 What
Are Migraine Headaches?
The
most common type of vascular headache is migraine. Migraine headaches
are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of
the head, an upset stomach, and at times disturbed vision.
Symptoms
of migraine
- Sensitivity to light is a standard symptom of the two most prevalent
types of migraine-caused headache: classic and common. Other symptoms
include nausea, dizziness, and sometimes confusion.
The
major difference between the two types is the appearance of neurological
symptoms 10 to 30 minutes before a classic migraine attack. These
symptoms are called an aura. The person may see flashing lights
or zigzag lines, or may temporarily lose vision. The pain of a classic
migraine headache is described as intense, throbbing, or pounding
and is felt in the forehead, temple, ear, jaw, or around the eye.
Classic migraine may last 1 to 2 pain-wracked days.
The
common migraine--a term that reflects the disorder's greater occurrence
in the general population--is not preceded by an aura. Both classic
and common migraine can strike as often as several times a week,
or as rarely as once every few years.
The
migraine process - Research scientists are unclear about the
precise cause of migraine headaches. There seems to be general agreement,
however, that a key element is blood flow changes in the brain.
People who get migraine headaches appear to have blood vessels that
overreact to various triggers.
It
is believed that the nervous system responds to a trigger such as
stress by creating a spasm in the nerve-rich arteries at the base
of the brain. The spasm closes down or constricts several arteries
supplying blood to the brain, including the scalp artery and the
carotid or neck arteries.
 How
is Migraine Headache Treated?
Drug
therapy, biofeedback training, stress reduction, and elimination
of certain foods from the diet are the most common methods of preventing
and controlling migraine and other vascular headaches. Regular exercise,
such as swimming or vigorous walking, can also reduce the frequency
and severity of migraine headaches.
Drug
Therapy - There are two ways to approach the treatment of migraine
headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve symptoms after
the headache occurs.
One
of the most commonly used drugs for the relief of migraine symptoms
is ergotamine
tartrate, a vasoconstrictor that helps counteract the painful
dilation stage of the headache. For optimal benefit, the drug is
taken during the early stages of an attack. If a migraine has been
in progress for about an hour and has passed into the final throbbing
stage, ergotamine tartrate will probably not help.
For
headaches that occur three or more times a month, preventive treatment
is usually recommended. Drugs used to prevent classic and common
migraine include methysergide
maleate, which counteracts blood vessel constriction; propranolol
hydrochloride, which stops blood vessel dilation; and amitriptyline,
an antidepressant.
Anti-Migraine
Diet - Scientists estimate that a small percentage of migraine
sufferers will benefit from a treatment program focused solely on
eliminating headache-provoking foods and beverages.
Cluster
Headaches - Cluster headaches, named for their repeated occurrence
in groups or clusters, begin as a minor pain around one eye, eventually
spreading to that side of the face. Cluster headaches last between
30 and 45 minutes. But the relief people feel at the end of an attack
is usually mixed with dread as they await a recurrence. Clusters
can strike several times a day or night for several weeks or months.
Then, mysteriously, they may disappear for months or years. Many
people have cluster bouts during the spring and fall. At their worst,
chronic cluster headaches can last continuously for years.
What
Are Muscle-Contraction Headaches?
Tension
headache is named not only for the role of stress in triggering
the pain, but also for the contraction of neck, face, and scalp
muscles brought on by stressful events. Tension headache is a severe
but temporary form of muscle-contraction headache. The pain is mild
to moderate and feels like pressure is being applied to the head
or neck. The headache usually disappears after the period of stress
is over. Ninety percent of all headaches are classified as tension/muscle
contraction headaches.
By
contrast, chronic muscle-contraction headaches can last for
weeks, months, and sometimes years. The pain of these headaches
is often described as a tight band around the head or a feeling
that the head and neck are in a cast. The pain is steady, and is
usually felt on both sides of the head. Many scientists believe
that the primary cause of the pain of muscle-contraction headache
is sustained muscle tension. Other studies suggest that restricted
blood flow may cause or contribute to the pain.
Certain
physical postures that tense head and neck muscles -- such as holding
one's chin down while reading--can lead to head and neck pain. So
can prolonged writing under poor light, or holding a phone between
the shoulder and ear, or even gum chewing.
Treatment
for muscle-contraction headache varies. The first consideration
is to treat any specific disorder or disease that may be causing
the headache. For example, arthritis of the neck is treated with
anti-inflammatory medication, such as
ibuprofen. Acute tension headaches not associated
with a disease are treated with muscle relaxants and analgesics
like aspirin,
and acetaminophen.
People
who suffer infrequent muscle-contraction headaches may benefit from
a hot shower or moist heat applied to the back of the neck. Cervical
collars are sometimes recommended as an aid to good posture. Physical
therapy, massage, and gentle exercise of the neck may also be helpful.
Conclusion
Don't
dispair, finding the solution to your headache problem is usually
a lengthy and involved process, especially since making an accurate
diagnosis as to the type and cause of the headaches must come before
the proper treatment regimen can be found.
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Copyright
© 1999 PersonalMD.com. All rights reserved.
Copyright
© 1999 PersonalMD.com. All rights reserved.
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