headache

HEADACHES

A headache or cephalalgia is pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It can be a symptom of a number of different conditions of the head and neck. Headaches can result from a wide range of causes both benign and more serious. Brain tissue itself is not sensitive to pain as it lacks pain receptors.

Primary headaches

Primary headaches are stand-alone illnesses caused directly by the overactivity of, or problems with, structures in the head that are pain-sensitive. This includes the blood vessels, muscles and nerves of the head and neck. They may also result from changes in chemical activity in the brain.

Common primary headaches include migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches.

Some types of headache can be both primary and secondary as they may be an isolated issue or a result of another condition or illness. Such headaches can involve:

§  Direct physical stimuli, such as temperature and external pressure

§  Pain over the scalp (epicranial)

§  Physical exertion

§  Other miscellaneous headaches.

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches are headaches that are symptoms of another condition that stimulates the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. There are a vast number of different conditions that can cause secondary headaches, ranging in severity from an alcohol-induced hangover to a brain tumor.

In addition to those two examples, the following list should serve to illustrate the variety of different conditions that can cause secondary headaches:

§  Blood clots

§  Brain freeze (ice cream headaches)

§  Carbon monoxide poisoning

§  Concussion

§  Dehydration

§  Glaucoma

§  Influenza

§  Overuse of pain medication (rebound headaches)

§  Panic attacks

§  Stroke.

Treatment of headaches

The most common methods recommended for treating headaches are rest and pain relief medication.

• Self-care
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic treatment
• Cognitive behaviour therapy
• Herbal and nutritional health products
• Hypnosis
• Meditation.

As headaches can be a symptom of a serious condition, it is important to seek medical advice if headaches become more severe, regular or persistent.