Archive for the ‘nerve’ Category

Prophylactic Medications For Migraine

Friday, May 16th, 2008

Prophylactic medications are medications taken daily to reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches. They are not taken once a headache has begun. There are several classes of prophylactic medications: beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, antiserotonin agents and anticonvulsants. Medications with the longest history of use are propranolol (Inderal), a beta blocker, and amitriptyline, an antidepressant. When choosing a prophylactic medication for a patient the doctor must take into account the drug side effects, drug-drug interactions, and co-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Beta blockers

Beta-blockers are a class of drugs that block the effects of beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine). By blocking the effects of adrenaline, beta-blockers relieve stress on the heart by slowing the rate at which the heart beats. Beta-blockers have been used to treat high blood pressure, angina, certain types or tremors, stage fright, and abnormally fast heart beats. Beta-blockers have been used for many years to prevent migraine headaches.

It is not known how beta-blockers prevent migraine headaches. It may be by decreasing prostaglandin production, though it also may be through their effect on serotonin or a direct effect on arteries. The beta-blockers used in preventing migraine headaches include propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin) etc.

Beta-blockers generally are well-tolerated. They can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. In patients who already have slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart block (defects in electrical conduction within the heart), beta-blockers can cause dangerously slow heartbeats. Beta-blockers can aggravate symptoms of heart failure. Other side effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, decrease in endurance, insomnia, nausea, depression, dreaming, memory loss, impotence..

Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) prevent migraine headaches by altering the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin, that the nerves of the brain use to communicate with one another. The tricyclic antidepressants that have been used in preventing migraine headaches like amitriptyline.

The most commonly encountered side effects associated with TCAs are fast heart rate, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain or loss, and low blood pressure when standing.

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Top 20 DIY Headache Cures That Bring Quick Relief…

Friday, April 25th, 2008

Last week, I was suffering from a ragin’ headache. Not only was it painful. It was like the Energizer bunny…it kept going and going and going.

I asked you, my marvelous readers, if you had any advice to cure the 3 day headache and you really came through! With so many tips, I recovered from my headache and went on to feeling energetic and breathing clear. Since it is springtime, breathing clear is a tough one. But you did it and I thank you.

Since there were twenty tips, I couldn’t do them all - I picked a couple and tried them.

So here are the Top 20 DIY Headache Cures That Bring Quick Relief:

1. You might want to have your eyes checked (if you haven’t done so already). I had a new pair of prescription contact lenses made for me about 4 years ago. But they always gave me problems. I stopped wearing them and I noticed that when I was working (and staring at a computer screen) I got headaches. But the headaches would last and last. I thought there was something else wrong with me. Long story short (too late), I had PRK laser correction surgery done and I’ve been headache free since. I’m fortunate not to have allergies so I don’t have to deal with that possibility.

2. Peppermint oil applied under your nose. (Be careful with application and wash hands!!) Rice packs heated in the microwave for four minutes applied over eyes / back of neck. Also take a hot shower with Peppermint Soap (the liquid version) Oh it makes you tingle.

3. During allergy season I would suggest you use a sinus rinse like Neilmed. Once I started using it regularly, it cut down on my headaches.

4. Tiger balm on your temples, rub tendons in back of neck to release tension.

5. Snort this twice a day:
* Sinus Rinse
* 16 oz. H2O
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* Mix.
Pour some into palm of hand and snort.

6. Brush teeth with flossing and mouthwash. Something about swishing, gargling, changing teeth positions, spitting, etc., makes it so you can clear your head a little.

7. Gargle with salt water periodically to clear head/get rid of drip.

8. Take a bath in fairly warm water. Submerge your head so your ears are covered. Even allow them to fill with water to put pressure on the inside of your head and help it drain. Then — KEY — sit up in the tub so that your wet hair gets cold. This is supposed to help shrink the nasal/sinus membranes and gives some relief. I imagine using a cold wet towel on the head might also help, but I think the bath steam helps and that’s why this is good.

9. Eat hot stuff like chili peppers, salsa. Again, this helps drainage. Even a little bit of heat helps break things up.

10. Cold compress over eyes to help the eyes stop swelling and bring some comfort.

11. Lie down and let head drain. Try with and without a pillow, side to side, head nose pointed up toward wall, and head pointed down toward feet, and rolling from one side to another.

12. Sleep, lots of fluids, and perhaps a walk. (I know this sounds lame,) but it helps the lack of blood flow, which is the initial cause of most headaches.

13. My daughter has used peppermint and lavender essential oils in a rollerball applicator. You apply a small amount to your temples and she said that she felt relief almost immediately. She recommended it to a friend of mine who gets migraines quite often, and she said that, although her headache didn’t go away immediately, it only lasted about 1/10 as long as usual.

