cause nausea, vomiting, or both. People tend to be sensitive to light and sound during these headaches.
• Chronic tension headaches. These tend to affect both sides of your head, cause mild-to-moderate pain, and produce a pain that feels like pressing or tightening but not throbbing.
• New daily persistent headaches. These occur suddenly, usually in people without a history of headaches. They often affect both sides of the head, cause pain that feels like pressing or tightening and produce mild-to-moderate pain.
• Hemicrania continua. These affect only one side of the head, are continuous with no pain-free periods, produce spikes of severe pain, respond to the prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Indocin, and are associated with one or more of the following:
  • Tearing or redness of the eye on the affected side of the head.
  • Nasal congestion or a runny nose.
  • Drooping eyelid or narrowing pupil.
  • The sensation of restlessness.

What Causes Chronic Headaches?

No one really knows why some people suffer from this debilitating condition. Conditions that may cause it include:

• Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain.
• Strokes, in which blood vessels in the brain a blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain.
• Infections, including meningitis.
• High or low intracranial pressure.
• Brain tumors.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Overuse of pain medication.

While the cause of these headaches is unclear, research suggests that you can do some things to help prevent them – or at least reduce their intensity:

• Avoid headache triggers. Keep track of things that appear to result in headaches, including foods you eat, activities you are doing, and the environment in which the headaches occur. If you can identify your headache triggers, you can try to avoid them.
• Do not overuse medication. Using headache medications more than twice a week can increase the frequency and severity of headaches. If you have been taking medication for a long time, consult a doctor about weaning yourself off. Some medicines cannot be stopped cold turkey.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep a night. It’s best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, see a doctor.
• Don’t skip meals. Eat healthy meals and avoid food or beverages that seem to trigger headaches. Lose weight if you’re obese.
• Get regular exercise. Physical activity can improve your physical and mental well-being and reduce stress. With your doctor’s OK, choose activities you enjoy, like walking or cycling.
• Reduce stress. Stress is a common trigger of chronic headaches. Try stress-reduction techniques, like yoga, tai chi, or meditation.
• Cut back on caffeine. Some headache medications include caffeine because they can help to reduce headache pain. But it can also aggravate headaches. Try reducing or eliminating caffeine.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Occasional headaches usually require no special medical attention. However, you should consult a doctor if you:

• Consistently have two or more headaches a week.
• Take pain reliever for your headaches on most days.
• Need more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter medicines to relieve headache pain.
• Experience changes in the pattern of your headaches, or they get worse.
• Find the headaches are disabling.

Seek immediate medical care if your headache:

• Is sudden and severe.
• Is accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.
• Occurs after a head injury.
• Gets worse after you rest and take pain medication.

Get The Care You Need 

If your chronic headache is sudden and severe and associated with one of the symptoms above, you should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. If you suffer from more common chronic headaches, visit your doctor for advice. If you do not have a doctor, Grady can help. If you need a primary care physician, call us at (404) 616-1000 or make an appointment online. We’ll arrange an appointment at a Primary Care Center near you. Doctors there can treat most conditions and provide access to Grady’s unparalleled medical specialty expertise.

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Headache – causes, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and treatment methods

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Headache – the causes of the appearance, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.
The basis of the headache is irritation of pain receptors located in:

• dura mater and brain vessels;
• periosteum of the skull, vessels of the soft tissues of the head, muscles.

The brain tissue itself does not contain pain receptors.

Types of headaches (cephalgia)

Headaches are divided into primary and secondary. Headache is considered primary if it is the main manifestation of brain disease, such as migraine and tension-type headache.

Secondary headache is a symptom of other disorders, such as head trauma, chronic cerebral ischemia, viral diseases, diseases of the cervical spine, etc.

Let’s take a look at the four most common types of headaches.

Possible causes

Tension headache

Tension headache is the most common form of primary headache. Psycho-emotional stress, depression, anxiety and various phobias, overstrain of the muscles of the shoulder girdle are the main causes of tension headaches.

Migraine headache

Migraines are about three times more common in women than in men, and about 60-70% of all migraines in women are so-called menstrual migraines. However, the causes and mechanism of development of migraine attacks are not fully understood. At any age, both in men and women, migraine attacks can be provoked by emotional and physical overload, malnutrition, drinking alcohol, changing weather conditions, harsh noise, strong odors, etc.

Headache with colds

Headache with colds is caused by hyperthermia and the damaging effect of microbial toxins on brain cells.

