Archive for the ‘sinus pain’ Category
Hormonal Headaches
Hormonal headaches are a serious and often times debilitating form of headache that effects only women. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can have significant effects on the brain, often triggering severe headaches. Hormonal headaches are a part of the overall premenstrual cycle, and can begin eleven to seven days before the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of hormonal headaches typically involve fairly serious pain not unlike a migraine, usually accompanied by a sensitivity to light and loud noises. The pain can typically be described as a throbbing like sensation. A great number of women experience hormonal headaches at one point or another in their life. The occurence of hormonal headaches is difficult to predict, although contraceptives are known to have an effect on their frequency. In some women, oral contraceptives provide a trigger for migraine like headaches, while in others it actually mitigates the effects of the headaches. Accurately predicting the effect that oral contraceptives will have is difficult. Outside of contraceptives, the the real reasons behind hormonal headache remain unknown. Preventing hormonal headaches can be difficult, or even next to impossible. Fortunately, treatment for the effects of hormonal headaches can be highly effective. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can do a good job of handling the symptoms of hormonal headaches. Treatment with these over the counter drugs around five to seven days prior to a menstrual period can mitigate their effects. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all effective treatments for hormone headaches. These NSAID medications can possibly also play a role in reducing other premenstrual symptoms. Migraine medications, such as triptans, can also be used to lessen the impact of hormone headaches. Although not a direct treatment for the cause of the headaches, triptans can significantly reduce the associated pain. Triptans and NSAID medication should be used wisely when attempting to reduce hormonal headaches, because they can cause reactions if overused. Overuse of both triptans and NSAID medication can result in what are known as “rebound” headaches, where the symptoms emerge even stronger after the effects of the medication has worn off. In addition to the premenstrual cycle, hormonal headaches can be triggered during other periods of wide fluctuation in hormone levels. The early periods of childbirth can cause widespread changes in hormone levels, and this can commonly result in hormonal headaches. The days after childbirth are also a prime time for hormonal headaches to occur. Menopause can also frequently be associated with hormonal headaches.
Headache Treatments
Headaches have occured to the vast majority of people at one point or another in their lives. These headaches can range from mild irritations to a debilitating pain crisis that demands immediate treatment. Headaches are researched across the medical community, but causes remain a mystery. The medical community defines headaches in three basic categories. Primary headaches are what the majority of people experience, while cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far rarer basis. Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can be a sign of a more serious neurological disorder.
Most headaches are classified as primary headaches, and are typically treatable with simple over the counter medications. Ibuprofen and Aleve are usually effective treatments for problems involving primary headaches. More serious headaches, such as those seen in clusters, may require prescription pain killers in order to prevent serious daily impairment. Other effective Headache Treatments include therapeutic measures such as biofeedback, massage, and psychotherapy. These are good ways to prevent headaches before they even have a chance to begin. The majority of headaches begin with stress related causes, such as emotional or physical strains.
Several hours of physical exertion can easily bring on a stress related headache. The muscles in the skull can contract under pressure, causing discomfort. Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention should be focused on as the most effective treatment. Preventing headache pain usually means examining the situations that tend to exacerbate the problem. If emotionally stressful situations are bringing on the pain, some sort of stress management is most likely in order. Hours of physical labor should be broken up by regular breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related headaches.
Frequent headaches that do not abate, or occur on a seemingly random basis may be a sign of a more serious condition. Headache treatment in these situations may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue. Headaches that occur frequently and seemingly without provocation can be a sign of more serious neurological issues. This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify a variety of possible neurological issues. It is important to see a specialist whenever these kinds of problems present on a fairly regular basis. Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming more serious.
Seeking The Cause of Headaches
Although medical science has not yet found the exact cause of headaches, some of the most common causes can typically be blamed in the majority of cases. Headaches are broken down into three basic categories. A primary headache occurs to millions on a daily basis. Primary headaches constitute the vast majority of headaches, and are almost never life threatening. Despite this frequency of occurence and a lack of life threatening danger, the primary headache can be very uncomfortable. Cluster headaches are a much rarer and far more painful variety, that although not life threatening, can cause debilitating pain. Secondary headaches are caused by a structural or chemical problem in the brain.
It is believed that over 90% of primary headaches, which most people experience, can be blamed on tension. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. This can cause a severe amount of pain. Although the reasons for skull muscle contraction are difficult to ascertain, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Significant emotional stress typically results in a contraction of the muscles, and therefore a tension related headache. Prolonged physical stress, such as extended manual labor, is also known to cause tension headaches.
Cluster headaches happen less frequently, and typically only occur in a small portion of the population. Patients typically see cluster headaches only in small time frames, thus the name “cluster” headache. This can make prevention and treatment difficult. When a cluster headache occurs, severe and debilitating pain usually follows. Water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches. Treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control.
Secondary headaches usually represent a more serious issue. This occurs on a far rarer basis than primary headaches. A secondary headache can be indicative of internal bleeding in the brain, a tumor, or a malfunction of the brain. Headaches that occur frequently or on a regular basis should be cause for a check with the doctor. Secondary headaches sometimes present with severe pain and sensory issues.