14. I suffered from a headache for several days earlier in the year. I went to a regular chiropractor appointment for my back and she adjusted my jaw and the headache went instantly. Apparently my jaw was slightly misaligned (apparently due to stress causing me to tense my teeth) and this was leading in uneven pressure in my head when I moved my jaw. If the other suggestions don’t work I would recommend going to have a check up a chiropractor.

15. I usually find headaches are due to dehydration, stress or tiredness. So upping my fluid intake, getting plenty of sleep or having some time-out (maybe a walk in the fresh air) will usually sort it out. But if my sinuses are at all involved, steam inhalation helps (put your head over a basin filled with hot water and cover your head with a towel for 10-15 minutes. You can add aromatherapy oil or some herbs or a spoonful of vicks if you like. A little lavender oil on your temples, the bridge and sides of your nose and across your forehead will help to relieve sinusitis and stress headaches.

16. If your headaches are allergy related, I have started using a neti pot on a regular basis and found it to be very helpful for relieving sinus congestion. The result is similar to the nasal rinse suggested above, but I’ve done both and much prefer the neti pot. I mix a little sea salt with warm water in the pot and rinse out my sinuses during my morning shower.

17. My worst headaches from barometric pressure. When I feel one coming on, I’ll typically check the weather to see if a front is moving in. If it appears the weather is causing it, I’ll take an Excedrin migraine early on. I hate taking pills, so acting early really does the trick in my case. I’ve wanted to purchase a barometer for some time now so that I can get used to seeing the measurement every day. This way I’d intuitively know what my “feel good” vs. “feel bad” ranges are. Was there some poor weather in your area while you were in pain? If so, a barometer may be a wise investment so you can start using your peppermint oil early on. =)

18. (1) Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4 mg tablet (Walgreens Wal-finate Allergy 4 Hour Tablets) (2) Ibuprofen 200mg each, esgic plus an ice pack. Usually he find that it starts to go away in 20 minutes, but he gets a little sleepy. Try it next time. I also use this for tension headaches.

19. I found that when I reduced my wheat and milk intake my headaches disappeared.

20. Make sure you are hydrated. You can get migraines triggered from dehydration.

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5 Surprising Things That Give You Headaches

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

You’ve been staring at the computer for hours. You’ve worked late all week and have in-laws coming this weekend. You have a raging case of PMS. Eyestrain, stress, and hormonal shifts are fairly common causes of headaches, which afflict 45 million Americans (most of them women). But sometimes the usual suspects don’t explain that pain in your head. That’s because some triggers are just plain weird—like perfume, storms, earrings … or even orgasms. Here’s how to identify the source of your headache so you can send it packing.

Perfume
“Strong scents bother me instantly,” says Bethany Hegedus, 35, a writer and receptionist from Brooklyn, New York. She can get a headache from a whiff of Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker or a stroll past a Yankee Candle. Her sense of smell is so acute that she can sniff out whether a co-worker has changed laundry detergents or hand lotions, a degree of sensitivity common among scent-driven headache sufferers. The headaches can be fleeting if exposure is brief—or they can last all day.

Why it hurts: Strong odors may activate the nose’s nerve cells, which stimulate the nerve system associated with head pain. Ironically, the offending scents are often pleasant, says Vincent Martin, MD, a headache specialist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

What to do: Avoid perfumes, strong household cleansers, fragranced soaps and shampoos, and air fresheners. That’s a challenge when just about everything these days is “Clothesline Clean” or “Citrus Fresh,” but Hegedus does her best with unscented laundry detergent and deodorant, and wears no fragrances. At the office, she politely asks colleagues not to wear heavy perfumes. And if all else fails? “I keep a bottle of Excedrin Extra Strength at my desk,” she says.

That remedy has aspirin, aceta-minophen, and caffeine, a combination endorsed by several medical organizations for migraine and tension headaches. However, you might want to try aspirin or acetaminophen individually rather than mixed together with caffeine, says Andrew Charles, MD, director of the Headache Research and Treatment Center at the University of Calofirnia, Los Angeles, School of Medicine. Frequent use of medicines with caffeine can lead to dependency and “rebound” headaches, the kind that come right back as soon as the meds wear off. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen treat pain and the inflammation often associated with headaches. Acetaminophen fights pain, but not inflammation. (Another caveat: If over-the-counter meds don’t help, a trip to the neurologist may be needed, Martin says.)

