Why do eyes hurt when moved. What causes eye socket ache. How to diagnose eye pain. What are effective treatments for eye discomfort. When to seek medical attention for eye issues. How to prevent eye strain and injuries. What role do sinuses play in eye pain.

Understanding Eye Socket Ache: Common Causes and Symptoms

Eye socket ache, often accompanied by pain when moving the eyes, can be a distressing experience. This discomfort may stem from various underlying causes, ranging from minor irritations to more serious conditions. Understanding the potential reasons behind eye pain is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sinus Infections and Eye Pain

One common cause of eye socket ache is sinus infection. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull located around the eyes. When these become inflamed or infected, it can lead to eye discomfort. Symptoms of a sinus infection affecting the eyes may include:

• Throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeballs
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Loss of smell
• Headache
• Facial pain or pressure
• Post-nasal drip
• Sore throat
• Fever

If you experience these symptoms alongside eye pain, especially when moving your eyes, a sinus infection could be the culprit.

Optic Neuritis: When the Optic Nerve is Inflamed

Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed. While the exact cause is unknown, researchers believe it may be linked to autoimmune disorders. Eye pain associated with optic neuritis often worsens with eye movement.

Eye Injuries: A Common Cause of Acute Eye Pain

Eye injuries can occur in various settings, from sports activities to workplace accidents. These injuries can result in sudden and severe eye pain, often exacerbated by eye movement. Common symptoms of eye injuries include:

• Pain and swelling
• Changes in vision
• Difficulty opening or closing the eye
• Facial swelling

To reduce the risk of eye injuries, it’s essential to wear appropriate protective eyewear during potentially hazardous activities.

Eye Strain: A Modern-Day Epidemic

In our digital age, eye strain has become increasingly common. Prolonged use of digital screens, extended periods of driving, or other visually demanding tasks can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort. While eye strain typically resolves with rest, persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying condition.

Pink Eye: More Than Just Redness

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the eye’s lining and can cause significant discomfort. It may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or irritants. Symptoms of pink eye include:

• Redness in the white of the eye
• Eye discharge
• Crusty eyelashes, especially upon waking
• Eye pain or discomfort

Effective Treatments for Eye Socket Ache and Pain

The appropriate treatment for eye pain depends on its underlying cause. However, several general approaches can provide relief:

Home Remedies for Eye Discomfort

For minor eye irritations, these home remedies may offer relief:

• Over-the-counter eye drops to soothe and lubricate the eyes
• Cold compresses to alleviate burning and itching
• Diluted aloe vera applied to closed eyelids with a cotton swab

Medical Treatments for Eye Pain

When professional medical intervention is necessary, treatments may include:

• Medicated eye drops
• Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections
• Eye ointments for certain types of infections
• Anti-allergy medications for allergy-related eye discomfort
• In rare cases, surgery may be required to address severe eye conditions

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Eye Issues

While many causes of eye pain are benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends seeking prompt medical care if you experience:

• Redness in the cornea
• Unusual sensitivity to light
• Exposure to pink eye
• Eyes or eyelashes encrusted with mucus
• Moderate to severe pain in the eyes or head

Preventing Eye Strain and Injuries: Practical Tips for Eye Health

Taking proactive steps to protect your eyes can help prevent many causes of eye pain and discomfort. Consider implementing these strategies:

1. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain
2. Adjust your workspace ergonomics to minimize eye strain
3. Wear appropriate protective eyewear during potentially hazardous activities
4. Maintain good hygiene to prevent eye infections
5. Stay hydrated to support overall eye health
6. Get regular eye check-ups to detect and address potential issues early

The Connection Between Eye Health and Overall Wellness

Eye health is intricately linked to overall wellness. Many systemic health conditions can manifest symptoms in the eyes, making regular eye exams an essential part of preventive healthcare. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders can all impact eye health.

Nutrition and Eye Health

A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can support eye health and potentially reduce the risk of eye-related discomfort. Key nutrients for eye health include:

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Present in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Vitamin C: Abundant in citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers
• Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils
• Zinc: Present in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet may help maintain overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of certain eye conditions.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Eye Pain

When persistent eye pain requires professional evaluation, ophthalmologists and optometrists have a range of diagnostic tools at their disposal. These may include:

• Visual acuity tests to assess overall vision quality
• Slit-lamp examinations to closely inspect the eye’s structures
• Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
• Dilated eye exams to evaluate the retina and optic nerve
• Imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs for complex cases

These diagnostic techniques help healthcare providers pinpoint the exact cause of eye pain, enabling them to develop targeted treatment plans.

