The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost half of all adults worldwide will experience a headache in any given year. A headache can be a sign of stress or emotional distress, or it can result from a medical disorder, such as migraine or high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression. It can lead to other problems. People with chronic migraine headaches, for example, may find it hard to attend work or school regularly.

1. HEADACHE PAIN
By Must4care

2. Introduction of Headache
■ Headache is the symptom of pain anywhere in the region of
the head or neck. It occurs in migraines (sharp, or throbbing
pains), tension-type headaches, and cluster
headaches. Frequent headaches can affect relationships and
employment. There is also an increased risk of depression in
those with severe headaches.
■ Headaches can occur as a result of many conditions whether
serious or not. There are a number of different classification
systems for headaches. The most well-recognized is that of
the international headache society.
■ Causes of headaches may include fatigue, sleep deprivation,
stress, the effects of medications, the effects of recreational
drugs, viral infections, loud noises, common colds, head injury,
rapid ingestion of a very cold food or beverage, and dental or
sinus issues.
■ Must4care brings treatment of a headache depends on the
underlying cause, but commonly involves pain medication. A
headache is one of the most commonly experienced of all
physical discomforts.

3. Causes of Headache
■ There are Two types of Causes of Headache
– Primary Headache
– Secondary Headache

4. Primary Headache
■ Primary headaches are stand-alone
illnesses caused directly by the over
activity of, or problems with,
structures in the head that are pain-
sensitive.
■ This includes the blood vessels,
muscles, and nerves of the head and
neck. They may also result from
changes in chemical activity in the
brain.
■ Common primary headaches include
migraines, cluster headaches, and
tension headaches.

5. Tension Headaches
■ Tension headaches are the most common form of
primary headache. Such headaches normally begin
slowly and gradually in the middle of the day.
The person can feel:
– As if they have a tight band around the head
– A constant, dull ache on both sides
– Pain spread to or from the neck
■ Tension-type headaches can be either episodic or
chronic. Episodic attacks are usually a few hours in
duration, but it can last for several days. Chronic
headaches occur for 15 or more days a month for a
period of at least 3 months.

6. Migraines
■ A migraine headache may cause a pulsating,
throbbing pain usually only on one side of the
head. The aching may be accompanied by:
– Blurred vision
– Light-headedness
– Nausea
– Sensory disturbances known as auras
■ Migraine is the second most common form of
primary headache and can have a significant
impact on the life of an individual. According to the
WHO, migraine is the sixth highest cause of days
lost due to disability worldwide. A migraine can
last from a few hours to between 2 and 3 days.

7. Cluster Headaches
■ Cluster headaches usually last between 15
minutes and 3 hours, and they occur
suddenly once per day up to eight times per
day for a period of weeks to months. In
between clusters, there may be no
headache symptoms, and this headache-
free period can last months to years.
– The pain caused by cluster headaches
is:
– One-sided
– Severe
– Often described as sharp or burning
– Typically located in or around one eye
■ The affected area may become red and
swollen, the eyelid may droop, and the
nasal passage on the affected side may
become stuffy and runny.

8. Diagnosis of Headache
■ A doctor will usually be able to
diagnose a particular type of
headache through a description of
the condition, the type of pain, and
the timing and pattern of attacks. If
the nature of the headache appears
to be complex, tests may be carried
out to eliminate more serious
causes.
Further testing could include:
– Blood tests
– X-rays
– Brain scans, such as CT
and MRI

9. Secondary Headaches■ Secondary Headaches Are Symptoms That Happen When Another Condition
Stimulates The Pain-sensitive Nerves Of The Head. In Other Words, The Headache
Symptoms Can Be Attributed To Another Cause. A Wide Range Of Different Factors
Can Cause Secondary Headaches.
– Alcohol-induced Hangover
– Brain Tumor
– Blood Clots
– Bleeding In Or Around The Brain
– Brain Freeze, Or Ice-cream Headaches
– Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
– Concussion
– Dehydration
– Glaucoma
– Teeth-grinding At Night
– Influenza
– Overuse Of Pain Medication, Known As Rebound Headaches
– Panic Attacks
– Stroke

10. Treatment/Remedies
■ The most common ways of treating headaches are rest
and pain relief medication.
■ Generic pain relief medication is available over the
counter (OTC), or doctors can prescribe preventative
medication, such as
tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin receptor agonists,
anti-epileptic drugs, and beta-blockers.
■ It is important to follow the doctor's advice because
overusing pain relief medication can lead to rebound
headaches. The treatment of rebound headaches
involves the reducing or stopping pain relief medication.
In extreme cases, a short hospital stay may be needed
to manage withdrawal safely and effectively.

11. Alternative Treatments/Remedies
■ Several alternative forms of treatment
for headaches are available, but it is
important to consult a doctor before
making any major changes or beginning
any alternative forms of treatment.
Alternative approaches include:
– acupuncture
– cognitive behavior therapy
– herbal and nutritional health
products
– hypnosis
– meditation