Weather
Studies show that the headache-prone are especially attuned to changes in barometric pressure, rising temperatures, high humidity, lightning, and cloudy skies. Rebecca Kinney, a 31-year-old librarian from Newton, Massachusetts, calls herself a human barometer. Gray skies and rain-on-the-way trigger excruciating pain. “The headache is usually on one side of my head, and it pulsates, as if someone is drilling into me,” she says.

Why it hurts: The meteorological shifts are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain that irritate nerves—sometimes causing fairly dramatic pain. In fact, “50 to 60 percent of migraine patients will identify a weather change as the trigger for their headaches,” Martin says.

What to do: On bad-weather days, Kinney puts an ice compress on her eyes in the morning. “Sometimes I can catch the headache before it gets worse,” she says. Another trick: Record your symptoms and the weather to piece together patterns. Then check out the “Aches and Pains” forecast on Weather.com (click on “Healthy Living”); it breaks down how the day is dawning in terms of temperature, barometric pressure, and wind patterns. Pretreat with 400 milligrams of ibuprofen a day or two before expected weather changes, says Mark W. Green, MD, director of headache medicine at Columbia University. (Naproxen or aspirin may work, as well.)

Earrings, headbands, and ponytails
Some people say the roots of their hair hurt when they get a headache. Kinney describes it as a “hair cramp.” Other women swear that their earrings can lead to head pain. And they’re all … correct!

Why it hurts: The muscle groups around your scalp don’t have pain fibers, but their connective tissues do. “Ponytail headaches” result when tightly pulled hair irritates the muscle system. And your swingy up-do isn’t the only thing contributing to your pain: Tight-fitting hats, headbands, and heavy earrings are also culprits, says Stephen Silberstein, MD, director of the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Why earrings? It’s possible that earrings can pull on that same connective tissue. But some studies suggest that skin sensitivity around your scalp, face, and ears often accompanies a migraine. The earring supersensitivity could be a sign that a migraine’s coming, but not the cause of the headache.

What to do: It probably didn’t take a study in the journal Headache to tell you that loosening your ponytail relieves a ponytail ache. Researchers have found that this simple action decreased headache pain within 30 minues, and, in some cases, instantly. Kinney makes a conscious effort to reposition her ponytail throughout the day. Typically, the thicker your hair or the heavier your headwear, the more likely you’ll experience this type of headache. Best bet: Save tight up-dos and heavy earrings for nights out, when you won’t be wearing them for long.

Hunger
There’s a reason some nutrition gurus recommend that we eat several small meals a day: It keeps our blood sugar on an even keel. Dieting, fasting, skipping lunch—they all can cause you to bottom out, which may trigger a headache.

Why it hurts: Experts believe low blood sugar may stimulate nerve pathways that bring on these common headaches, but the exact mechanism is murky.

What to do: Uh, eat? Exactly. But remember that what you grab may play a role in whether your headache returns. “Sugar headaches” may occur when we binge on sweets on an empty stomach. The spike in blood sugar ratchets insulin levels, which eventually cause blood sugar to sink even lower. Instead, balance a protein with a complex carbohydrate, such as fish and brown rice, or a snack of whole-wheat toast with almond butter. Martin adds that eating foods rich in magnesium (spinach, beans, nuts, and seeds) and riboflavin (dairy products, lean meats, leafy greens, enriched breads and cereals) may prevent and alleviate head pain. Riboflavin is a B vitamin; large doses are thought to help prevent migraines.

Bear in mind, too, that cheese, chocolate, lunch meats, caffeine, and additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger headaches. In general, if you suffer from moderate, severe, or frequent headaches (more than two a week), consult a headache specialist about your diet. You may need to keep a food diary to hunt for culprits.

Sex!
“Coital headaches” (not the “Not tonight, honey” variety) can occur during foreplay or right before orgasm. Marked by a general head pain, these headaches typically last from a few minutes to an hour.

Why it hurts: It’s probably a type of “exertion headache,” Silberstein says. During arousal, the culprit is likely pressure building up in the head and neck muscles. And orgasm sometimes requires a lot of “work.” Running, coughing, sneezing, even straining during a bowel movement, can lead to similar pain.

What to do: Most exertion headaches can be pretreated with ibuprofen or naproxen, Martin says. But be careful: An orgasmic headache, if it’s your first, may point to an underlying condition, such as an aneurysm, that merits a doctor’s attention. If your headaches occur during G-rated workouts, an activity switch can help—from aerobics, say, to biking. These headaches usually aren’t a reason to quit having fun.

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The Headaches of Life

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches

1. What Types of Headaches Are There?

There are several types of headaches - 150 diagnostic headache categories have been established!

Below is a list of the most common types of headaches.