Emerging Treatments for Chronic Eye Conditions

Research in ophthalmology continues to advance, bringing new hope for those suffering from chronic eye conditions. Some promising areas of development include:

• Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases
• Stem cell treatments for corneal regeneration
• Advanced artificial tear formulations for severe dry eye
• Neurostimulation devices for certain types of eye pain

While many of these treatments are still in the experimental stage, they represent the cutting edge of eye care and may offer new options for those with persistent eye issues in the future.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Eye Pain

Chronic eye pain can have significant psychological effects on those who experience it. The constant discomfort and potential impact on daily activities can lead to:

• Anxiety about potential vision loss
• Depression related to lifestyle limitations
• Stress from managing ongoing symptoms
• Social isolation due to discomfort in social situations

Addressing the psychological aspects of chronic eye pain is an important part of comprehensive care. Mental health support, stress reduction techniques, and patient support groups can all play a role in helping individuals cope with the challenges of ongoing eye discomfort.

Occupational Considerations for Eye Health

Certain occupations can put individuals at higher risk for eye strain and injuries. Professions that may require special attention to eye health include:

• Computer programmers and office workers (prolonged screen time)
• Welders and construction workers (exposure to debris and bright lights)
• Healthcare professionals (potential exposure to infectious agents)
• Artists and craftspeople (close detail work)
• Professional drivers (extended periods of visual focus)

Employers in these fields should prioritize eye safety measures and provide appropriate protective equipment and ergonomic workstations to minimize the risk of eye-related issues.

Integrative Approaches to Eye Health

While conventional medical treatments remain the cornerstone of eye care, some individuals find benefit in complementary approaches to support overall eye health. These may include:

• Acupuncture for certain types of eye discomfort
• Herbal supplements with potential eye health benefits (under medical supervision)
• Eye yoga and exercises to reduce eye strain
• Mindfulness practices to manage stress-related eye tension

It’s important to note that these approaches should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, professional medical care. Always consult with an eye care specialist before incorporating new treatments into your eye health regimen.

The Future of Eye Pain Management

As our understanding of eye health continues to evolve, so too do the strategies for managing eye pain and discomfort. Future developments may include:

• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles
• Advanced wearable devices for continuous eye health monitoring
• Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning
• Novel drug delivery systems for targeted eye therapies

These advancements hold the promise of more effective, tailored treatments for individuals suffering from eye pain and related conditions.

Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Move Them? (5 Shocking Reasons Your Eyes Hurt)

Are your eyes hurting when you move them? Does it hurt to look in a certain direction? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience eye pain in their lifetime. However, various things could cause your eyes to hurt when you move them. The causes of eye pain can range from dry eyes to neurologic conditions. Even sinus infections can cause pain in the eyes.

It is important to note that the following list is not meant to act as a formal diagnosis for your eye pain. Instead, this is a tool to educate yourself about what can cause eye pain. Please consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing eye pain.

Sinus Infection

Your sinuses are hallowed spaces in your skull. They are located above, below, and between the eyes. Believe it or not, when your sinuses are irritated, they can affect your eyes. Symptoms of a sinus infection that can affect the eyes include:

• throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeballs
• Other symptoms of a sinus infection include:
• runny or stuffy nose

• loss of sense of smell
• headache
• pain or pressure in the face
• mucus dripping from the nose down the throat
• sore throat

• fever

If any sinus infection symptoms are present, along with eye pain with movement, you could have a sinus infection.

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. It is not known what causes optic neuritis, but researchers believe an autoimmune disorder could cause it. Optic Neuritis can cause pain in the eyes. This pain can feel worse when you move your eyes.

Injury

Believe it or not, there are many ways to injure your eyes. Eye injuries can come from sports injuries, accidents, or objects coming into contact with the eyes.

These injuries can cause changes to vision and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss. In addition, pain and swelling will accompany an eye injury. The pain can be constant and worsen when you try to open, close, or move your eyes. In some cases, the eyes and entire face can swell.

Many people also experience eye injuries on the job. So much so that March is workplace eye wellness month. It is essential to realize that eye injury can happen anywhere. Try to take precautions if you are doing activities that can put you at risk for an eye injury. Protective eyewear, such as goggles, can be effective in lowering the risk of an injury.

Eye Strain

Eye strain is an extremely common condition. It occurs when your eyes get tired from intense use such as long drives, extended computer screen use, or other digital screens. In some cases, eyes strain can suggest an underlying condition. However, it goes away once you rest your eyes in most cases. In addition, eye strain can cause pain in discomfort,

Pink Eye

Pink eye occurs when the lining of your eyelid and eyeball become inflamed. This causes redness in the white of the eyes. Your eyes may also produce and discharge as well. The discharge will form a crusty substance on your eyelashes at night.

Pink eye can cause pain in the eyes as well. Multiple things could cause a pink eye infection. Bactria, irritants, reactions to eye drops, viruses, and fungi can all cause pink eye.

Treatment for Eye Pain

There are a variety of options to treat eye pain. However, the best course of action is to speak with your doctor and find what is causing your eye pain.

If an irritant is causing your eye pain, home methods can be effective in soothing the pain. Healthline recommends the following:

• Over-the-counter eye drops can effectively treat the symptoms of the causes of eye pain.
• Cold Compress can relieve burning and itching.
• Aloe vera mixed with water applied on closed eyes with cotton swabs can also provide relief.

