Headache

There are two types of headaches. Tension type headaches and cluster headaches. Tension type headaches usually last only a few hours but some may have more persistent headaches that last for several days. Cluster type headaches on the other hand begin quickly and are one-sided, short-lived and very painful

Causes of Headaches

Tension Headaches

The cause of these headaches is not known. However, they may be triggered by certain situations:

• Stress, depression and anxiety,
• Squinting to read,
• Daily use of painkillers,
• Poor posture, and
• Certain food, bright light, odors, menstrual periods and changes in weather

Cluster Headaches

Though the specific cause of cluster headaches is not known, research has shown that there is increased activity in the hypothalamus in the brain. They are normally triggered by:

• Alcohol intake
• Strong smelling substances like petrol, perfumes and solvents, and
• Extreme increase in temperature

Symptoms of Headaches

Tension Type Headaches

The following are some of the symptoms of tension type headaches:

• The pain is constant and pressing and can build gradually through the day,
• The pain is usually mild or moderate,
• There may be feeling of pressure behind the eyes and tightening of neck muscles,
• Mostly lasts a few hours, and
• The headache normally comes during the day

Cluster Headaches

For cluster headaches the following are some of the symptoms:

• The pain is extremely severe but the attack is short,
• Excruciating pain starts quickly, without warning,
• The pain always affects one side of the head, centered around one eye, and
• Inflammation and watering of the eye with a blocked nose

Treatment of Headaches

For tension type headaches, over the counter medication and relaxation techniques will normally suffice. However, painkillers should be used sparingly and only to stop a headache and not to prevent one.

Cluster headaches on the other hand do not respond well to paracetamol. A drug known as sumatriptan is used to interfere with the brain chemical 5HT. Frequent cluster headaches will require more medical attention.

Prevention of Headaches

Tension Type Headaches

• Do breathing and relaxation exercises to relieve stressful situations,
• Regular exercises will often ease tension and stress,
• Take note of the triggers for the headache and avoid them, and
• Avoid depressing situations

Cluster Headaches

• Avoid alcohol to reduce headache frequency,
• Inhaled nitroglycerin should be avoided as it causes blood vessels to enlarge, and
• Avoid exercising in hot or extreme weather

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