Tension headaches: Also called chronic daily headaches or chronic non-progressive headaches, tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents. These muscle contraction headaches cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time.

Migraines: The exact causes of migraines are unknown, although they are related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain as well as inherited abnormalities in certain areas of the brain. Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually occur 1 to 4 times per month. Migraines are associated with symptoms such as light sensitivity; noise or odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and stomach upset or abdominal pain. When a child is having a migraine they often look pale, feel dizzy, have blurred vision, fever, stomach upset, in addition to having the above listed symptoms.

A small percentage of pediatric migraines include recurrent (cyclic) gastrointestinal symptoms, in which vomiting is most common. Cyclic vomiting means that the symptoms occur on a regular basis — about once a month. These types of migraines are sometimes called abdominal migraines.

Mixed headache syndrome: Also called transformed migraines, this is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.

Cluster headaches: The least common, although the most severe, type of primary headache, the pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant. The pain is so severe that most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack. The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides. The term “cluster headache” refers to headaches that have a characteristic grouping of attacks. Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into “remission”) for months or years, only to recur.

Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining and usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling.

Acute headaches: Seen in children, these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time. Acute headaches most commonly result in a visit to the pediatrician’s office and/or the emergency room. If there are no neurological signs or symptoms, the most common cause for acute headaches in children and adolescents is a respiratory or sinus infection.

Hormone headaches: Headaches in women are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Chronic progressive headaches: Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time. These are the least common type of headache, accounting for less than 5% of all headaches in adults and less than 2% of all headaches in kids. Chronic progressive headaches may be the result of an illness or disorder of the brain or skull.

2. Are Headaches Hereditary?

Yes, headaches, especially migraines, have a tendency to run in families. Most children and adolescents (90%) who have migraines have other family members with migraines. When both parents have a history of migraines, there is a 70% chance that the child will also develop migraines. If only one parent has a history of migraines, the risk drops to 25%-50%.

3. What Causes Headaches?

Headache pain results from signals interacting between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, specific nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are activated and send pain signals to the brain. It’s not clear, however, why these signals are activated in the first place.

There is a migraine “pain center” or generator in the mid-brain area. A migraine begins when hyperactive nerve cells send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing constriction, followed by the dilation of these vessels and the release of prostaglandins, serotonin, and other inflammatory substances that cause the pulsation to be painful. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical essential for certain body processes.

Headaches that occur suddenly (acute-onset) are usually due to an illness, infection, cold or fever. Other conditions that can cause an acute headache include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), pharyngitis (inflammation or infection of the throat) or otitis (ear infection or inflammation).

In some cases, the headaches may be the result of a blow to the head (trauma) or rarely a sign of a more serious medical condition.

Common causes of tension headaches or chronic nonprogressive headaches include emotional stress related to family and friends, work or school; alcohol use; skipping meals; changes in sleep patterns; excessive medication use; tension and depression. Other causes of tension headaches include eyestrain and neck or back strain due to poor posture.

Headaches can also be triggered by specific environmental factors that are shared in a family’s household, such as exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke strong odors from household chemicals or perfumes, exposure to certain allergens or eating certain foods. Stress, pollution, noise, lighting and weather changes are other environmental factors that can trigger headaches for some people.

Too much physical activity can also trigger a migraine in both adults and children.

Be sure to consult a doctor to find out what is causing your headaches.

4. How Are Headaches Evaluated and Diagnosed?

The good news for headache sufferers is that once a correct headache diagnosis is made, an effective treatment plan can be started.

If you have headache symptoms, the first step is to go to your family doctor. He or she will perform a complete physical examination and a headache evaluation. During the headache evaluation, your headache history and description of the headaches will be evaluated. You will be asked to describe your headache symptoms and characteristics as completely as possible.

A headache evaluation may include a CT scan or MRI if a structural disorder of the central nervous system is suspected. Both of these tests produce cross-sectional images of the brain that can reveal abnormal areas or problems. Skull X-rays are not helpful. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is also unnecessary unless you have experienced a loss of consciousness with a headache. Sinus X-Ray - although the CT scan and MRI provide more details, your doctor may use this test if your symptoms seem to indicate sinus problems. Eye Exam - an eye pressure test performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) will rule out glaucoma or pressure on the optic nerve as causes of headaches. Spinal Tap - a spinal tap is the removal of spinal fluid from the spinal canal (located in the back). This procedure is performed to look for conditions such as infections of the brain or spinal cord. The test can itself cause a temporary headache. Blood Chemistry and Urinalysis. These tests may determine many medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and infections, which can cause headaches.

