Contact Me

Contact Me
Contact Me

Working Mom Blogger

Working Mom Blogger
Working Mom Blogger

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness

 

 

Pain Management (Part II) - Headache Types

My previous post in this series is Pain Management (Part I) - Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea).

Source: Guardian Pharmacy Leaflet


Photo source

1. Tension-type Headaches 


Tension-type headaches are the most common, affecting about 75% of all headache sufferers. They're caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or head resulting from bad posture, social or psychological stress or fatigue.

As many as 90% of adults have had a tension-type headache. Some people get tension-type (and migraine) headaches in response to stressful events or a hectic day.


Pain is mild to moderate, constant band-like pain, pressure or throbbing and affects the front, top or sides of the head. Pain may last from 30 minutes to several days. Other symptoms include headache upon awakening, chronic fatigue, irritability, disturbed concentration, mild sensitivity to light or noise, and general muscle aching.


Photo source

2. Rebound Headaches 


Rebound headaches may occur among people with tension-type headaches as well as in those with migraines.

It appears to be the result of taking prescription or non-prescription pain relievers daily ir almost every day, contrary to directions on the package label. If prescription or non-prescription pain relievers are overused, the headache may "rebound" as the last dose wears off, leading one to take more and more pills.


Photo source

3. Cluster Headaches 


Cluster headaches are relatively rare, affecting about 1% of headache sufferers. They are distinct from migraine and tension-type headaches. Most cluster headache sufferers are male - about 85%.

Attacks occur episodically in groups (between periods of no headaches) and last for 6-8 weeks. A history of heavy smoking and drinking is common, and alcohol often triggers attacks.


Photo source

4. Migraine Headaches 


Migraine headaches are less common than tension-type headaches. As many as 6% of all men and up to 18% of all women (about 12% of the population as a whole) experience a migraine headache at some time. Roughly three out of four migraine sufferers are female.

Among the most distinguishing features is the potential disability accompanying the headache pain of a migraine. An aura - a group of tell-tale neurological symptoms sometimes occurs before the head pain begins. Typically, an aura involves a disturbance in vision that may consist of brightly colored or blinking lights in a pattern that moves across the field of vision. About one in five migraine sufferers experiences an aura.


Usually, migraine attacks are occasional, or sometimes as often as once or twice a week, but not daily.


No comments