Headache is a pain occurring in 1 or several areas of the face, head, mouth and neck. Headaches involve the nerve fibers network in the muscles, tissues and blood vessels found at the skull base or in the head. Everybody can have occasional headaches, when they tired or sick and stressed. Headache results from pain signals provoked by the interaction between the blood vessels and the brain, and also the surrounding nerves.
When you have a headache, this pain does not come from your brain. Actually it comes from the nerves that surround the head muscles, the skull, and the blood vessels which become activated and send signals of pain, and the brain interprets them as headache. Why the nerves become activated is not yet understood. Very often headache can go away on its own or can be treated with some over the counter medications.
Types of headache
Headaches are divided into primary and secondary. Primary headaches include the following types:
- Ø tension headache
- Ø migraine
- Ø cluster headache
Primary headache types are not evolved by some other medical conditions. About 90 per cent headaches are primary.
Secondary
Secondary headaches are usually caused by some medical conditions like head trauma, cerebrovascular disease, an infection, metabolic disorder, a tumor. Head pain can be the result from the syndromes involving the ears, neck, eyes, ears, teeth, sinuses. In such cases, the conditions are to be diagnosed and then treated properly. Some medicines can also evolve headache as an adverse effect.
An evaluation by a doctor is necessary if:
- Headaches are worsening with time
- Serious headaches start suddenly
- Headache started after a head trauma
- Headache occurring on the same head side
- Headache does not react to treatments
- Serious headaches interrupting work or other day-to day activities
- Everyday headaches
- Headache that is aggravated by coughing, bending, exertion, sexual activity
Treatment
Occasional tension headaches can be eased by a massage, hot shower, sleep, also by avoiding stress.
Chronic tension headache is much difficult to manage, as headaches will reoccur when pain relievers are not used. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most effective drugs to treat chronic tension headaches. Still it’s more effective to prevent headaches before they happen than to cure them afterwards.
Some individuals can treat tension headaches with no drugs. A heating pad, an ice compress and massage to tight areas in the shoulders and neck can be very helpful. Several relaxation techniques, including acupuncture, deep breathing exercises are effective in reducing headache frequency.