If your headache symptoms become worse or become more frequent despite treatment, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist. Your family doctor should be able to provide the names of headache specialists. If you need more information, contact one of the organizations in the resource list for a list of member doctors in your state.

5. How Are Headaches Treated?

Your doctor may recommend different types of treatment to try or he or she may recommend further testing, or refer you to a headache specialist. You should establish a reasonable time frame with your family doctor to evaluate your headache symptoms.

The proper treatment will depend on several factors, including the type and frequency of the headache and its cause. Not all headaches require medical attention. Treatment may include education, counseling, stress management, biofeedback and medications. The treatment prescribed for you will be tailored to meet your specific needs.

6. What Medications Can Treat Headaches?

* Aspirin
* Sinus relief medications
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Aleve)
* Sedatives for sleep
* Codeine and prescription narcotics
* Over-the-counter combination headache remedies containing caffeine (such as Anacin, Excedrin, Bayer Select)
* Ergotamine preparations (such as Cafergot, Migergot, Ergomar, Bellergal-S, Bel-Phen-Ergot S, Phenerbel-S, Ercaf, Wigraine and Cafatine PB)
* Butalbital combination pain-relievers (Goody’s Headache Powder, Supac, Excedrin)

7. What Are Rebound Headaches?

While small amounts of these medications per week may be safe (and effective) — at some point, the continued medication use can lead to the development of low grade headaches that just will not go away.

8. What Food Triggers Headaches?

Some of the most common food, beverages, and additives associated with headaches include:

* Aged cheese, red wine, alcoholic beverages, and some processed meats.
* Food preservatives (or additives) contained in certain foods can trigger headaches. The additives, nitrates and nitrites, dilate blood vessels, causing headaches in some people.
* Cold foods: Cold food, like ice cream, can cause headaches in some people. It’s more likely to occur if you are over-heated from exercise or hot temperatures. Pain, which is felt in the forehead, peaks 25 to 60 seconds and lasts from several seconds to one or two minutes. More than 90% of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and cold substances.

9. Is Caffeine a Headache Treatment or a Headache Trigger?

Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for a headache sufferer. Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache medications. Caffeine additives make pain-relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief.

While caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined with consuming too much caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate) from other sources, may make you more vulnerable to getting rebound headaches.

10. What Are Abortive Medications?

Abortive medications, when used at the first sign of a migraine, can stop the process that causes the headache pain. By stopping the headache process, abortive medications help prevent the symptoms of migraines including pain, nausea, and sound and light sensitivity. Some medications should not be used during a migraine aura; please follow the instructions of your doctor.

11. Do Children Outgrow Headaches?

Headaches may get better as your child gets older. The headaches may disappear and then return later in life. By junior high school, many boys who have migraines outgrow them, but in girls, migraine frequency increases because of hormone changes. Migraines are three times more likely to occur in adolescent girls than in boys.

12. Can Headaches Be Prevented?

Headaches can cause untold pain and suffering. But, you don’t have to resign yourself to be a headache sufferer. There are steps you can take to prevent headaches. Here are just a few ways to keep headaches at bay.

o Follow your treatment plan. Avoid taking medications that have not been ordered by your doctor.
o Reduce emotional stress. Take time to relax and take time away from stressful situations. Learn relaxation skills, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
o Reduce physical stress. Proper rest and sleep will allow you to deeply relax so you can face the stressors of the new day. When sitting for prolonged periods, get up and stretch periodically. Relax your jaw, neck and shoulders.
o Exercise regularly. Get at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week. But, don’t over do it!
o Keep a regular routine. Eat meals and snacks at about the same times every day, and get enough sleep at night.
o Quit smoking. Smoking can trigger headaches and make any headache, especially cluster headaches, worse. Ask your doctor for information about smoking cessation programs in your community.
o Seek help when you are unable to cope. Talk to a friend, family member, religious or health care professional if your problems are getting to you.
o Know your headache triggers. Keep a headache diary to keep track of what triggers your headaches and avoid these triggers in the future.
o Preventive therapy. Women who often get headaches around their menstrual period can take preventive therapy when they know their period is coming.

Additional information about migranes and headaches

Are Migraines Hereditary?

Yes, migraines have a tendency to run in families. Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If one parent has a history of migraines, the child has a 50% chance of developing migraines, and if both parents have a history of migraines, the risk jumps to 75%.

Can Migraines Be Prevented?

