Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are uncommon and extremely painful conditions. While migraines occur in 10 percent of people, much fewer than one percent of people have cluster headaches. Cluster headaches have been described by sufferers as being more painful than childbirth or migraines.
Often reported as a hot, stabbing pain behind the eye or near the temple, they are characterized by happening at regular times. Cluster headaches tend to occur at the same time of day, last for an hour or less, then disappear to re-occur the next day. This can often go on for months or longer. Unlike migraines, which are sometimes preceded by familiar symptoms such as flashing lights, cluster headaches strike without warning.
The cause isn't known with certainty, but many researchers believe this debilitating condition occurs as a result of an abnormality of the hypothalamus. This small gland plays an important role in regulation of the 'biological clock' and changes in the length of day and other factors can influence its behavior.
One striking difference between migraines and cluster headaches is their gender preference. Of the 28 million Americans who suffer from migraines, nearly three times as many women as men are afflicted. Cluster headaches, however, are far more prevalent among men than women, and usually strike those between 20 and 50 years of age. The ratio of men to women sufferers ranges from 5:1 to 8:1.
A range of treatments are available, but the common ones used to combat ordinary tension or even migraine headaches typically have no effect. Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen - though near wonder-drugs for other conditions - are usually ineffective.
One treatment that has been tried with some success is the inhalation of pure oxygen for several minutes. This is among the so-called 'abortive' treatments, since it only works after the onset of symptoms.
Another is one common among migraine regimens, a class of drugs called triptans. In order to speed delivery, it's often injected rather than ingested, however. Nasal sprays work quickly, but cluster headaches often produce swelling of the nasal passages, making administering the treatment by that route less effective.
Unfortunately, few preventive or prophylactic treatments are effective. Given the poor understanding of the causes and the rarity of the condition, this shouldn't be surprising. Though there are many treatments on the market, such as the use of CCBs (calcium channel blockers), the results are mixed.
Surgery has proved somewhat effective in the most serious cases. Other extreme treatments such as removal of part of the brain, nerve blocks, and other neurological surgeries can be used when all other options have been failed. Continuing research is being conducted on solving the causes and pain o cluster headaches.
With a dynamic, 3-D image of the head it's possible to visually detect a very wide range of possible circumstances.
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Author: CounsellingChannel
Keywords: Panic attacks panic axiety stress counseling counselling gestalt
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Keywords: anxiety disorder disorders excess generalized in panic post social stress traumatic worry
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My Social Anxiety 4
Below is a list of some of the most common and effective vitamins that can be used to help manage and relieve the symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Disorders. Be sure to consult your physician before adding anything new to your diet.
* B vitamins - Biotin, niacin (100mg per day), thiamine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, B6 (100mg per day), B12, folic acid are all important for the production of the key chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Thiamine is very important for those prone to panic, anxiety and depression. Every time you become angry, cry or feel run down - you are burning thiamine. A daily B-Complex (50 to 100mg per day) supplement is a great way of getting the B vitamins your body needs.
* Tryptophan is a calming agent, which also helps bolster the nervous system.
* Calcium (600mg + Vit. D per day) is a muscle relaxant. It helps calm you down during an anxious period. Vitamin D allows your body to absorb Calcium properly.
* Alpha-linolenic acid There have been quite a few studies that have focused on alpha-linolenic acid and anxiety disorder. A good percentage of individuals suffering from panic attacks for a decade have reported back a significant improvement within 2-3 months of consuming additional amounts of alpha-linolenic acid.
* Magnesium (200mg 2 to 3 times per day) may be beneficial during anxiety and panic because it assists with muscle relaxation.
* Vitamin C (250 to 500mg per day) reduces swelling and helps your immune system function better.
* Coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100mg one to two times per day) improves oxygen delivery to tissues and has antioxidant activity.
Depending on your symptoms and their severity, the above list can be used as a guideline of vitamins that you can consider adding to your diet. The vitamins listed above should be used in conjunction with your other medications and over time you may find that other medications can be reduced or possibly stopped. This is a decision that should only be made under medical supervision.
Author: acegunna1
Keywords: social anxiety phobia attacks
Added: August 30, 2008
For such a simple molecule it has some of the most amazing properties in the biochemical world. In some cases, attacks can be triggered by something as simple as walking upstairs. Acetaminophen does not interfere with clotting. Physicians can use some objective factors in diagnosing the type of headache, in order to recommend a reasonable treatment. Stress is a common contributor or trigger for headaches, and pregnancy can certainly be stressful. Alcohol shouldn't be consumed with or just before hand, and the ibuprofen should be taken with a glass of milk or water.
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