Headache in chronic cerebral ischemia

The cause of this pain, which is the most common secondary headache in elderly patients, is the pathology of the cerebral vessels, in which blood circulation is disturbed and the blood supply to the brain tissues deteriorates.

The result is progressive brain dysfunction.

What diseases occur

Tension headache

Tension headache is based on irritation of the structures of the central nervous system (CNS), called the nociceptive system. Myogenic, stress, psychogenic headaches are tension headaches.

Most often, tension headache occurs at a young and working age.

In cases of tension headache, the person experiences bilateral, usually mild, pressing and squeezing, monotonous and dull headaches. Attacks of such pain are accompanied by fatigue, nervousness, impaired appetite and sleep, and decreased performance. The duration of the attack is from 30 minutes to several days.

Migraine headache

Indicates only one disease – migraine, since the attacks of such cephalalgia have a peculiar character. Migraine pain is paroxysmal, throbbing, of moderate or severe intensity. It covers half of the head.

The pain may be aggravated by physical activity, tilting the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting.

Bright light, sharp sound, strong smell increase the pain. A migraine attack may be preceded by an aura lasting up to one hour – a collection of visual, auditory, olfactory or other neurological symptoms.
Headache with colds

Occurs with most acute and chronic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract caused by bacteria or viruses. In some cases, the intensity of such cephalgia correlates with the severity of fever, the strength of the cough, sore throat and other symptoms. The pain most often spreads throughout the head.

Headache in chronic cerebral ischemia

ic brain injury). In the clinical picture of chronic cerebral ischemia, dizziness, cognitive decline, emotional lability (unstable mood), motor-coordination disorders, and perception disorders (tinnitus, “flies” before the eyes) become indispensable companions of headaches. Headaches are usually mild, distributed throughout the head, and prolonged.

Diagnostics and examinations

Tension headache and migraine headache, headache with colds

Diagnosis is made by a neurologist based on the analysis mnesia and evaluation of patient complaints.

Headache in chronic cerebral ischemia

Radiological examination (doppler ultrasound of cerebral vessels) is the key in chronic cerebral ischemia

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USG recognizes only relatively large stenoses of cerebral vessels caused by atherosclerotic plaques. CT

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and MRI

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Contrast injection

The contrast agent is administered intravenously.

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also distinguish between extensive brain lesions due to strokes, but not finely diffuse foci characteristic of chronic cerebral ischemia. In chronic cerebral ischemia, conservative treatment is prescribed.

What should you do when you see one?

Pain is always a sign of a malfunction in the body. You can not tolerate pain or self-medicate. With regular headaches (more than five times a month), it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Tension headache

Stop pain attack with analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antispasmodics. It is important to remember that many analgesics cannot be taken in the presence of chronic diseases (in particular, with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys). Indications and contraindications for the use of certain drugs should be discussed with your doctor.

Migraine headache

Patients with mild attacks are recommended to use NSAIDs and analgesics, with moderate and severe manifestations – specific anti-migraine drugs prescribed by a neurologist after a comprehensive examination.

Cold headache

The main way to deal with such pain is to treat a cold.

Headache in chronic cerebral ischemia

An important aspect of therapy is the fight against atherosclerotic changes in the vessels and cerebral ischemia. It is also necessary to monitor the manifestations of concomitant diseases, for example, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Which doctors should I contact?

Tension headache:

• neurologist, psychotherapist;

Migraine headache:

• see a neurologist,
  therapist

Headache with colds:

• k
  therapist, ENT doctor;

Headache with chronic cerebral ischemia:

• k
  neurologist, and
  cardiologist and
  endocrinologist.

Mandatory control of diseases included in the metabolic syndrome group: type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2), hypertension, obesity and atherosclerosis.

Treatment

Tension-type headache

Most patients with tension-type headache require therapy prescribed by a psychotherapist and a neurologist. It is also important to pay attention to relaxation and adequate physical activity.

Migraine headache

Treatment includes relief and prevention of attacks.

Headache with colds

Therapy is aimed at treating the underlying disease.

Headache in chronic cerebral ischemia

As a rule, most patients suffer from several diseases, each of which negatively affects the state of cerebral vessels. Thus, the most reliable way to stop the progression of chronic cerebral ischemia is to prevent complications of diseases that are part of the metabolic syndrome group (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc.), which are dangerous in terms of worsening cerebral blood flow.
It is important to give up bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use) and follow a diet that includes a large amount of fresh fruits and vegetables and a minimum amount of trans fats.

If chronic ischemia is accompanied by hypertension or diabetes mellitus, daily monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose levels is advisable. It is necessary to undergo laboratory and instrumental examinations with a certain frequency. You should visit a cardiologist and an endocrinologist at least once a year.