* Yes. You can reduce the frequency of your migraine attacks by identifying and then avoiding migraine triggers. You can keep track of your headache patterns and identify headache triggers by using a headache diary.
* Recalling what you ate prior to an attack may help you identify chemical triggers.
* Stress management and coping techniques, along with relaxation training, can help prevent or reduce the severity of the migraine attacks.
* Women who often get migraines around their menstrual period can take preventive therapy when they know their period is coming.
* Migraine sufferers seem to have fewer attacks when they eat on a regular schedule and get adequate rest.
* Regular exercise — in moderation — can also help prevent migraines.

Can Allergies Cause Headaches?

It is a misconception that allergies cause headaches. However, allergies can cause sinus congestion, which can lead to headache pain. If you have allergies, the treatment for your allergy will not relieve your headache pain. The two conditions generally must be treated separately. See your doctor to ensure proper treatment.

What Are Some Techniques I Can Use to Relax?

Below are a few relaxation exercises. But first, be sure that you have a quiet location that is free of distractions, a comfortable body position, and a good state of mind. Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts.

o Rhythmic breathing: If your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow breaths. Inhale slowly then exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, and then count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale slowly, pay attention to how your body naturally relaxes. Recognizing this change will help you to relax even more.
o Deep breathing: Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhalation, you should feel more relaxed.
o Visualized breathing: Find a comfortable place where you can close your eyes, and combine slowed breathing with your imagination. Picture relaxation entering your body and tension leaving your body. Breathe deeply, but in a natural rhythm. Visualize your breath coming into your nostrils, going into your lungs and expanding your chest and abdomen. Then, visualize your breath going out the same way. Continue breathing, but each time you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more relaxation. Each time you exhale imagine that you are getting rid of a little more tension.
o Progressive muscle relaxation: Switch your thoughts to yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Quickly loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular motion once or twice. (Stop any movements that cause pain!) Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. Recall a pleasant thought for a few seconds. Take another deep breath and exhale slowly. You should feel relaxed.
o Relaxing to music: Combine relaxation exercises with your favorite music in the background. Select the type of music that lifts your mood or that you find soothing or calming. Some people find it easier to relax while listening to specially designed relaxation audio tapes, which provide music and relaxation instructions.
o Mental imagery relaxation: Mental imagery relaxation, or guided imagery, is a proven form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. Guided imagery coaches you in creating calm, peaceful images in your mind — a “mental escape.” Identify your self-talk, that is, what you are saying to yourself about what is going on with your illness. It is important to identify negative self-talk and develop healthy, positive self-talk. By making affirmations, you can counteract negative thoughts and emotions. Here are some positive statements you can practice.
o Let go of things I cannot control.
o I am healthy, vital, and strong.
o There is nothing in the world I cannot handle.
o All my needs are met.
o I am completely and utterly safe.
o Every day in every way I am getting stronger

In order to receive proper treatment, a correct diagnosis of your headaches must be made. To properly diagnose the cause(s) of the headaches, your doctor will first take a headache history.

Headache History

The most important part of your doctor’s evaluation of your headaches is what’s called the headache history. It is important to describe your headache symptoms and characteristics as completely as possible. Your headaches can be better diagnosed if you tell your doctor:

· How old you were when the headaches started
· How long you have been experiencing them
· If you experience a single type of headache or multiple types of headaches
· How often the headaches occur
· What causes the headaches, if known (for example, do certain situations, foods or medications trigger the headaches?)
· Who else in your family has headaches
· What symptoms, if any, occur between headaches
· If your school or work performance has been affected by the headaches

It is also important to tell your doctor how you feel when you get a headache and what happens when you get a headache, such as:

· Where the pain is located
· What it feels like
· How severe the headache pain is, using a scale from 1 (mild) to 10 (severe)
· How long the headache lasts
· If the headaches appear suddenly without warning or with accompanying symptoms
· What time of day the headache usually occurs
· If there is an aura (changes in vision, blind spots or bright lights) before the headache
· What other symptoms or warning signs occur with a headache (such as weakness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, appetite changes, changes in attitude or behavior)
· How frequent you get headaches

You should also tell your doctor if you’ve been treated in the past for headaches and what medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) you have taken in the past and what medications are currently being taken. Don’t hesitate to list them, bring the bottles, or ask your pharmacist for a printout.

Studies performed by other doctors who may have evaluated your headaches in the past, including X-rays and other imaging tests are also very important — you should bring these to your appointment as well. This may save time and repetition of tests.

