Migraine Headaches: A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or pulsing in one area
of the head and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme
sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can cause significant
pain for hours to days and be so severe that all you can think about is
finding a dark, quiet place to lie down.
Some migraines are preceded or accompanied by sensory warning symptoms
(aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or
leg.
Medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. If
treatment hasn't worked for you in the past, talk to your doctor about
trying a different migraine headache medication. The right medicines,
combined with self-help remedies and lifestyle changes, may make a
tremendous difference.
Stress Headaches: We generally use the word "stress" when we feel that everything seems
to have become too much - we are overloaded and wonder whether we
really can cope with the pressures placed upon us.
Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you - without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. However, when the stresses undermine both our mental and physical health they are bad. In this text we shall be focusing on stress that is bad for you.
Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches are a fairly common form of chronic, repeated headaches. They are four times more common in men than women. The headaches can occur at any age but are most common in adolescence and middle age. They tend to run in families, passed down through genes.
Scientists do not know exactly what causes cluster headaches, but they appear to be related to the body's sudden release of histamine or serotonin. A problem in a small area at the base of the brain called the hypothalamus may be involved.
The following may trigger cluster attacks:
If a headache occurs two or more times a week for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic. Chronic daily headaches can result from the under- or over-treatment of a primary headache.
Rebound headaches are headaches that keep coming back. They may occur if you overuse painkillers.
Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety.
Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or other computer work, fine work with the hands, and using a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger a tension headache
Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you - without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. However, when the stresses undermine both our mental and physical health they are bad. In this text we shall be focusing on stress that is bad for you.
Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches are a fairly common form of chronic, repeated headaches. They are four times more common in men than women. The headaches can occur at any age but are most common in adolescence and middle age. They tend to run in families, passed down through genes.
Scientists do not know exactly what causes cluster headaches, but they appear to be related to the body's sudden release of histamine or serotonin. A problem in a small area at the base of the brain called the hypothalamus may be involved.
The following may trigger cluster attacks:
- Alcohol and cigarette smoking
- High altitudes (trekking, air travel)
- Bright light (including sunlight)
- Exertion
- Heat (hot weather, hot baths)
- Foods high in nitrites (such as bacon and preserved meats)
- Certain medications
- Cocaine
If a headache occurs two or more times a week for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic. Chronic daily headaches can result from the under- or over-treatment of a primary headache.
Rebound headaches are headaches that keep coming back. They may occur if you overuse painkillers.
Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety.
Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or other computer work, fine work with the hands, and using a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger a tension headache
