linzerin12 asked:


I will be going for x-rays on Monday to have my spine x-rayed but everyday I still get tension headaches. Excedrin normally does the trick but I have heard of rebound headaches and I don’t want to live my life on pills!

Thomas

John McIntosh asked:


You may have heard that migraine occurs almost three times more often in women than in men. In this country, about 18 percent of women and about 6 percent of men suffer from these life-altering headaches.

“There is a hormonal relationship between women and migraine,” says Stephen Silberstein, M.D., past president of the American Headache Society, professor of neurology at Thomas Jefferson University and director of the Jefferson Headache Center in Philadelphia. But, as most women can tell you, men and headaches do go together. “Men do not have the same fluctuations in hormones as women,” says Dr. Silberstein, but some do have migraines. “It’s their mothers,” he says. “Also, their fathers. It seems to be genetic.”

Cluster Headaches

On the other hand, cluster headaches, which occur in only one tenth of a percent of the population, are at least three times more prevalent in men than in women.

“The easiest way to describe a cluster headache,” says Dr. Silberstein, “is to say that it’s as if someone put a hot poker into your eye for 10 to 30 minutes. Your nose runs, your eyes tear up, you run around like a chicken with your head cut off, and you bang your head against a wall. That’s a cluster headache.”

So what do people do to alleviate the pain of a cluster headache? “The best treatment, which people don’t do enough of, is injectable sumatriptan-a prescription medication that turns off the pain mechanisms in the brain,” says Dr. Silberstein. However, most patients need preventive treatment to keep attacks from coming. The most commonly prescribed medications for cluster prevention are lithium, verapamil, divalproex sodium and dipyramide.” You may need to try several medications before finding one that works for you, but the right one can prevent another episode.

Tension Headaches

The most common headache is the least understood. “We don’t have the foggiest idea what a tension headache is,” says Dr. Silberstein. “We define it by what it’s not: It’s not migraine; it’s not a cluster. Everybody in the world gets these headaches. That’s why they’re not simple to figure out. But here’s an important point. If you go to a doctor complaining of a headache, it’s not a tension headache. People don’t complain about tension headaches. Have a headache that comes and goes? It’s likely a migraine. Sinus headaches are unusual. They are generally nothing more than migraines in the sinus area.”

Risky Business?

“Men need to be aware of one more type of headache that can affect them,” says Dr. Silberstein. “It’s called an orgasmic headache, and it’s an exploding headache during intercourse.” There are benign ones; these may be painful, but they have no apparent repercussions. And then there are those that signal more serious medical problems. “Men need to be aware of this possibility the first time it happens to them,” says Dr. Silberstein. “They should see a doctor immediately. The pain could signal a ruptured aneurysm-a tear in the wall of a cerebral blood vessel.” And aneurysms tend to get more frequent as you get older.

So, men, take notice of your pain. And don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you suspect one of these headaches.

Writer: John McIntosh

©REMEDY, Summer 2007



Adrian

snolen asked:


I have lived in St. Louis all my life, and have not been out of the region too much. I get a sinus headache or infection about four to six times a year, either to getting a cold or a weird change in weather (as St. Louis is). For those who have lived in various locations in their lifetime, are headaches more common in certain areas such as St. Louis, and occur less often in other locations?

Sylvia

Abby P asked:


I have had my eyes checked, I have the right glasses, my computer is eye level but yet I am getting headaches more frequently while using my computer (sometimes even nausea) what else could be causing this? I dont think its glare because this is how its been for awhile.

Ashley

Alison White asked:


However, many people misdiagnose themselves with sinusitis when in fact they simply have a migraine or tension headache. Thus, it is important to know the accompanying symptoms of a sinus headache and what to do in order to treat them.

What is a Sinus Headache?

Sinus headaches, which usually occur first thing in the morning, cause you to experience fullness, pain, and pressure in your brow, cheeks, or forehead. Many times, sinus headaches worsen if you lie down or lean forward. If a sinus headache becomes a never-ceasing, dull ache, then it has most likely become chronic.