Physical and Neurological Examinations

After completing the headache history portion of the evaluation, the doctor will perform a complete physical and neurological examination. The doctor will look for signs and symptoms of an illness that may be causing the headaches, such as:

· Fever or abnormalities in breathing, pulse, or blood pressure
· Infection
· Nausea, vomiting
· Changes in personality, inappropriate behavior
· Mental confusion
· Seizures
· Loss of consciousness
· Excessive fatigue, wanting to sleep all of the time
· High blood pressure
· Muscle weakness, numbness or tingling
· Speech difficulties
· Balance problems, falling
· Dizziness
· Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision, blind spots)

Neurological tests focus on ruling out diseases of the brain or nerves that may also cause headaches, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. Some of the tests may also look for a physical or structural abnormality in the brain that may cause your headache, such as:

· Tumor
· Abscess (an infection of the brain)
· Hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain)
· Bacterial or viral meningitis (an infection or inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord)
· Pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure)
· Hydrocephalus (abnormal build-up of fluid in the brain)
· Infection of the brain such as meningitis or Lyme disease
· Encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain)
· Blood clots
· Head trauma
· Sinus blockage or disease
· Blood vessel abnormalities
· Injuries
· Aneurysm (an outpouching of the wall of a blood vessel that can leak or rupture)

Psychological Evaluation

An interview with a psychologist is not a routine part of a headache evaluation, but may be done to identify stress factors triggering your headaches. You may be asked to complete a computerized questionnaire to provide more in-depth information to the doctor.

After evaluating the results of the headache history, physical examination, neurological, and psychological examination, your doctor should be able to determine the type of headache you have, whether a serious problem is present, and whether additional tests are needed. Possible additional tests you may be given include diagnostic tests.

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Understand the Nature of Headache

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

Nervous Headache can be cured, headache due to various forms of mental stimulation, psychological pressure caused by no means ill, it will not become a mental illness or brain tumor. Although consciously headache, mental bad, in fact still able to cope with daily life and work and learning in general, will not cause mental disability. Should be ideal and the reality, with the hope that might distinguish. Elimination from the tension headache, reduce psychological pressure.

For example, the hope that their energetic and free from fatigue, but in fact their own study and work pressure on already overloaded, then should the rest is the best. Do not fall for mental anxiety and, if necessary, to reduce their own goals, to stem anything to tailor our thinking, we should set goals to give full play to their potential, and do not lead to the collapse of the spirit of the limits.

Many things are restricted by many factors, most of which are not overcome by the human, if we wanted to do his own, he wanted to be. As long as their efforts to do so, they should feel easy conscience. How can. Horse since ancient times who can do?

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Tension Headache Etiology

Monday, February 18th, 2008

From a medical point of view,

The muscles of the head and neck continued contraction can cause tension headache. Head and neck muscle contraction generally have the following reasons:

① excessive anxiety or melancholy mood, accompanied by mental stress, intense work and learning pressure, the mental work long hours are not relaxed.

② by facial features and neck muscle contraction or spasm caused.

③ from sitting or standing position at the head, neck, shoulder,Department from bad posture, muscle contraction can reduce blood flow from the site, ischemia caused headaches.

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Nervous Headache Drug Treatment

Monday, February 18th, 2008

How the treatment of headache

Drug therapy:

The out-patient department of neurology expert Dr. Guo headache for a long time engaged in the research, has a wealth of clinical experience, in the treatment of chronic headache made breakthrough progress. According to Guo Jiechuanbiefang physician with 20 years of clinical research results using the method of combining traditional Chinese and western medicine to use dozens of successful drug developed a taste of luxury series Nervous Headache Prescriptions - Jing Ling series of agreements prescription pain, Guo physicians use the series drugs and the success of the cured more than 2,000 cases of chronic headache patients. Jing Ling series of agreements prescription pain of the various headache disease (including Nervous Headache, vascular headache, migraine headache, muscle tension headache, menstrual headache, traumatic brain injury headache, epilepsy, headache, hypertension headache, etc.) there are special effects, the effective rate was 97%, prominent feature is not cured after recurrence. Jing Ling series of agreements prescription pain with Jiannao Yang Shen, centering Anshen, Qufeng analgesic efficacy, according to different causes, types, dialectical medication, a quick, short duration of the characteristics of the proprietary Treating the advantages are: effect of stability, non-toxic, and consolidate difficult to relapse after treatment.

Jing Ling series prescription pain specifically for the treatment of various intractable Nervous Headache (including vessels and nerves of chronic headache, tension headache, muscle contraction headache, functional headache, etc.) and associated with the dizziness, irritability irritability, anxiety anxiety, palpitation, shortness of breath, fear, tinnitus, and the head pressure, insomnia dream, notalgia, neck stiffness. The prescription adjustable neural functions, and improve brain blood oxygen, the elimination of tension, ease muscle cramps head of the various types of headache, dizziness, palpitation, irritability irritability, anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms effects .

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What Causes Pain in Headaches

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

Headache pain is not in the brain. Brain can cause some problems with pain.

But the brain itself not feel pain. Brain records from all parts of the body pain, but the lack of itself can detect pain, the pain sensory nerve conduction.

The head of various organizations, blood vessels and membranes surrounding both internal and sensory nerve, headaches and pain that these parts, it is usually caused by tension.

Head organizations like other organizations, will be under pressure conduction pain. Cause headaches can be seen in the pressure headache, facial, scalp muscles, blood vessels or the head. Muscle tension can cause tension headaches, swelling or blood vessel expansion caused vascular headache.

Why these muscles and blood vessels caused headaches for many. Can muscle tension emotional tension, or prolonged typing hard to read certain texts will cause the situation. Paranasal sinuses, teeth and headphones can also be induced by infection headache. Jiuhe too much to the head of vascular dilation, and also have a headache.

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Headache Avoidance

Friday, February 1st, 2008

Since I started my in vitro cycle, and subsequently after I found out I was pregnant, I had been advised not to take any medications, including over-the-counter drugs like Excedrin or Alleve. Unfortunately, I am prone to tension headaches and occasionally get a particularly bad migraine. On Saturday afternoon, I felt a tension headache coming on. Knowing that I would not be able to to turn to drugs as a remedy, I decided to try stretching.

Instant ReliefI bought the book, Instant Relief: Tell Me Where it Hurts and I’ll Tell You What to Do months ago, but it’s been sitting on my shelf, collecting dust. The premise of this book is that by stretching the proper muscles, you can effectively reduce or eliminate your pain. I thought it was worth a try, so I dusted off the book and began doing the stretches recommended for tight neck and shoulder muscles.

After about 10 minutes, I felt significantly better, and avoided a tension headache that could have kept me from dinner with friends.

Perhaps I should keep that book on my nightstand and practice the stretches daily. If it can keep my muscles loose, maybe I can avoid migraines altogether. That would be wonderful.

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How Your Tension Headaches Become Chronic

Monday, January 21st, 2008

This article explains how tight neck, shoulder and upper back muscles cause tension headaches to become a chronic condition. It’s an excerpt from the author’s “How to Get Permanent Relief From Chronic Tension Headaches” program.

How You Get Chronic Tension Headaches

— Simply put, tension headaches come from muscle tension in your neck, shoulders and upper back.
— This tension is usually a result of poor posture and, less frequently, some sort of trauma (like a car accident).
— Conventional pharmacomedical cares (painkillers, muscle relaxers) have little or no effect on chronic tension headaches.
— This is because they treat the syndromes, not the cause.

The Cause of Chronic Tension Headaches

Here’s how your tension headaches typically become chronic:

— You work all hunched over at your job
— You continue to practice poor posture at home
— This posture tightens your neck, shoulders and upper back
— After awhile, this tightness causes muscle spasms
— These spasms restrict blood flow to the back of your head
— These spasms also irritate nerve endings in the back of your neck and head

A typical scenario is that you work every day at a job you’re used to performing in a lousy posture.

Mayby you stoop over a drill press. Maybe you hunch over a computer terminal. Maybe you drive all day. Maybe you sit all day with a phone crooked between your neck and ear.

The common denominator is that while you do these jobs, your back’s stretched out, your shoulders are rolled in and your head’s jutted out.

And when you get home, you continue practicing this poor posture by curling up in front of the T.V., or sitting hunched over in your easy chair.

If you’re like most group, you continue this posture when you go to bed because you sleep in the fetal position.

When you’re caught in this cycle, you’ve trained your muscles to adapt to this abnormal positioning.

This positioning stretches out your back muscles, curls up your shoulder muscles, strains your neck muscles and constricts your chest.

This is what causes your tightness. It’s a sign that these muscles are under tremendous stress.

Unfortunately, It Gets Worse

The continual strain on your neck, shoulder and upper back muscles causes these muscles to tear (on a microscopic level). Your body tries to prevent this tearing by forcing these muscles to knot up.

This results in muscle spasms.

But despite these spasms, some tearing does occur because of the continual strain you’re putting on them.
Over time, these tears heal. And when they do, microscopic scar tissue is left behind. These scar tissue fibers effectively lock your spasms into place.

Why is this important?

Because the tightness in your neck, shoulders and upper back and the spasms associated with this tightness restrict blood flow to the back of your head (it’s like stepping on a turned-on garden hose). This tightness and spasming also irritate various nerve endings in the back of your neck and head.

This Blood Flow Restriction And Nerve Ending Irritation Are What Cause Your Chronic Tension Headaches.

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