April 14th, 2010
Sometimes the problems associated with frequent headaches can become so severe and life impairing that special treatment is required. Fortunately, headache clinics across the country can offer help. Although the vast majority of headaches are transitory and minor problems, some segments of the populace are afflicted by headaches that strike so frequently and so painfully that their lives are interrupted. In these cases, preventive measures should be undertaken as much as possible. Effective treatment of the problem can help to restore quality of life and daily function.
The medical community has split the headache problem into three categories. Primary headaches are the most common kind of headache, and they are very rarely life threatening. Although the pain can be severe, primary headaches are usually treated with a combination of over the counter NSAID medications such as ibuprofen or aleve. Such medications are usually enough to mitigate the pain significantly. Primary headaches are typically caused when tension or stress makes the muscles around the skull contract painfully, introducing too much pressure.
Problems requiring treatment at headache clinics are most likely related to cluster headaches or secondary headaches. These serious headaches can strike randomly, producing serious discomfort in the patient. Cluster headaches tend to strike in groups, with gaps of sometimes years between episodes. A cluster headache may be identified by the severe pain experienced, as well as a runny nose or eyes. In these kinds of conditions, treatment needs to be sought whenever possible. Secondary headaches can be indicative of more serious issues in the brain. These kinds of problems should be treated at headache clinics. Although relieving pain with these varieties of headache can be difficult, there are medications designed to provide relief under these circumstances.
It is also very important that the cause of headaches be promptly identified. A secondary headache typically indicates a deeper brain issue, and it is vital that these issues be dealt with as soon as possible at headache clinics, or by another specialist. Specialists at headache clinics like the Mayo Clinic are very well equipped to diagnose the causes of migraine headaches and other type of headaches and treat the problems associated with severe headache pain. Headache clinics can be found around the world, and are very much worth visiting if chronic pain has inhibited daily life. As chronic headaches may additionally often be a symptom of other issues, it’s vital that specialized treatment be sought.
April 14th, 2010 |
Posted in Treatments
| Tagged with causes of migraine headaches, cluster headaches, headache clinics, headaches |
March 17th, 2010
If you are human, you are sure to have experienced at least one to five headaches during your life time so far. Headaches are something common and have occurred in almost every human being. So what’s the catch? Well, although different headaches are experienced by men and women, hormonal headaches are limited to women only.
As the name suggests, hormonal headaches result from the change of hormones in the body. The hormones in our body carry out major tasks that include the stimulation of growth, regulate the metabolism level, and also regulate the production of other hormones in the body.
Hormonal headaches can be quite severe and painful for women who suffer from it. The main cause for hormonal headaches is the change of the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Fluctuations in the levels of these hormones can definitely trigger hormonal headaches.
Many women experience hormonal headaches during their menstrual cycle. Sometimes it could occur 11 or 22 days before the menstrual cycle starts and then last for a few days. Symptoms for hormonal headaches include having a migraine like headache, and extreme sensitivity to outside loud noises and light.
Recent studies show that the intake of contraceptives can trigger hormonal headaches in some women. For some women, the intake of oral contraceptives has increased their migraine like headaches while for others it has actually mitigated the effect. This is mainly because when you consume birth control pills, your body controls certain hormones, leading to involuntary fluctuations in the body hormones.
The same way works for pregnant women. Some say that their hormonal headaches have increased whereas some say the opposite. Women closer to their menopause are lucky, as they are one category that find themselves relieved from hormonal headaches.
There are different headache treatments for sufferers of hormonal headaches. Doctors prescribe steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for some patients. In addition, medicine such as aspirin and ibuprofen could be taken to lessen the effect of hormonal headaches.
The headache medicine used for migraine headaches such as Triptan could also be taken for hormonal headaches. But it is always advised to get proper a prescription from a recognized doctor before deciding on any medication.
March 17th, 2010 |
Posted in Treatments
| Tagged with headache medicine, headache treatments, headaches, hormonal headaches |
January 20th, 2010
One of the most common ailments people face every day is the common headache. There can be many causes ranging from stress to restricted blood flow to serious medical conditions. Fortunately, most headaches are simple tension headaches and there are many herbal remedies that can give you quick relief.
You can find herbal remedies for headaches from virtually every philosophy of medicine including Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurveda medicine (the traditional medicine in India), and traditional herbal and homeopathic medicine.
A common herb used in Chinese medicine is ginger and it is one of the recommended treatments for headaches. You can brew a ginger tea or eat a small piece of fresh ginger. Ginger can be found in some regular grocery stores and many health food stores now.
If you want to try Ayurveda herbal remedies for headaches, there are two commonly used treatments. The first uses warm mustard oil on a cloth. The cloth is put over your forehead as a compress to alleviate pain. Another way to treat headaches is to add boiling water to some coriander seeds. When this mixture steams, you enhale the steam. This can help alleviate sinus related headache pain.
Drinking warm tea is another common herbal remedy for headaches. Tea can be made from peppermint, chamomile, or rose hip. Tension headaches can often be relaxed away with a nice cup of tea. Valerian root is another remedy that can be taken as a tea or as a capsule. This one can make you drowsy though so be careful the first time you take it.
Let’s close with a couple very enjoyable herbal remedies for headaches taken from the Aromatherapy philosophy of medicine. Lavender oil is the first remedy. You can put a couple drops of it under your nose or rub the oil into your temples (if somebody else can rub it in for you it is even more relaxing). The relaxing effect of lavender can relax away your tension headache. Another aromatic remedy is to take a hot bath using relaxing scents like lavender or chamomile. Both of these remedies are great to add to your daily relaxation ritual even if you don’t have any headache pain.
January 20th, 2010 |
Posted in Treatments
| Tagged with cures, headaches, herbal remedies, homeopathy, medicine |