Medical treatment options are also available. Most medical treatments will involve

• Medicated drops
• Antibiotic eye drops
• Eye ointment (in there is an infection)

Sometimes pain in the eyes can be caused by allergies. If this is the case, anti-allergy medication will be prescribed. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed. However, surgery is only decided upon if your eyesight or health are at risk.

When Should I See a Doctor?

The American Academy of Ophthalmologists recommend that you see a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• redness in your cornea
• unusual sensitivity to light
• exposure to pinkeye
• eyes or eyelashes are encrusted with mucous
• moderate to severe pain in your eyes or your head

If you are looking for a doctor in the Houston area, MYCHN is a full-service health center. Our medical team is here to help; we provide a patient-centered approach. Please visit our website to learn more.

Bottom Line

If you’re asking, “Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Move Them?” There could be a variety of causes for eye pain. Some of the reasons for eye pain are minor; some are serious. There are also at-home and medical treatment options. The best course of action is to speak with your doctor to determine what is causing your eye pain.

Resources

Why Do My Eyes Hurt? Causes and Treatment (healthline.com)

Pain When Moving Eyes And Tilts Head To Look At Something (medicinenet.com)

Pressure behind the eyes: 6 causes and treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)

Pain Behind Eye With Movement | Why it May Hurt to Move Your Eyes (buoyhealth.com)

Optic neuritis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Eye Injury: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes (clevelandclinic.org)

Eyestrain – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention (webmd. com)

* This blog provides general information and discussions about health-related topics. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult your healthcare provider and seek professional medical treatment. Some of the information and content in this blog has linked materials. The links should and are not intended to be construed as medical advice and should not be supplemented as medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, locate emergency services or dial 911.

Eye Strain: Symptoms, Causes, Relief, Treatment and Prevention

Struggling with your vision and not sure what’s causing it? Let’s explore eye strain, why it happens, and what you can expect from this common ailment.

What Is Eye Strain?

The answer to the question “what is eye strain?” is not as clear-cut as you may think. Eye strain is a term that covers several symptoms, but which all involve the straining of the eye and a negative impact on a person’s vision. It includes eye fatigue and digital eye strain and often makes it difficult for a person to read books, drive long-distance, or perform other visual tasks.

Everyone experiences eye strain differently, and the problem can be triggered by several daily activities. To understand the condition and to know whether it’s affecting you, it’s important to know the symptoms. So, let’s take a look at some of the signs of eye strain.

Eye Strain Facts

There are a few things to keep in mind when discussing eye strain, or asthenopia.

• Eye strain occurs when the eyes are used for extended periods of time.
• Though unpleasant, it does not result in any permanent eye damage.
• There are different types of eye strain, like digital or anxiety eye strain, and knowing the cause can help with prevention.

Eye Strain Symptoms

Eye strain can affect everybody differently, but it always includes one or more of the following symptoms.

• Nausea
• Neck, back, or shoulder pain
• Painful or irritated eyes
• Dry eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Difficulty reading

If you’re suffering from eye strain in one eye or both, you will experience one or more of these symptoms for prolonged periods. These eye strain symptoms may also appear only when you perform specific visual tasks, which is another sign your problem is, in fact, eye strain.

However, the American Optometric Association showed that the most common symptom you should expect from eye strain is dry eye, headaches, and blurred vision.

Precisely because these symptoms are caused by eye strain, you should expect to also experience eye strain nausea as well. The only way to stop these symptoms in their tracks is to stop performing the visual tasks that cause them, take precautions for the future, or see a specialist eye doctor to help you avoid eye fatigue in the future.

Eye Strain Causes

There are multiple eye strain causes to take a look at, but it’s important to note that the most common reason why Americans suffer eye fatigue today is the use of smartphones and computers.

A 2015 study found that 58% of American adults have experienced eye strain and vision problems as a result of using computers for more than seven hours a day at home or at work.

However, there’s more to it. Eye strain can be caused by any of the following things:

• Exposure to dry air indoors, caused by HVAC units
• General fatigue and stress that makes you unable to focus
• Underlying eye problems, including uncorrected refractive errors
• Long exposure to digital screens
• Reading for long periods
• Long-distance driving

When it comes to computers, bad posture while sitting at your desk or glare on your screen can also make the symptoms worse.

Computer and Digital Device Use

In this digital age, computers, tablets, phones, and many other devices are the common culprits for eye strain. There are a few reasons why digital eye strain occurs:

• Blinking less often when looking at a screen than otherwise.
• Holding a device too close or too far from one’s eyes.
• Extended exposure to blue light.
• Improperly adjusted lighting on the screen.
• Poor posture while sitting in front of a screen.

Learn more about preventative measures to protect against digital eye strain.

Eye Strain Relief

Before you reach the treatment stage, eye strain relief methods can be used to reduce strain and make you more comfortable.

You can relieve eye strain with these three simple methods.

