DESCRIPTION :
Headache is a common and frequently recurrent
disorder that can seriously disrupt a person's life. Headache pain may be
generalized (all over) or localized (in one area) and may range from mild to
severe. Some headaches have a known cause while others, like migraine
headaches, do not. Postural changes, prolonged coughing, sneezing, or exposure
to sunlight may contribute to headache. Sometimes a headache may be a symptom
of a serious underlying problem (such as stroke or brain tumor) and may call
for prompt medical care. Serious headaches include those that are sudden and
severe, associated with convulsions or seizures, accompanied by confusion or
loss of consciousness, associated with a blow on the head or pain in the eye or
ear, or persistent in a person who was previously headache-free. Recurring
headaches in children, those associated with fever, or those that interfere
with normal life should be checked by a doctor.
The most common types of headaches include
migraine, cluster, and tension-type. Migraines produce throbbing pain on one or
both sides of the head. Symptoms, besides pain, may include nausea, vomiting,
light and noise sensitivity, fever, chills, flu-like achiness, and sweating.
Some sufferers have warnings before a migraine, such as visual disturbances.
Migraine attacks may last from a few hours to days, and may recur several times
a week or once every few years. Cluster headaches, which mainly occur in men,
occur as a series of one-sided headaches that are sudden and excruciating and
may continue for 15 minutes to 4 hours. Symptoms on the painful side may
include nasal congestion, drooping eyelid, and irritated, watery (teary) eye.
Tension-type headaches, which are the most common headache type, produce a
dull, achy pain that feels like pressure is being applied to the head or neck.
These headaches may be associated with muscle tenderness and increased
electromyogram (EMG) activity.
TREATMENT :
For many people, analgesics may provide relief.
Antidepressants may be used to relieve stress-related headaches. Muscle
relaxants may benefit chronic tension headache sufferers. Ergotamine tartrate
or sumatriptin taken at the beginning of a migraine headache may reduce the
severity of the headache. Other therapeutic options may include supportive
measures such as regular exercise, biofeedback, and physical therapy. Chronic
and repetitive use of headache treatments may increase headache frequency in
some individuals. Monitoring by a physician experienced with treating headache
is helpful.
Disclaimer : This tool does not provide medical
advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute
for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content of these
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or omissions in reporting or explanation. No individuals, including those under
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