Archive for the ‘sun’ Category

Cluster Headache

Friday, October 24th, 2008

Since the brain itself feels no pain, headache pain comes from the tissues around the brain, the attaching structures at the base of the brain, and the muscles and blood vessels of the scalp, face and neck. Cluster headache pain may be related specifically to blood vessel dilation or to inflammation of nerves behind the eye.

The pattern of cluster headache attacks earn their name: episodic cluster headaches consist of active periods that may last days or even months, during which headaches occur in “clusters” every other day or as frequently as eight times per day. Headache-free remissions can last months or years.

During active periods, factors that may trigger attacks include alcohol, high altitude, air travel, bright sunlight, exertion or foods, especially foods high in nitrites. Drugs that dilate the blood vessels, such as nitroglycerine and various blood pressure medications, can also set off an attack. When the cycle is inactive, these triggers usually have no effect.

Cluster headache pain generally resides on one side, behind or around the eye or in the temples, and may be accompanied by hyperactivity, congestion, swelling and eyelid drooping or swelling. The pain may fluctuate before it subsides. Care focuses on controlling pain in acute attacks, preventing recurrences and minimizing the impact on daily functioning. Treatment usually consists of pain relief and headache prevention medications, but may include nerve injection, radio-frequency therapy or oxygen therapy.

Cluster Headaches most commonly occur in men from 20 to 40. People with cluster headaches tend to be sociable, active and responsible, so cluster headaches are sometimes called “the executive headache.” Because these headaches can be very disruptive, patient education and support groups are often helpful and comforting.

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What Is Triggering Your Migraines?

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Researchers, doctors and patients have been able to identify many triggers for migraines. Knowing what triggers your migraines can be beneficial to you in that you can either avoid them all together by paying attention to staying away from your triggers or at least minimizing the symptoms by taking preventative medications when you know you will not be able to avoid your triggers.

Common triggers that have been identified are reactions to food or other allergy producing substances, bright lights, loud noises, stress that is either physical or emotional in nature, changes in your patterns of sleep, exposure to tobacco smoke or being a smoker yourself, fasting, consuming alcoholic beverages, and hormonal fluctuations. Some individuals have even reported that when they have a tension headache that often triggers a migraine headache to start.

Exploring these triggers

* Food or other allergy producing substances - If you happen to have a particular food as a trigger for your migraines…the reaction is cumulative; in other words…if you eat a large portion of the food item that is a trigger for you then the corresponding reaction is going to be huge too. The food as a trigger concept is not in agreement by most researchers so whether or not a particular food is a trigger for you is determined on an individual basis.

It is probably wise if you are experiencing a food trigger for migraines that you have a food allergy skin test conducted so that you can determine if what you are experiencing is a case of food allergies with headache being one of the allergic reaction symptoms.

One more noteworthy mention regarding food and migraines is that there have been some cases where migraine suffers have noticed that if they eat at a Chinese restaurant where MSG is included in the cuisine served that they experience a migraine afterwards. Excluding all other triggers, it may be possible for the individual to be allergic to MSG and have that allergic reaction result in a headache that could trigger a migraine attack.

We do know that headaches are a symptom of allergic reactions including reactions of an allergic reaction to food and chemicals in food such as MSG. We also know that tension headaches can trigger a migraine so the connection is possible between the ingestion of MSG and the onset of a migraine. Like any other triggers the possibilities of food being a trigger needs to be explored on an individual basis between the doctor and the patient.

* Bright lights and loud noises – Most of those who suffer from migraines will include sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises as a symptom of the migraine and not as a trigger. Migraines are a neurological event and as such science has many areas that are unknown. The exact cause for migraines is still largely unknown although cases have been studied on an individual basis and between doctor and patient what works best regarding things to avoid (triggers) serves the purpose.

If avoiding a noisy atmosphere such as a crowded, noisy bar helps you to avoid migraines, who is to argue? Avoiding bright lights may not be as easy to accomplish because we can control the lighting in personal spaces like at home or perhaps in a separate work environment like an office but if you work in a cubicle that you share with 20 other employees you are not likely to be able to control the lighting choice.

* Stress – Physical and emotional stress can be identified using a journal or by making use of psychological counseling. Counseling is also a good avenue for exploring how to deal with these stresses. Stress induced migraines are quite common because there is an obvious link between our emotional state and our physical state.

* Tobacco smoke and alcoholic consumption – These are both lifestyle choices and decisions about participating in smoking or drinking needs to be based on individual decision making processes. Certainly health concerns often force us to re-evaluate these lifestyle choices.

The unfortunate situation arises when an individual is forced to be exposed to and inhale second-hand tobacco smoke especially if that turns out to be a trigger for migraines. Avoiding second-hand smoke is not always possible if the one suffering from migraines is a child. This is where parental responsibility should kick in.

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3 Proven And Effective Ways For Relief Constant Headaches

Sunday, October 12th, 2008

Are you suffering from constant headaches? Headaches are a common ailment, but research has uncovered treatments that may help your problem almost disappear.

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF) tension headaches affect nearly 78% of the adult population. 13% of the population suffers from migraines. Because the causes of migraines varies greatly, what relieves a migraine in one person may trigger an attack in another. The suggestions here are guidelines for those who suffer regularly from tension headaches which may have an identifiable physical cause.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Some headache sufferers notice a connection with eating or drinking foods with aspartame. For those who are sensitive to the chemical it may cause blood vessels to expand in the brain and trigger a headache.

Caffeine is used to treat headaches. It’s proprieties can assist pain medication in providing relief and can be found in medications to treat migraines. However, too much caffeine can have a ‘rebound′ effect and actually cause headaches. If you suffer from regular headaches you should avoid daily use of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and certain sodas.

According to the McKinley Health Center, avoiding tobacco can also reduce headaches.

Skipping meals may cause headaches in some people, so eating regular meals may prevent headaches in these individuals.

REDUCE THE STRESS

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone. If you suffer from tension headaches you may find getting your eight hours every night reduces the amount or intensity of your headaches. On the other hand, oversleeping can bring on a headache if you don’t get up at your regular time (such as on the weekend or during holidays).

Some headaches also seem to be aggravated by too much sun. Excessive exercise outdoors and lack of hydration can lead to headaches. Keep eyes shaded and be sure to drink plenty of water when outdoors.

Not surprisingly it was recently found that women wearing tight ponytails had an increased risk of tension headaches. Releasing or loosening the hair and performing a brief massage to the head can bring almost immediate relief.

MEDICATE

What you may think is a sinus headache may actually be a migraine. A consultation with your doctor may determine if you should switch to a migraine medication.

According to the NHF, tension headaches caused by stress should respond to reducing the stress or use of over-the-counter analgesics. However, if headaches occur almost daily you need to look for ways of dealing with the stress and discuss other options with your doctor.

As with caffeine, regular daily use of over the counter medications can actually cause headaches.

If headaches occur for long periods, are unusually intense or do not respond to pain medication after several days you should seek treatment and diagnosis from a health care professional.

Leading a healthy and active lifestyle has many health benefits, including a reduction of tension-type headaches. Combining a healthy lifestyle with avoidance of triggers may help you find relief from tension-type headaches.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

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