• Rest your eyes
• Improve your air quality
• Wear the right eyeglasses prescription

Resting your eyes is essential. Take regular breaks and get a good night’s sleep and make sure your eyes are prepared to function for a long day of work.

When it comes to air quality, you should do all you can to avoid dry air. If possible, avoid using an air conditioner and open the window instead. Use a humidifier if the air is particularly dry, and move away from irritants like smoke.

Finally, remember to get your eyes checked frequently and ensure you’re wearing the right prescription. If you don’t wear glasses, now’s the time to find out if you need them!

Diagnosis of Eye Strain

Visit your eye doctor or specialist to receive a diagnosis of eye strain. During this appointment, your physician will request information on your symptoms, including when they occur and how frequently. Most likely, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam to check for refractive errors, muscle imbalances, and any other possible potential issues with your eyes. Generally, eye strain pain will recede on its own, without the need for medical intervention.

Other conditions can cause the same symptoms like eye strain like nausea, dizziness, or eye pain. These conditions include tension fatigue, headaches, migraines, and viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.

Eye Strain Treatment

Eye strain is best combated through preventative measures, but there are treatments available for people who take these measures and use eye strain remedies but still suffer.

Your eye strain treatment process starts with speaking to an eye doctor to test your vision and perform a full eye exam.

From here, you may be diagnosed with an underlying eye problem, instructed to use over-the-counter artificial tears, or prescribed medicated eye drops to help relieve your symptoms. But first, we always recommend you reduce eye strain by changing your environment.

Another helpful remedy to try at home is artificial tears. There are many varieties of artificial tears available over the counter that are cost-effective and easy to use. While it may not alleviate your discomfort completely, these lubricating eye drops are certainly worth trying as part of self-care.

Eye Strain Prevention Tips

20-20-20 Rule

Balance is everything! Eye strain is commonly caused by doing the same thing for too long with no break. One solution is eye strain exercises like the 20-20-20 rule. Focus on something, other than your current task, that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Move Your Screen

Your smartphone, computer, tablet, or any other device might be too close or too far away from you, causing eye strain. Move the device to be about an arm’s length away from your face and make sure it’s at or below eye level.

Find Good Lighting

The best monitor for eye strain is simply one that you adjust to accommodate for lighting and glare. Room lighting is also important. Adjust lights as needed like dimming lights during a movie or ensuring that the light is coming from behind you when you’re reading.

Multitask Carefully

Multitasking at work is common, but looking back and forth between a screen and a piece of paper can be painful for your eyes, neck, and head. Getting a document stand to put between your keyboard and monitor can help prevent eye strain.

Eye Drops

We tend to blink less while looking at a screen, or even just while we’re focusing very intensely on something. This can often cause red, dry, and irritated eyes. The easiest solution is to use eye drops for eye strain, which simulate tears.

Check Your Air

Poor air quality can be very detrimental to your eyes. Rooms with fans or heating and cooling units, as well as polluted environments can cause eye strain. Consider getting a humidifier, turning down the heating or cooling, or even just relocating to a room with better air quality.

Wear Proper Eyewear

Your eye specialist can recommend special eyewear to help reduce strain. They might suggest anything from eye strain glasses to reducing contact lens use. There are also coatings and tints on certain lenses that can help with eye strain.

Vary Your Focus

The best and most effective way to reduce eye strain is to vary your activities. We tend to focus on things for extended periods of time due to the 8-hour workday. However, taking regular breaks and reducing time spent on devices can be a great solution.

Risk Factors for Eye Strain

Eye strain can affect anyone, both children and adults. There are risk factors that make someone more likely to get eye strain, like existing refractive errors, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Other risk factors include chronic dry eyes, eye muscle issues, extended exposure to screens, and reading for very long periods of time.

See an Eye Specialist in Chicago Today!

Eye strain is often caused by environmental factors, but it can also be a result of an underlying condition.

For clarity and relief from painful eye strain symptoms, don’t hesitate to call the Kraff Eye Institute today. Our world-class doctors and eye care specialists provide full exams, accurate diagnoses, and treatments that restore your eye health.

Call today at (312) 444-1111 or schedule your appointment online.

Regional pain center

Center manager:

Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor of the highest category
Shestel Elena Anatolyevna

Differential diagnosis of headaches

* ESP – skin evoked potentials
This table does not contain all diseases accompanied by headache.
Other possible causes must also be considered!

Migraine – from attack to prevention.

Perhaps there is no person who has not heard about migraine. Migraine is a condition that can affect anyone at any time. Some may be more likely to develop a migraine, while others require a combination of many factors leading to the development of the disease. People all over the world suffer from migraines. The prevalence of this disease in the population is 11% (in Europe and America – 10-15%, in Africa – 2.9-7.2%, in Japan – 8.4%), although it is believed that almost everyone has experienced migraine attacks at least once in their lives . Most often, migraine affects people of young working age – 25-55 years. In women, this disease occurs 2-3 times more often than in men.

