An Overview on Headache

by Anne Rivera

Headache is that pain we feel--mild or sever--in one or more areas of the head, face, mouth, or neck. It can be chronic, recurrent, or occasional. Whenever we get a headache, it involves the nerve fiber network in the tissues, muscles, and blood vessels in our head and at the base of the skull.

Over 45 million people in the United States are sufferers of chronic, recurring head pains; and 28 million of them experience migraine every year.

Types and Causes

The tension type is the most common one. It is classified under primary. Oftentimes they begin in middle age and are usually related to stress, anxiety, and depression that develop during this period. It can also be caused by muscular tension, vascular dilation, postural changes, coughing or sneezing, and fever. Certain conditions lead to this tension pain such as arthritis in the neck or spine, degenerative bone or disk disease in the neck or spine, and temporomanibular joint disorders.

Of all those who experience frequent head pains, 75% to 90% of them (more women than men) have the tension type and they are prevalent between the ages of 20 and 40.

The cluster type also under primary and is felt everyday and can last for weeks, sometimes even months. They are recurrent within the same season or in the next year. They may be caused by alcohol and certain drugs that dilate or constrict the blood vessels suggesting that changes in the walls of the blood vessels in the head may be the reason.

Migraine is another primary type of headache pain. It is a throbbing or pulsating, recurrent pain often felt on one side of the head that is associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or even smell.

Studies show that a low level of endorphin may cause recurrent head pain. Environmental factors also proved to be triggers such as heavy rain or snow, high temperature and humidity, and high winds.

The secondary type of head pain is related to underlying conditions brought about by head trauma, infection, tumor, diabetes, thyroid disease, and cerebrovascular disease. It can also be felt from any syndrome concerning the eyes, ears, neck, teeth, or sinuses. There have also been instances where head pain is felt as a side effect of medication.

Secondary head pain after a blow to the head that are severe and sudden causing debilitation should be consulted with a doctor immediately. More so if it disrupts normal activities or is experienced together with convulsion, disorientation, dizziness, unconsciousness, eye or ear pain, and fever.

Treatment and Prevention

To bring about headache relief, there are things to look into before assessing the treatment. These are the identifying which type of head pain, severity, and frequency. In most situations, a lifestyle change in terms of diet and sleep is sufficient in lowering the frequency and eventually making the pain disappear.

For the rest, either over-the-counter or prescription medicines are required to treat the headache or serve as prophylactic/preventive treatment.