Frequently, sinus headaches are confused with migraines and tension headaches. This is because the symptoms of a sinus headache and the symptoms of both migraines and tension headaches are often similar or the same. Like sinus headaches, migraines are often worsened when you lean forward or lie down.

The symptoms of a migraine are also very similar to the symptoms of a sinus headache –

that is, it is common for people to experience nasal congestion and discharge as well as facial pressure in both cases. One way to distinguish a migraine from a sinus headache is that migraines are more likely than sinus headaches to be accompanied by nausea, worsened by bright light or noise, and feel throbbing or pounding.

How Likely am I to Develop the Symptoms of a Sinus Headache?

There are several risk factors which make it more likely for one to experience the accompanying symptoms of a sinus headache. For example, people with asthma, allergies, or a weak immune system are more likely than others to develop chronic sinusitis and experience the symptoms of a sinus headache.

Treatment of a Sinus Headache

It is important to seek treatment for a sinus headache if they grow extremely severe. Also, if you experience the following symptoms of a sinus headache, it is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible: a fever higher than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, a stiff neck, confusion, and pain or swelling around the face and eyes.

Although the doctor may have difficulty at first diagnosing sinusitis, he or she will be able to distinguish sinusitis. This is based on your description of your symptoms and on their examination of your sinuses.

If you do, in fact, have sinusitis, the only way to treat the disease is through the use of antibiotics. Sometimes, if the root of the problem can be traced back to a structural problem in your nose, your doctor may recommend correctional surgery.



Sylvia

Juliet Cohen asked:


Sinus headache is a headache that occurs because your sinuses are congested with mucus. Sinus headache is caused by inflammation of sinus tissue, either due to bacterial infection or allergic reactions. Sinus headaches can be the result of a sinus infection or allergies. Sinus headache pain is due to swelling in the sinus cavities. Sinus headache is one of the many kinds of headaches which is often associated with sinusitis or an inflamed sinus. An inflamed sinus blocked the nasal passage which triggers the pain in your head. Usually, sinus headache pain is due to swelling in the sinus cavities around the nose and eyes. Often caused by allergies or infections, sinus headaches may be accompanied by fever, a stuffy nose, or toothaches. Leaning forward or lying down may increase sinus headache pain. Sinus headaches cause a dull, deep, or severe pain in the front of your head and face. Bending down or leaning over generally makes the pain worse, as does cold and damp weather. Sinus headaches are often worse in the morning, and better by afternoon. Vascular headaches are often mistaken for sinus headaches. Most sinus problems happen when the patient has had a cold or a sore throat. Some occur after a dental infection. Sometimes hay fever or irritation from dust or smoke causes swelling.

They are caused by an inflammation in the passages behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. A sinus headache is usually being triggered by something you ate in conjunction with an active sinus infection. Migraine can also cause head pain and nasal drainage and be triggered by changes in the weather or season. The pain in a sinus headache is usually localized around the eyes, and you may actually feel some tenderness. Some symptoms of a sinus headache include pain or pressure in the forehead or around the eyes and cheek(s), tender skin and tender bones over and under the eyes. With a sinus headache, you will often deal with post nasal drip, which is a collection of mucus in the back of your throat when you’re lying on your back. You may also be congested. These symptoms are also typical of migraine. However, a sinus infection will last considerably longer, and if it becomes worse you may feel generally sick and even have a fever (with migraine you may feel like you have a fever, but you usually don’t). Fatigue is common. Stooping down, jarring your head (including with exercise, such as jogging or aerobics), or blowing your nose may make your headache feel worse.

Sinus headache can be problematic the condition is wholly treatable. The treatment of headaches with prophylactic medication begins with low doses. The use of nasal vasoconstrictors and pain pill medicine can be used. Sometimes anticonvulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are given for headache treatment. When the condition has been cleared then the treatment for sinus headache pain can begun. Trigger points should be at the top of the list during any examination for headaches and eye pain. When healthcare practitioners have had adequate training and experience, trigger points are easy to locate and treat. The major prescription drugs that are used for headache treatment are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also used. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You can use Serotonin Antagonists like Sansert. Tylenol and Panadol are known as Acetaminophen drugs. Taking an over the counter medication, such as Sudafed, can help with this aliment. Motrin and Advil belong to the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your food. Adding that quick, hot spice to some scrambled eggs in the morning could help that morning pressure with sinusitis.