Migraine – known to mankind for over 3500 years. Outstanding healers of antiquity (Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna) left us vivid descriptions of migraine attacks, concomitant symptoms and provoking factors, methods of treating this disease.

Migraine is considered a disease of “famous” people, many writers, composers, scientists, political and religious figures suffered from it: Julius Caesar, Blaise Pascal, Emmanuel Kant, Louis Carroll, Friedrich Nietzsche, Frederic Chopin, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Peter Tchaikovsky, Alfred Nobel, Leo Tolstoy, Sigmund Freud.

A vivid and accurate description of the classic migraine attack was given in his novel The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, a doctor by profession, himself suffering from migraine: “More than anything in the world, the procurator hated the smell of rose oil, and now everyone was looking forward to a bad day, because began to pursue the procurator from dawn. It seemed to the procurator that the cypresses and palms in the garden exuded a pink smell, that the accursed pink stream was mixed with the smell of leather and guards. Oh gods, gods, why are you punishing me? Yes, no doubt! It’s her, her again, the invincible, terrible disease of hemicrania, which hurts the floor of the head. From it there is no means, there is no salvation. I’ll try not to move my head.” In 2000, migraine was included in the list of diseases of global importance and burden for humanity (Global Burden of Disease 2000), due to both its high prevalence and significant impact on the life of the patient of this disease. Another reason for such attention to migraine is that despite the availability of highly effective methods for combating migraine, most patients do not see a doctor and do not receive the right treatment.
In 1988, the International Association for the Study of Headaches developed diagnostic criteria for migraine: unilateral localization of the headache; pulsating nature of the headache; the intensity of pain, which reduces the activity of the patient and increases with physical activity and walking; the presence of at least one of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, photophobia or sound phobia; attack duration from 4 to 72 hours; have at least 5 seizures that meet the listed criteria.
There is a clear hereditary predisposition to the occurrence of migraine. Moreover, it has recently been accepted that genetic predisposition is the root cause of migraine. What is the risk of passing this disease to a child? If the mother suffers from migraine, then the risk of developing the disease in the offspring is 72%, if the father is 20%, if both parents, then about 90%. Migraine with aura is more likely to be “passed down” than migraine without aura. Migraine affects approximately 11% of the population. Only about 10% of all migraines are of the classical type, which occurs with a succession of several phases: prodrome, aura, headache phase, recovery phase (postdrome).

The first phase (prodromal phase) can manifest itself a day before the onset of headache and represents a whole complex of psycho-vegetative manifestations. The patient may experience irritability, depression, or fatigue. However, some people feel an unusual surge of energy during this period. Others develop cravings for certain foods. Others have a premonition, “know for sure” that they are about to have a migraine attack.

Second phase – aura. Represents a complex of focal neurological symptoms lasting no more than 60 minutes, arising from a short-term decrease in cerebral blood flow in individual parts of the brain. During the aura, the so-called “veil”, “flies” appear before the eyes, sometimes even bright flashes. Hearing and speech deteriorate, control over muscles and a sense of balance are disturbed. The reason for this phenomenon is not fully understood, but the brain chemical serotonin, which can cause vasoconstriction, is now being investigated, an increase in the level of which is found immediately after the aura stage.

The third phase of a migraine attack is the actual headache. During this stage, the blood vessels in the brain undergo a sudden dilation, which stretches and irritates the surrounding nerves and causes the throbbing pain that is characteristic of a migraine. Usually the pain – comes on no later than 60 minutes or immediately after the aura (if the patient has an aura) and lasts from one hour to three days – occurs gradually and affects first one side of the head. It can be localized in the forehead, eyeball, temple, ear, jaw, and sometimes in the shoulder or in the neck. The discomfort from a migraine attack can be so severe that it literally affects the entire body. The pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, frequent urination, numbness of the skin of the face, chills, cooling of the hands and feet, extreme susceptibility to light or noise, weakening of attention and – in the initial phase – difficulty in speech and impaired muscle control.

When the attack subsides, many patients report – and not surprisingly – a feeling of complete mental and physical exhaustion. This is the fourth final stage of a migraine attack. It can last from several hours to several days.

How do you know if you have a migraine?
Migraine can ONLY be diagnosed by a doctor. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a migraine, you need to contact a neurologist. American neuroscientists led by Lipton R.B. developed a special short questionnaire, which allows with a high degree of probability (93%) to suspect migraine (Neurology. 2003).
1. In the past 3 months, has your headache been accompanied by nausea or vomiting?
2. In the past 3 months, has your headache been accompanied by light and sound intolerance?
3. Did your headache limit daily activities, work or school for at least one day?
If you answered “YES” to 2 of the three questions, then the diagnosis of “MIGRAINE” is very likely for you, which means you need to consult a cephalgologist (a neurologist who deals with headache problems)

What directly leads to the development of a migraine attack?

The attack itself is “launched” by provoking factors or triggers. Migraines can be triggered by anything, but the most common are:
• Eating disorders – dietary errors and irregular meals. The products that provoke the development of an attack include very appetizing and loved by many: Alcoholic drinks, especially red wine and beer, Hard cheeses, Dark chocolate, Nuts, Citrus fruits. As well as any products containing preservatives – canned food, deep-frozen products, fast food
• Emotional experiences and disruption of the daily routine (conflicts, air travel, attending entertainment events, lack of sleep or excessive sleep on weekends)
• External environmental factors – change in weather, time zone, stuffiness in the room.
• Changes in hormonal levels – menstruation, taking hormonal contraceptives.

There are migraine triggers that are uncontrollable (change of weather, menstruation), partially controllable (stress, air travel) or completely controllable (diet). Migraine triggers are very individual. For example, in some patients, red wine always causes a migraine attack, in others it may or may not cause a headache, and in others it never causes a migraine at all. A combination of precipitating factors (such as a change in weather and poor diet) increases the likelihood of an attack. Thus, eliminating triggers will not get rid of your migraine, but will make your attacks less frequent. Therefore, it is important to understand what triggers provoke a migraine in you. To do this, patients with migraine are recommended to keep a diary for 1-2 months, where all possible triggers will be noted and their relationship with migraine attacks will be assessed. Why is it important to know about your own migraine triggers? Because Avoidance of triggers Today is one of the most effective methods of migraine prevention .
Another important property of migraine triggers is their cumulative effect. That is, one trigger may not trigger an attack, but several are likely to trigger a migraine.

Lack of sleep (feeling tired, but no headache) => DID NOT HAVE BREAKFAST (feeling tired and hungry, but no headache) => WORK STRESS => combination of precipitating factors leads to MIGRAINE

Migraine attacks are severe and pronounced, almost completely deprive the patient of work activity, negatively affecting life. However, despite all its drama, a migraine attack is not dangerous, especially when it is properly treated. When there is no attack, migraine sufferers feel completely healthy. Complications of migraine may cause concern among physicians
Very rare complications requiring emergency medical care:
1. Migraine stroke . It develops against the background of an attack and occurs almost exclusively in patients suffering from migraine with aura.
2. Status migraine is a migraine attack that lasts more than three days or a series of attacks following one after another with an interval of less than 1-2 days.
3. Epileptic seizure . There are many common mechanisms in the development of migraine and epilepsy. Therefore, a severe migraine attack can “start” an epileptic attack.

A more frequent and much less formidable complication of migraine is its transition to a chronic form, that is, when attacks become more frequent (occur for 15 or more days a month), but proceed in a milder form. Several factors contribute to the transition of a migraine into a chronic form:
1.Psychological factors – stress, low mood and anxiety for a long time.
2. Uncontrolled use of painkillers, especially codeine-containing combined analgesics.
3. Obesity (body mass index over 30).
4.Snoring.
5. Abuse of caffeinated drinks.

Uncontrolled use of painkillers can lead to the development of the so-called abuse headache (from the English abuse – abuse), that is, a headache that occurs FROM ANALGESICS! At the same time, an addiction similar to a drug or alcohol develops. Patients begin to drink pills more and more, “handfuls”, although they no longer help. Usually several drugs of the same group are used at once, which is irrational. If you do not take another pill, then the headache increases dramatically, so painkillers in such patients are always at hand. If this is a handbag, then the pill packs take up more of its space. Finally Patients with overuse headache begin to take painkillers in order to “so that their head does not hurt” , to relieve emotional stress, to improve sleep. By that time, almost all patients begin to develop quite serious side effects from the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and hematopoietic system. The treatment of such patients always causes great difficulties for the doctor and, unfortunately, is not always crowned with success, because the main principle is the complete abolition of the drug that caused the addiction. The only sure way to deal with chronic migraine and abusive headache is their prevention, which consists in the rational use of anti-migraine drugs, and, with certain indications, the appointment of prophylactic drug treatment of migraine. Therefore, in order not to feel like a bottle of pills, do not allow yourself to develop an abuse headache!

Migraine is one of the diseases in which it is especially difficult to immediately predict the results of treatment. This disease has been going on for years. Its nature and course are so diverse that approaches to treatment must be strictly individual. Often the means used by one person are useless for another.

