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What is Headache?
The most common headaches are probably caused by tight, contracted muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. These are called tension headaches. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them. Headaches can be triggered by chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). People who drink caffeine can have headaches when they don't get their usual daily amount.
Read more on www.nlm.nih.gov
Also known as Headaches, Throbbing Headache, Head Pain, Cephalalgia, rebound headaches, Hemicrania, pain - head
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Headache information from trusted sources:
Headache
Oh my aching head! Nearly everyone has had a headache. The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. You are more likely to get tension headaches if you work too much, don't get enough sleep, miss meals or use alcohol. Other common types of headaches include migraines, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. Most people can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax and taking pain relievers. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Headache
If any of the following accompany the headache, see the doctor: blurred vision, sensitivity to light, pressure behind the eyes relieved by vomiting, food allergies, pressure in the facial sinuses, throbbing of head and temples, heart pounding, visual color changes, and feeling as though your head will explode. Read more on
www.emedicinal.com
Sex headaches
Jokes about sex and headaches abound. But if you get a piercing headache during orgasm, it's no laughing matter. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Y2K HEADACHE MEDICINE PART II
Treats minor pain and reduces fever. Read more on
www.pdrhealth.com
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are extremely painful headaches that begin unexpectedly, are short-lived and occur several times a day. Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Headache Medicine Ergot-Derivative-Containing
Dihydroergotamine and ergotamine belong to the group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. They are used to treat severe, throbbing headaches, such as migraine and cluster headaches. Dihydroergotamine and ergotamine are not ordinary pain relievers. They will not relieve any kind of pain other than throbbing headaches. Because these medicines can cause serious side effects, they are usually used for patients whose headaches are not relieved by acetaminophen, aspirin, or other pain relievers. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Contents
Home Care
Keep a headache diary to help identify the source or trigger of your symptoms. Then modify your environment or habits to avoid future headaches. When a headache occurs, write down the date and time the headache began, what you ate for the past 24 hours, how long you slept the night before, what you were doing and thinking about just before the headache started, any stress in your life, how long the headache lasts, and what you did to make it stop. After a period of time, you may begin to see a pattern.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Medical advice
Take the following symptoms seriously. If you cannot see your health care provider immediately, go to the emergency room or call 911 if:This is the first headache you have ever had in your life and it interferes with your daily activities; Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent; You would describe your headache as "your worst ever" even if you are prone to headaches; Your headache is associated with slurred speech, change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss; Your headache gets progressively worse over a 24-hour period; Your headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting; Your headache occurs with a head injury; Your headache is severe and localized to one eye with redness in that eye; You are over age 50 and your headaches just began, especially with impaired vision and pain while chewing; You have cancer and develop a new headache; Your headaches wake you up from sleep; A headache lasts more than a few days; Headaches are worse in the morning; You have a history of headaches but they have changed in pattern or intensity; You have headaches frequently, and there is no known cause
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Prevention
The following healthy habits can lessen stress and reduce your chance of getting headaches:Getting adequate sleep; Eating a healthy diet; Exercising regularly; Stretching your neck and upper body, especially if your work involves typing or using a computer; Learning proper posture; Quitting smoking; Learning to relax using meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or other techniques; Wearing proper eyeglasses, if needed
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The most common headaches are probably caused by tight, contracted muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw. These are called tension headaches. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals, and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more susceptible to them. Headaches can be triggered by chocolate, cheese, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). People who drink caffeine can have headaches when they don't get their usual daily amount.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov