Migraine Pain
Headache is a broad term that encompasses many different things. Headaches are pains that occur in any region of the head; they can occur on both sides the head or be isolated to a certain location. They can be sharp, throbbing or dull, appear gradually or suddenly and last for multiple days or less than an hour.
Causes
The pain in head is caused by disturbance of the pain-sensitive structures around the brain.
structures in the head that are pain-sensitive.
Secondary headaches are symptoms of another condition that stimulates the pain-sensitive nerves of the head.
Types and Symptoms
There are many different types of headache that can be experienced, affecting different areas of the head in different ways, with differing intensities for different amounts of time.
Tension-type Headache
They are described as feeling like a tight band around the head, with a constant, dull ache being felt on both sides.
TSometimes the pain spreads to or from the neck.
They normally begin slowly and gradually in the middle of the day.
Episodic attacks are normally a few hours in duration, but can last for several days.
Continuous attacks occurs for 15 or more days a month for a period of at least 3 months.
Migraine
They can last for any amount of time between a few hours and 2-3 days.
It may cause a pulsating, throbbing pain that can occur on either one side or both sides of the head.
The pain can be accompanied by blurred vision, lightheadedness, nausea and sensory disturbances.
Rebound Headache
Caused by the excessive use of medication to treat headache symptoms.
They usually begin early in the day and persist throughout, improving with pain medicine but worsening
when its effects wear off.
Cluster Headache
They strike quickly, once or more daily at the same time each day and often without warning.
Usually last between 45-90 minutes and persist for the duration, normally 4-8 weeks.
The affected area can become red and swell, the eyelid can droop and the nasal passage on the affected
side can become stuffy and runny.
Tests and Diagnosis
Usually diagnosis of a particular type of headache can be made through a description of the condition.
If the headache is a particularly complex one, then a health care provider may request tests to
eliminate other possible causes.
Further testing could include blood testing, X-rays and brain scans, such as computerized tomography (CT)
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment and Prevention
The most common methods recommended for treating headaches are rest and pain relief medication.
Generic pain relief medication can be bought over the counter, or healthcare providers can prescribe
preventative medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs and beta blockers.
It is important to follow the advice of healthcare providers.