Main principles of treatment:
•individual approach;
• Patience on the part of both doctor and patient. The chosen method of treatment must be followed consistently and not in a hurry to replace it after a few days, if it does not immediately prove effective;
• take into account that not only drugs play a role in the treatment of migraine, but also an appropriate lifestyle, elimination of factors that provoke attacks, psychotherapy, autogenic training.
In the treatment of migraine, analgesics, sedatives, antidepressants, antiemetics, antiepileptic drugs, ergotamine derivatives, calcium channel blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, serotonin agonists and antagonists, etc. are used. the purpose of prevention. However, the necessary complex of drugs both in the acute period and for prevention should be determined by a specialist, taking into account the above principles.
1. General activities
•First of all, trigger factors that can be eliminated are identified: smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of sleep, stress, overwork, eating certain foods, especially chocolate and cheeses containing tyramine. Sometimes an attack is provoked by vasodilators (eg, nitroglycerin or dipyridamole).
•Drugs should be taken at the first sign of an attack. In mild cases, simple analgesics are prescribed – aspirin or paracetamol, once orally.
• Until the attack stops, it is recommended to lie down, preferably in a dark, cool, quiet room.
• Recommend cold on the forehead or neck.
• For some, a tight headband helps.
• Do not drink coffee, tea, orange juice during an attack.
• If the patient is helped by sleep, then tranquilizers are additionally prescribed
• In about a third of women suffering from migraine, oral contraceptives increase the frequency of attacks, so a trial cancellation of these drugs is advisable. On the other hand, sometimes taking them improves the condition.
2. Treatment of a migraine attack .
There are two types of treatment for migraine attacks:
• Non-specific – use of painkillers that are also used for other pain syndromes (eg, joint pain). Non-specific drugs include the so-called simple analgesics, opioids and combined analgesics. The last group is the widely used and known to everyone “headache pills”
• Specific treatment migraine attacks involves the use of drugs that are effective only for migraine. These drugs were developed on the basis of scientific knowledge about the mechanisms of the development of a migraine attack, so they are specific and highly effective. Drugs with a specific anti-migraine effect include ergotamine and dihydroergotamine preparations, as well as serotonin receptor agonists or triptans. To date, triptans are the most specific and effective means for relieving a migraine attack. Unlike drugs from other groups, they act not only on pain, but also on other symptoms of a migraine attack – nausea, vomiting, photo and sound phobia.

Pay attention to a few practical tips on how to stop a migraine attack:
• Do not self-medicate! In very rare cases, migraines can “mask” more serious conditions. The doctor starts migraine treatment only when he is completely sure of the diagnosis.
• Above all, be realistic. There is no “perfect pill” that can cure your migraine problem once and for all. Doctors consider a medicine to relieve a migraine attack if it:
1. relieves headache within 2 hours,
2. if your condition improves from bad or unsatisfactory to satisfactory or good within 2 hours after taking the medicine
3. if the drug “works” in two out of three attacks
4. if headache does not recur within the next day
5. if you do not need additional intake of the same or another drug.
• Preference should be given to medicinal products containing a single substance. Let’s take an additional intake of antiemetics. Indeed, often during a migraine attack, nausea and vomiting are noted, and pills to relieve an attack simply may not be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Antiemetics contribute to better absorption of the main drug.
• Always be aware of the risk of developing dependence on anti-migraine drugs. Do not take simple analgesics more than 15 days per month, and combined analgesics and triptans – more than 10 days per month.
•It is important to know when to take your migraine pill. If it is a simple analgesic, then it is better to take it at the very beginning of the attack. When the attack has already “unfolded”, the effectiveness of analgesics drops sharply. Triptans are effective during any period of an attack, but it is also best to take them at the very beginning. Take the pill only when you are SURE that a migraine attack is coming. In no case do not drink these remedies in the absence of a headache, so that “the head does not hurt”! Do not take anti-migraine drugs to improve sleep or achieve psychological comfort! This leads to addiction! Repeated administration of triptans, if necessary, is possible only 2 hours after taking the first tablet
• Also remember that triptans should not be taken during a migraine aura.
3. Prophylactic treatment
Treatment of migraine between attacks involves continuous, daily medication that reduces the likelihood of a subsequent migraine attack, that is, migraine prophylaxis medication. In other words, you take the drug regularly, regardless of whether you have a headache today or not. If attacks occur more often than twice a month, even if they are well relieved by painkillers. Prophylactic treatment is indicated in the following cases:
•If your daily activities and ability to work suffer for 3 or more days a month due to a headache.
• If your seizures are very long (more than 48 hours).
• If you have restrictions on taking headache medications (eg allergies) or overuse painkillers.
• If you have very severe migraine attacks and are at risk of complications (prolonged aura, hemiplegic migraine).
•If you have had migraine complications in the past.

Preventive treatment of migraine is carried out with drugs of various pharmacological groups, which at first glance have nothing to do with migraine.
1. Preparations for the treatment of epilepsy.
2. Drugs for lowering blood pressure (β-blockers and calcium channel blockers).
3. Antidepressants.
The attending physician always selects the drug taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient . A drug is considered effective if it reduces the frequency of migraine attacks by more than half. In addition, in patients receiving prophylactic treatment, attacks are milder, better relieved by anti-migraine drugs. However, you may be outraged that the doctor prescribed an antidepressant – because you do not have depression! There is no need to be afraid of this, because in addition to their main action, these drugs, including antidepressants, can influence various mechanisms for the development of a migraine attack – increase the pain perception threshold, reduce the excitability of nerve cells.