Once every three months, you should take a clinical

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

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in which attention to the level of glucose

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glycated hemoglobin,

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1С, Glycated Hemoglobin)

Synonyms: Blood test for glycated hemoglobin. Glycohemoglobin; HbA1c; Hemoglobin A1c; A1c; HgbA1c; Hb1c.

Brief characteristics of the analyte Glycated hemo…

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lipid metabolism indicators

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and blood coagulation system,

Hemostasiogram (coagulogram), screening

Synonyms: Hemostasiogram, coagulogram.
Coagulation studies (coagulation profile, coag panel, coagulogram).
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it is also necessary to undergo an electrocardiographic study (ECG),

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Echocardiography.

Echocardiography

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If abnormalities occur, you may need to take antidiabetic drugs, statins, or anticoagulants. Ultrasound should be performed at least twice a year

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to control the progression of atherosclerosis of cerebral and aortic vessels.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Migraine”. Developed by: All-Russian Society of Neurologists, Russian Society for the Study of Headache. – 2021.
2. Clinical guidelines “Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults.” Developed by: National Scientific Society of Infectionists, Russian Scientific Medical Society of Therapists. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories can use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

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Constant headache? Take action!

Probably every person at least once in his life faced with a headache. For some, these sensations go unnoticed, and for some people, the head can hurt strongly and often. During such periods, life seems to stop: it hurts to look at a bright light, loud sounds are annoying, concentration of attention decreases, it is impossible to concentrate on anything.

There is more than one reason why a headache can occur, and before answering the question: “Why does my head hurt?”, you need to understand its types.

Contents

• 1 Types of headaches
• 2 Headaches and the spine
• 3 Why should we not tolerate headaches?
• 4 Where can I turn for help in St. Petersburg?

Types of headaches

There are several types of pain in the head, the occurrence of which depends on various factors.

Tension headache – this type is the most common and occurs from prolonged exertion, muscle strain. It can be caused by an uncomfortable body position, eye fatigue, mood swings, prolonged stress or depression. Headache in this form is constricting, pressing, can capture the entire area of ​​​​the head. Basically, such pain appears in the evening and signals the fatigue of the body.

Migraine is common among middle-aged women. Painful sensations appear more often on one side, more in the temples and frontal part of the skull. Pulsating pain, as it were, presses on the eyes, there is a fear of bright light, loud sounds and pungent odors.

Cluster headache – mainly affects the stronger sex. Unpleasant sensations arise unexpectedly and also end, but they are unbearable to endure. Localization of pain in the superciliary part or temporal region of the skull.

Headaches can be caused by:

Chronic stress – in this case, the pain is caused by constant anxiety, depression and fatigue. Pain can be different: aching, pressing, tightening, without a clear localization.

Intracranial pressure – it can decrease or increase, it occurs even in children. Accompanied by spasms, which are often accompanied by dizziness or vomiting.

These are not all causes of headaches, but are the most common.

Headache and spine

It often happens that the spine is to blame for severe headaches. This is facilitated by diseases such as osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, etc. Also, incorrect posture can affect the development of a headache. The most common cause is precisely osteochondrosis, since the vertebral arteries and nerve roots are squeezed, which leads to oxygen deficiency in the brain.

If pain sensations are associated with the spine, then they can be determined by the nature of the pain:

• sharp spasms appearing in the occipital part of the skull. They are aggravated by turning and tilting the head;
• Pressing sensation in the back of the head, accompanied by tinnitus, dizziness, vomiting and “flies” before the eyes.

The loads on the spine are heavy every day, so it is not surprising that the head can hurt.

Why can’t you bear a headache?

If pain sensations have become regular, then it is necessary to take measures – contact a neurologist and find out their true cause. Self-medication is not worth it, as this may be the first symptom of diseases such as:

• hypertension;
• cardiac arrhythmias;
• diseases of the cervical spine;
• disturbance of blood circulation in the brain;
• kidney or endocrine problems;
• the presence of inflammation in the body;
• malignant tumors in the brain, etc.

If you do not contact a specialist in time to prescribe treatment, you may encounter serious problems:

• problems with memory, attention and coordination;
• dizziness;
• persistent pain;
• loss of vision;
• stroke, heart attack, etc.

Where can I turn for help in St. Petersburg?

If headaches prevent you from enjoying life, Dr. Razumovsky’s Spine Clinic will help you get rid of them. It uses effective methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Klinka’s specialists use modern diagnostic equipment to determine the exact cause of headaches and prescribe treatment.