How can you prevent and treat your headaches?
Headaches, especially a migraine, are one of the top problems seen by providers in a neurology clinic. There are many types of headaches. The most common ones that people are seen for are migraines, cluster headaches, tension headaches, and sinus type headaches. There are many other subtypes including occipital neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and trigeminal autonomic cephalgias.
What is a migraine? It is a severe headache most common in woman of child-bearing age. Migraine headaches are typically located on one side of the head (although it can be both sides). It is described as a throbbing like sensation accompanied with symptoms like light and noise sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Some people experience something called an aura which is a warning sign that the migraine is about to occur. The aura is usually something people see like spots. They can last from five minutes to slightly longer than one hour. There are medications that can be used to help prevent and stop them. Some people report triggers for their migraine headaches. These can include alcohol, chocolate (among other food triggers), stress, and lack of sleep.
What is a cluster headache? A cluster headache is a very specific type of headache characterized by attacks of severe unilateral pain with same sided symptoms including eyelid drooping, increased tearing of the eye, redness of the eye, runny nose and/or nasal congestion. The headache is described as severe, sharp, or stabbing. The attacks usually occur around or behind the eye or in the temple. It typically lasts 15 minutes but can go up to 3 hours. It may occur once every other day to eight times a day or more. There are specific acute and preventative treatments for cluster headaches.
Other more common headaches include tension and sinus type headaches. Tension headaches are often caused by muscle tension throughout the head, neck, or shoulders. They are characterized as two-sided, non-throbbing (usually dull/aching type pain), and of a mild to moderate intensity without other features. Treatment for tension headaches can include physical and massage therapy, preventative headache medications, and prescription medications targeted to relax the muscles. Sinus headaches are typically caused by inflammation and congestion in the sinuses. These headaches are usually located around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. They are described as a pressure like sensation without any associated symptoms. Prevention might include use of antihistamines and nasal sprays. Treatment might comprise the same as well as an antibiotic if an infection is present.
There are a few things you can do in everyday life that could potentially help prevent a headache from occurring. These include staying well hydrated, getting a bite guard if you clench your jaws at night, having routine eye exams every 1-2 years, using blue light filter glasses or blue light filter screen for your computer if you use it daily, getting plenty of sleep, and obtaining a massager.
If you think that you are suffering from one of these headaches, please talk to your primary care provider. If needed, they can refer you to neurology.
