Frequent Headache Symtpoms
Headaches - Common Yet Mysterious


Headaches occur pretty regularly but are still not completely understood. Researchers still do not know exactly how the headache related pain occurs. The shear variety of headaches that exist complicate finding out the true underlying mechanisms causing the symptoms.

Migraines afflict about 28 million Americans, in a ratio of about three to one women to men. Yet, despite occurring fairly regularly to 10% of an enormous population, the causes (and cures) still remain unknown. Contemporary research suspects the interaction of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) with nerve cells is responsible, but no one knows for sure.

Cluster headaches, which attack only about a third of one percent of the population, are even more intense than migraines. Yet, here again, scientists have only tantalizing hints as to the cause of this stabbing pain localized behind an eye or temple. They tend to occur around the same time every day for weeks or months, lasting an hour or less, then disappear for long periods. No one knows why, though some suspect a defective hypothalamus is responsible.

Ordinary or tension-type headaches are the most common, yet even here the causes are only partly understood. There are many common contributors - stress, diet, posture and over 300 different medical conditions - yet precisely what produces that dull ache remains a mystery.

Fortunately, even though the causes - and many times even accurate descriptions - are hard to pin down, there are an abundance of treatments. Though none are perfect, several are safe and effective for the vast majority of headache sufferers.

Ergots used to be the typical treatment for migraine patients, but to a large extent that has given way to triptans. The first generation had some drawbacks, but the new designs are safe, effective and have few side effects. No miracle cure, they can be taken at the onset of symptoms and reduce or eliminate the intense, throbbing pain familiar to so many.

Preventive medications have come a long way as well. Beta blockers or CCBs (Calcium Channel Blockers), anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and a variety of others used to treat other illnesses turn out to be very effective. For many, they can keep headaches from occurring in the first place. In many cases, they don't eliminate the possibility, but reduce the frequency. Even that can be welcome relief, however.

Then there are the traditional over-the-counter remedies - aspirin, acetaminophen (or paracetamol) and ibuprofen. The first two have been around for over 100 years and continue to provide millions with safe, effective relief. In fact, for such a simple compound, aspirin is a near wonder drug given how many medical conditions it can safely treat.

Naturally, both prescription and over-the-counter medications do carry some risks and the possibility of side effects. Gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach upset and other common conditions are likely for some, unlikely for others. In rare cases, those taking them can have vomiting, bloody stools and even a headache (usually from overdosing).

But seeking medical advice, which oddly only about half of migraine sufferers ever do and those suffering from tension headaches almost never, is still a good idea. An occasional mild headache may not warrant the time and expense. But for chronic or intense headaches, there may well be an underlying medical condition that should be diagnosed and treated. So-called 'secondary headaches' are common.

Pregnant women in particular should pay close attention to diet and medications consumed. Large hormonal and other changes commonly intensify the discomfort and frequency of headaches. A proper diagnosis and treatment regimen should be sought right away.

Scientists have a long way to go to figure out what causes headaches. Until researchers come to a better understanding of headaches, we will have to continue to use the remedies that are currently available. Making positive lifestyle changes such as lowering stress, regular exercise, and a healthy diet will help control factors contributing to headaches.

Eventually the combination is filtered out by the kidneys and more aspirin is needed to continue the process.

Migraine Headache Triggers And Causes
Migraine Headache Triggers And Causes

Unknown length - Mar 28, 2008

Suffering from migraine or other headaches? Learn everything here about migraines and head ache. Ocular migraines, migraine triggers, children's migraines and more.

Migraine Headache Triggers And Causes
Migraine Headache Triggers And Causes

Unknown length - Nov 8, 2006

Suffering from migraine or other headaches? Learn everything here about migraines and head ache. Ocular migraines, migraine triggers, children's migraines and more.

A headache can be deadly so can be a swollen & painful eye!
A headache can be deadly so can be a swollen & painful eye!
LuisLomeliMD
3 min - May 23, 2007

Headaches -A few comments that may save a life. An acute headache may not be as simple as it seems. Though most types of headaches are due to tension and/or migraine, infrequently that can represent serious life threatening conditions. For tension headaches, I usually recommend that my patients take Acetaminophen (Tylenol/generic), Diphenhydramine (Sominex), sedating, and caffeine if patient is healthy. Tension headaches are usually long-term, non-progressive and recur in the same form and often due to specific stressors. A patient with chronic tension/migraine headaches, however, may develop a new, unrelated, type of headache that may be due to a serious condition. If febrile (with fever), always consider Meningitis. The acute onset of the "worst headache ever" may be a life threatening intracranial hemorrhage, as from a ruptured aneurysm. At times, these patients may experience warning headaches that may become suddenly fatal. In 2006 (circa), an African-American singer had been experiencing warning headaches and died a week later from a brain hemorrhage. Sharon Stone, Actress, was properly diagnosed and survived a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain membrane). These headaches can be severe and sudden. For this reason, I encourage my patients to avoid drugs that may promote bleeding, like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and other NSAIDs. Usually a CT-Scan is diagnostic, but there are a few exceptions. Throughout my medical career, I had a chance to review various types of legal medical cases that have resulted in death. In one case, a migrant worker in Walla Walla fainted while at work. The emergency room physician felt that his nuchal (neck) rigidity (stiffness) was due to a cervical muscle strain. He died a few days after he saw another provider. He had an intracranial hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm. Brain tumors are often associated with headaches, which may be worse in the morning, or with exertion and may be postural (worse when supine). These headaches are typically progressive to the extent of becoming more severe with time and are associated with nausea and vomiting. Clinicians must be able to readily examine the eye through the pupil since papilledema (edema of the optic disk) is usually present. I have seen a few patients with brain tumors whereby vomiting preceded the headache by a few weeks (i.e., posterior fossa brain tumors). Bacterial meningitis in otherwise healthy patients is usually associated with a fever, visual sensitivity to light (photophobia) and nuchal rigidity (reliably tested after 18 months of age). Neisseria meningitidis can cause fulminant meningococcal meningitis. Most cases of meningococcal meningitis are preventable by vaccination. Clinicians must know about other types of headaches the include sinusitis, pseudotumor cerebri, temporal arteritis, glaucoma and malignant hypertension. Malignant hypertension can be associated with papilledema. Neurocysticercosis may present with acute obstructive hydrocephalus Neurocysticercosis or new onset of seizures in patients from Latin America. One patient I had used to experience coital (periorgasmically) headaches. These are either infrequent or patients are too embarrassed to report it. In terms of Ocular Emergencies, clinicians must read about these common emergencies and be ready to diagnose, treat and/or refer such patients. 2007 Luis Lomeli MD


You should not take these medicines without first meeting with your physician and understanding all of the side effects and adverse risks.
Note the location and type of pain as well as you can. But, like all ergots (Ergomar, Wigraine, Cafergot and more), it does have limitations and possible side effects. When the result of a ordinary cold, time is the only cure, though there are obviously hundreds of symptom-relief medicines on the market. Sinuses are cavities within the facial bones, above the eyes and behind the nose and cheekbones. Yet, here again, scientists have only tantalizing hints as to the cause of this stabbing pain localized behind an eye or temple. But the list of diseases that can cause headaches is also lengthy.