Patricia

Alien asked:


When many of us think of school we think of education and learning, but for some children, headaches can be a very real and painful barrier to getting through the school day. Just like adults, kids can suffer from headaches and it can have a distressing impact on studying, concentration and social relationships with other children.

There are many reasons why your child may be suffering from headaches. Stress is a common factor and headaches such as migraines tend to show a genetic basis, so you may also suffer from them. There are a number of strategies to prevent and address headaches and a doctor will work with you and your child to find a preventative treatment plan.

Stress and Relaxation

Stress is a known headache trigger and for a child, coping with stress is often a learned skill. Work with your child to find ways to unwind and relax. Spend time together and be open and non-judgemental so that your child feels comfortable sharing worries and fears. You may also wish to try alternative therapies. Music therapy is not only helpful in adults, but can be a great way to soothe your child as well.

Exercise

Active kids will experience similar exercise benefits as active adults. The glare from televisions and computers can trigger headaches so if you’re able to encourage more physical playtime, your child can benefit two-fold. The social benefits and interaction that accompany sports and other playful exercises can also help to reduce stress and prevent your child from experiencing headaches.

Food

It’s important that kids eat regular meals to prevent headaches from low blood sugar, so make sure that your child has small snacks to frequently consume while at school. Try to identify any sensitivities to food additives and avoid providing these foods whenever possible. Any food or drink triggers should be reduced or avoided and it can be helpful to provide a list to teachers, so that any treats brought into the classroom by other children don’t leave your child with a satisfied sweet tooth alongside a painful head.

Your child should also obtain adequate fluids so be sure to include a large bottle of water or diluted juice that he or she can sip during the day. Dehydration can trigger a headache attack and encouraging your child to embrace the habit of consuming fluids regularly can help keep headaches at bay.

Self-Esteem

It can be tough for kids to deal with headaches, especially when they are frequent. Pain can keep them from playing with other children and will often just leave them feeling ‘down’ and ‘in the dumps.’ Compliment your child and remind him or her that other children experience headaches as well. It can help if your child doesn’t feel isolated and different from other children because of his or her headaches.

Communication

Keep communication open with your child as well as teachers at school. It’s important that your child tell teachers if headache pain develops and also important that your child be able to identify the beginnings of a headache, so that any techniques or medication can be facilitated by a nurse or teacher at school. Learning the warning signs can also prevent the headache from becoming more intense and painful. It may even be the case that you provide education about migraines or cluster headaches, for example, to the school nurse or teacher.

Be Positive

Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t do for your child. If your child sees that you are positive and encouraging, he or she is more likely to experience those same optimistic feelings. Headaches can leave a child feeling depressed and helpless about his or her condition. If you show your child that the headaches can be handled, your child may believe it as well.

Sleep

Ensuring that your child gets enough sleep is important as lack of sleep can contribute to headache onset. Stress and intense pressure or exertion to obtain high grades can leave children fatigued, and it is important that enough sleep is obtained. Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up routine and aim to make bedtime as stress-free as possible.

Try some of the suggestions mentioned and see how your child responds. Consistent communication will ensure that your child’s coping skills develop to handle any changes in his or her headache pattern. School shouldn’t be a painful and stressful experience for children who suffer from headaches; by taking preventative steps and utilizing current treatments, school can be a place of learning again.



Veronica

nite_owl26 asked:


I always get really strong headaches just before landing. Lately, they have been so severe that I honestly feel like my head is going to explode. The closer the plane gets to the ground, the more pain I have. After landing, the pain eases a little but I have a headache at least a day or two afterwards. Do anyone have any suggestions?

Chad