Headaches are among the most common medical problems. Some people have headaches often, while others hardly ever have them. Both chronic and recurring headaches may be painful and distressing but rarely reflect a serious medical condition. However, a change in the pattern or nature of headaches--for instance, from rare to frequent, or from mild to severe--could signal a serious problem and calls for prompt medical attention. For more headache up to date research info.
Vitamins
and Herbs potentially helpful in migraine headache
5-HTP may be helpful
(see below). You can find
5-HTP
here.
Feverfew
may help a small percentage of users. One
feverfew capsule 3-4 x/day for one month, then
decrease dosage to 25 mg of dried herb twice daily. You can buy
Feverfew
here.
Tension
headache
A tension headache is
characterized by tight, painful pressure across the forehead. The pain may also
extend into the neck, and is usually steady, rather than sharp or stabbing.
Tension headaches may be brought on by everyday stress and frustration,
eyestrain and poor posture. Some people with tension headache may have
additional symptoms such as fatigue, depression and difficulty sleeping.
Causes of
Headaches
Most headaches are muscle tension headaches, migraines, or head
pain with no obvious cause. Many headaches are related to problems with the eyes, nose,
throat, teeth, and ears. Most chronic headaches attributed to eyestrain are actually
tension headaches; a new, severe pain in or around the eyes may signal high fluid pressure
(glaucoma) in the eye and is a medical emergency. High blood pressure may produce a
throbbing sensation in the head, but high blood pressure rarely causes chronic headaches. Emotional or physical stress, genetic, hormone level fluctuations, weather changes,
glare/flickering lights, premenstrual syndrome, lack or excess sleep, missed meals,
alcohol, chocolate, birth control pills, menstruation. Drugs such as antibiotics
(tetracycline, Bactrim) corticosteroids, Accutane, tamoxifen, Tagamet.
Headache Diagnosis
Usually a doctor can determine the cause of a headache from the
patient's medical history and a physical examination. However, occasionally blood tests
may be needed to detect an underlying illness. Only rarely are chronic headaches caused by
brain tumors, brain injuries, or lack of oxygen to the brain. If the doctor suspects a
tumor, stroke, or other problem with the brain, computed tomography (CT) scanning or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to provide images of the brain.
Treatment of Tension
Headache
Several types of nonpharmacologic treatment, including
physical exercise, relaxation training, and acupuncture can provide long-lasting
improvements for patients with chronic tension type headaches.
Treatment of migraine headaches
Wake up at the same time each morning.
Exercise at least 3 times a week. Exercise stimulates endorphins.
No smoking, no caffeine after 3 pm.
No artificial sweeteners.
No MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Reduce or eliminate red wine, cheese, alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine.
Try a gluten free diet.