Prophylactic treatment of migraine involves DAILY taking the drug for a sufficiently long time. The dose of the drug is very individual, and it often requires a gradual increase. As a rule, the first 2-4 weeks of therapy are spent on the selection of a therapeutic dose, and only after a month we can talk about the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, one should not expect an immediate effect of the drug, it is necessary to be patient. Your doctor’s goal will be to find the most effective dose with the fewest side effects. In order to understand if the drug is working, you will have to keep a headache diary where you will note the frequency of attacks, their intensity and duration.

The course of prophylactic therapy is usually 6-12 months. If the drug is effective and well tolerated, then further use is indicated. With early and premature discontinuation of prophylactic drugs in 30% of patients, the previous frequency of seizures immediately returns. In the remaining patients, there is a gradual increase in the frequency of seizures over the next 3-6 months. A year after the abolition of prophylaxis, its reappointment is carried out in 53% of patients.

Since many patients consider migraine headache to be vascular, that is, resulting from vascular spasm (and according to world scientific literature, during a migraine attack, a pathological expansion of the vessels of the meninges is observed), for prevention they use a whole arsenal of drugs that affect both the blood supply to the brain , and its metabolism (vasoactive, nootropic drugs). This position is currently considered incorrect, the ineffectiveness of these drugs in the prevention of migraine has been proven. And also excessive intake of drugs can lead to the risk of side effects from the liver, kidneys and other organs and systems.

Head of the Regional Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Headache: Candidate of Medical Sciences, neurologist of the OKDC, doctor of the highest category Shestel Elena Anatolyevna. Contact phone 8(863)-240-72-57.

Headache needs to be treated!

Share information

Social buttons for Joomla

Headache when bending over

Headache is unusually common. 90% of people have had at least one headache in their lifetime. In fact, it turns out that approximately 60% of the entire male population and 75% of the female population experienced at least one attack headache in the last month.

The most common cause of headache when bending over is sinusitis (also called sinusitis). With this disease, the head hurts in the eye sockets, cheekbones, cheeks, teeth may ache

Causes of pain in the head when bending over

Pain in the head when bending over is the first symptom of sinusitis. Characterized by headache – aggravated by tilting the head down, especially in the morning after waking up, localized in the superciliary region. There is difficulty in nasal breathing, more often bilateral, swelling of the skin in the area of ​​the cheek or eyelid on the affected side, if you gently press your finger on the points at the inner corner of the eye and in the middle of the cheek.

Acute sinusitis does not always begin with the appearance of pain in the face. Difficulty breathing in one half of the nose may disturb, from which a purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor is released. In addition, there may be pain in the area of ​​​​the teeth of the upper jaw. For help in such cases, you should contact an otorhinolaryngologist.

If you have a headache when bending over, you need to find out the true cause of the headache. One recent study found that out of 100 people who thought they had sinus headaches, almost 90% actually suffered from headaches due to migraines.

Migraine headaches can also get worse when you lean forward and they can also be accompanied by nasal congestion . But migraine headaches are more likely to be aggravated by noise or light and may be accompanied by nausea.

Headache due to sinusitis often worries a woman during pregnancy. There are many herbs and medicines that pregnant and lactating women should not use. Check with your doctor before using herbs or supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bent Over Headache Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask questions to distinguish sinus headache from migraine and tension headaches. If you have recently had a cold, allergy or symptoms of sinusitis, talking about it will help your doctor make a definitive diagnosis.

The ENT specialist will usually carefully examine the nose to check for sinus congestion and discharge. The doctor also presses on different areas of your face to test them for tenderness. The doctor can use lighting sinuses check them for inflammation, and if no light shines through them, your sinuses may be congested with mucus.

If your doctor suspects that you have chronic sinusitis t, you may need to be tested:

If your doctor suspects an allergy that may be causing sinusitis , you may need to test for an allergy. You may need an additional referral to a specialist known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor or otolaryngologist. This specialist can perform a nasal endoscopy using a fiber optic scope to clearly view the condition of the sinuses.

Bent over headache treatment

The best way to get rid of sinus headache that occurs when you tilt your head is to treat inflamed sinuses. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids.

Lifestyle changes are also needed, such as using a humidifier or irrigating the nasal passages with salt water. Some supplements and herbs can help prevent or shorten colds and flu. They can work on sinusitis in combination with antibiotics to treat the infection and support the immune system . These treatments will help reduce sinus congestion and relieve headaches:

• using a humidifier.

• use of saline nasal spray.

• breathe over steam or in a steam room 2 to 4 times a day (for example, while sitting in a bathtub with a hot shower).

• treatment of allergic asthma attacks.

• other methods that may help headaches include.

• massage of painful areas of the head and neck.

• relaxation techniques.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if he suspects you have a bacterial infection. For the treatment of acute sinusitis, you can go through course of treatment with antibiotics for 1-14 days. Treatment of chronic sinusitis may take longer, usually 3-4 weeks.

Some supplements may help prevent or treat headaches due to blocked sinuses, or by reducing sinus inflammation. They can also help protect against colds. Because supplements can have side effects and interact with other medications, you should only take them under the supervision of a knowledgeable physician.