BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Learning About Headaches

What is a headache Types of headaches Description and Causes Prevention Remedies Coping Objectives

Soreness, pulling sensation, pressure or vice-like feeling. Located in your temple area or base of your skull or other around the perimeter of your head into your neck. Episodic headaches – occur now and then and respond to OTC medication, reduced stress and rest. Chronic headaches – occur often, sometimes everyday and are not relieved by OTC medication within a few hours. In some cases a headache may be a symptom of a more serious health problem. What is a headache?

Chronic Tension Migraine Cluster Hormone Other: Sinus, Rebound, Organic Types of Headaches

Physical influence Stress Anxiety Lack of sleep Mental or emotional causes Depression Tension

Severe Can last several days Aura – change in vision or blurring of vision that precedes the onset of a migraine. Hemiplegic – some experience “pins and needles” or temporary partial paralysis. Caused by stress, certain foods such as caffeine or alcohol, extreme sleep habits, Anything that effects blood vessels in the brain including some medications, change in air pressure or altitude can cause a migraine. Migraines

Cluster Usually a stabbing piercing or throbbing pain. Often begins near the eye and radiates to other parts of the head. Much less common than other types of headaches. Headaches occur in groups or “clusters” several times a day over a period of time. May reappear or disappear for months even years. Mostly effects year olds.

Hormone Headaches related to a change in hormones in both men an women Women suffer headaches when hormones increase due to: Pre-menstruation Pregnancy Menopause Hormone Replacement therapy

Other Types Sinus Rebound Organic

Prevention Have a regular sleep routine Exercise regularly Have a good diet Reduce stress and stressful situations Avoid triggers Drug therapy Biofeedback

Coping Breathing exercises Yoga or meditation Soothing music and low lighting Plan your day to reduce stress Enlist the help of friends and family Give yourself a break – take a day off Keep hydrated Warm shower or bath Cool compress for you head

Visiting Your Doctor Dates and times you experienced headaches Duration – how long they lasted The intensity of the pain (on a scale of 1-10) Where you felt the pain What activities you were engaged in at the time What you had to eat or drink near that time If you tried any remedies, what helped, what did not

Resources

BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Learning About Headaches