Healthy Body
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What a Headache:
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By Carol Lippert Gray
Like people, headaches come in all shapes and sizes. For example, there are tension headaches, cluster headaches, caffeine headaches, exertion headaches, post-traumatic headaches, hypertension headaches, and allergy or sinus headaches. There also are migraines, which likely have a hormonal component and are more common in women.
Headaches may be episodic (in other words, they occur sporadically), and these can last from 30 minutes to several hours. They may also be chronic, occurring regularly and requiring a pain-management plan.
Like people, headaches come in all shapes and sizes. For example, there are tension headaches, cluster headaches, caffeine headaches, exertion headaches, post-traumatic headaches, hypertension headaches, and allergy or sinus headaches. There also are migraines, which likely have a hormonal component and are more common in women.
Headaches may be episodic (in other words, they occur sporadically), and these can last from 30 minutes to several hours. They may also be chronic, occurring regularly and requiring a pain-management plan.
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If you take over-the-counter pain medications too frequently, you might -ironically - experience rebound headaches. In this case, the cure is to wean yourself off the meds.
So, given all the varieties, varying frequencies, and types of pain that the term “headache” can encompass, identifying and treating them can become a real — ahem — headache. Additionally, it’s important to know when you can just pop two aspirin or Tylenol versus when you need to seek medical intervention. |
The Female Factor Regarding Migraines: According to the Migraine Research Foundation, “Women suffer from migraine three times as often as men. In the U.S., 18% of women suffer compared to 6% of men. But during the reproductive years, as many as 43% of women suffer. 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women. 92% of women with severe migraine are disabled. Many women find their migraine symptoms are affected by menstruation, hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and menopause.” |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Dr. Merle Diamond, president and managing director of Diamond Headache Clinics, located in Illinois and Wisconsin, and AMITA St. Joseph Diamond Headache Clinic Inpatient Unit at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, advises that you seek immediate medical attention for “worrisome things that tend to occur out of the blue.”
For example, she says, if you experience “the first worst headache you’ve had in your life — what we call a ‘thunderclap’ headache — that could signal a ruptured aneurism. If a headache goes from zero to 100 quickly, it’s important to get evaluated.”
If a headache is associated with abnormal neurological symptoms like a stiff neck, trouble moving a limb, or slurred speech, Dr. Diamond recommends that you seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, if you have new onset headaches after the age of 50 or a fundamental change in your regular headache pattern (if the headaches are coming more often or are associated with new symptoms), it’s also time to see a doctor, Diamond informs.
Treatment
“There are many ways to treat headaches,” Diamond says. “The most important thing is to get a diagnosis. Then, you can choose a treatment plan.”
Factors in determining a diagnosis include (but are not limited to): identifying the triggers for your regular pattern of headaches; family history; and whether there are any abnormal physical findings.
Simple treatment options may include self-care, such as exercise, better sleep habits, hydration, stress reduction, over-the-counter medications, and certain dietary supplements. But if the headaches are “refractory” — if they are difficult to manage and you receive no benefit from lifestyle changes — “medications can improve your quality of life,” Diamond explains.
“It’s important to share what your feelings are about the different options available with your healthcare provider.” Diamond also points out, “You need good communication when you see your healthcare provider.”
Additional Resources:
Diamond Headache Clinic
Brigham and Women’s Hospital Headache Services for Women
How to Know When to Worry About a Headache
Migraine Research Foundation (Information about Migraines)
Diamond Headache Clinic
Brigham and Women’s Hospital Headache Services for Women
How to Know When to Worry About a Headache
Migraine Research Foundation (Information about Migraines)
Carol Lippert Gray is an award-winning public relations professional and longtime freelance writer and editor. Her career has spanned books, newspapers, magazines, broadcast, and online media in fields as diverse as crafts and corporate finance, parenting and philanthropy. She is also an associate editor for Sanctuary.
