Headache
Definition:
A headache is defined as pain that occurs in the head or neck region. The most common type of headache is a tension headache that can be brought on by stress, depression, lack of sleep, diet, alcohol, anxiety, or muscle tension in the neck or jaw from bad posture or other factors. Usually headaches are caused by increased blood flow to the head area and a widening of blood vessels. Pain can be experienced as throbbing, sharp, or a dull ache. Other types of headaches include migraines, sinus headaches, and cluster headaches. Headache pain can last for minutes or up to several days, and most headaches do not have serious underlying causes.
Seek emergency medical attention in cases of severe headaches with sudden onset or when the headache is accompanied by certain symptoms, as this could indicate a brain infection, tumor, or the onset of a stroke. Serious symptoms include confusion, dizziness, fever, nausea, pain in the ear, stiff neck, vision problems, or vomiting.
Symptoms:
A tension headache is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Feeling of tightening on both sides of the head
- Worsening pain in hot, stuffy environments or in noisy situations
Migraine headache symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- One-sided headache pain
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Sensory or visual changes (aura)
- Throbbing
- Vomiting
A cluster headache usually involves symptoms of:
- One-sided pain, usually behind the eye
- Pain that occurs 1-4 times per day, for 30-45 minutes at a time
Exams/Testing:
If headaches are experienced frequently or for long durations, a doctor may perform a physical examination to investigate possible causes of severe headaches. A CT scan, MRI of the brain, or sinus X-rays can be used to diagnose underlying conditions or disorders.
It is recommended to keep a headache diary to help identify various triggers of headache symptoms. Sleep schedules, diet, and stress may aggravate headache symptoms and can be avoided.
Outlook/Prognosis:
Most cases of headaches are not serious and do not indicate illness. Various over-the-counter pain relievers are usually recommended to treat headache pain, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen for tension headaches. If over-the-counter drugs are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe medications to treat or prevent headaches, including:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Beta blockers
- Muscle relaxants and analgesics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Other headache treatments include resting with the eyes closed, relaxation techniques, massage, or the application of heat on the upper neck.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent headaches from occurring, such as:
- Avoiding food triggers or environmental factors that cause headaches
- Eating healthier
- Exercising
- Getting more sleep
- Quitting smoking
- Wearing eyeglasses
Causes (specific drugs):
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