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Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes can typically be blamed in the majority of cases. Headaches are broken down in the medical community into a few categories that assist in diagnosis. A primary headache is something almost all people are familiar with. 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 far more serious form of headache, 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 behind the contraction of cranial muscles are unknown, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Significant emotional stress usually leads to cranial pressure, 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 grouping pattern makes 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. A cluster headache should be treated as soon as possible.
Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. This is much rarer 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 on a chronic basis should be cause for a check with the doctor. Secondary headaches sometimes present with severe pain and sensory issues.
Filed under Health by on Feb 28th, 2009. 
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Headache medicine is commonly prescribed to treat the pain frequently attributed to tension and stress headaches. These headaches can become a frequent problem for some patients, striking seemingly at random and seriously impairing quality of life. In some cases, headaches can become serious enough to cause an obstacle to daily functioning. It is important to treat these headaches promptly, in order to bring quality of life back up to normal levels.
Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, aleve, and acetaminaphen can all be effective treatments for headache. In some situations, more powerful headache medicine could be required to cure the issue. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can typically help in a significant fashion to reduce headache pain, but sometimes more powerful medicines may be required. Triptans are a more powerful family of headache medicine, and are usually prescribed to sufferers of migraine headaches. Hormonal headaches can potentially be a cause of severe headache pain. This kind of headache is due to shifting levels of hormone production, and are difficult to prevent. Ibuprofen and Aleve are oftentimes effective in these cases.
Sinus problems are another potential source of severe headache pain. Under these circumstances, sinus pressure that builds up behind the nasal cavity causes an uncomfortable sensation. In severe cases, the excess mucus that has built up behind the nasal cavity can become infected. When this happens, the pain can be quite severe. A persistent pain behind the eyes is a good sign of such an infection, as is any swelling or blood discharge from the nose. Decongestants, nasal sprays, and antibiotics can all act as effective treatments of are all good treatments for sinus infections, and may be necessary headache medicine.
In addition to headache medicine, preventative treatment is crucial. Primary headaches are the most common kind of headache, and occur due to added tension or stress, either physical or emotional. Stress management can play a large role in treating headaches, thereby preventing them from occuring. Stress and tension headaches frequently develop as a band like feeling above the eyes. This can act as a definite signal to take preventative measures. Regular anti-inflammatories are typically a decent treatment when headaches begin to develop. Further treatment can include biofeedback, or massage therapy.
Filed under Health by on Feb 4th, 2009. 3 Comments.