Headache

Headache - What it is

What is a headache?

A headache is a common medical complaint of pain or discomfort in the head or face. For most, a headache is an annoyance that comes and goes. But when they start to occur regularly, studies, work, family and social activities can be affected. It can also cause significant concern and anxiety.

Fortunately, most headaches are not an indication of a serious medical condition and can be treated. However, medical attention should be sought for frequent or severe headaches.

Headache - Symptoms

What are the symptoms of a headache?

The symptoms vary based on the type of headache:

Migraine

Throbbing pain of moderate to severe intensity
Physical activities make headaches worse
Sensitivity to light, sound and smell
Nausea or vomiting
May be preceded by flashing lights
Other symptoms, e.g. seeing zigzag lines and tingling or numbness of limbs

These associated symptoms may occur before or during a headache, and usually lasts an hour or less.

Tension headache

tension headache - headache type and symptoms

Pain is usually dull, steady and not throbbing
No nausea or vomiting

Cluster headache

There may be redness and tearing of the affected eye
Other side of the head is unaffected

When should you see a doctor for a headache?

Consult your doctor if you experience these:

Frequent headaches that occur once or more a week
Taking painkillers more than once a week
Change in the pattern of a regular headache
Stiff neck or fever with headache
Headaches with dizziness, unsteady gait, slurred speech, weakness or numbness
Confusion and drowsiness
Headache that begins and persists after head injury
First or the worst headache in your life
Headache that begins after the age of 50
If you have a new headache and a history of cancer, autoimmune disease or Human ImmunodeficiencyVirus (HIV)

Headache - How to prevent?

How can headaches be prevented?

Most headaches have a genetic basis. Some may also be sensitive to certain triggers that can lead to a headache.
Lessen the impact of a headache by identifying triggers and avoiding them:

External environment (i.e., changes in weather, bright lights, smells and loud sounds)
Emotion, mood and stress
Diet (e.g., alcohol, cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), citrus fruits)
Hormonal changes due to menstruation, menopause, oral contraception, hormone replacement therapy

Keeping a headache diary can help identify factors that may contribute to the headache and the pattern of the headache.

Headache - Treatments

How are headaches treated?

There are two types of treatment:

Symptomatic treatments relieve the symptoms of pain and nausea
Prophylactic treatments prevent headaches from occurring. These are taken on a regular basis, usually
daily and may be in the form of oral medication or injection therapies.

A healthy lifestyle is also important: