What You Need To Know About Keeping A Headache Diary

There’s no doubt about it – headaches can be one of the most frustrating and debilitating ailments people suffer on a day to day basis. We’ve all had one, and we all have different ways that we rely on to alleviate the pain and corresponding symptoms. However, because there are so many different kinds of headaches, we cannot always trust that following generalized advice or taking over the counter medication will do the trick.

Here, we discuss how to keep a headache diary and what you need to know about it – when it is time to begin one, what you will learn, and how to go about logging your details. This can be an extremely useful detailed report to identify when headaches occur, and a tool to clarify things for both you and your doctor.

What works for one person may not work for the next. This is why it is always important to seek professional medical help if your headaches are beginning to seriously affect your daily functioning and standard of living. A medical health professional is qualified to observe, diagnose, and treat headache and migraine symptoms, and help you to better understand your problem.

However, you can help your doctor to better understand you, too. When asked “how often do your headaches occur?” and “what are the symptoms?”, it is best to give a confident answer. This is why keeping a headache diary is a great way to track the specifics of your headache problems.

How To Know When Your Headaches Are Becoming A Problem

Of course, no matter what, a headache or migraine can be extremely frustrating and painful for the sufferer. It is also very difficult for parents to know what to do and how to act when a child begins to suffer from one of these ailments.

Often, we are well aware of what the cause of the nuisance is: stress, lack of sleep, emotional distress, overexertion, heat, and dehydration are just some of the many examples. We also often have our own tried and tested methods for treating this ourselves.

Sometimes our reliance on self-medicating can stop us from realizing the seriousness of our condition, so there are a few things you should watch out for if you or someone else begins to suspect you are not just suffering from a minor ailment anymore.  Ask yourself these questions if you are unsure whether a trip to the doctor is necessary:

Answer Yes To Any Of These Questions?

• Have you begun to suffer from more severe headaches? There are many different kinds of migraines, so be sure to read up on their signs and symptoms.
• Have you experienced a major change in the pattern of your headaches? You may begin to notice worrying changes in frequency and severity that pass the point of being considered minor ailments.
• Are your headaches accompanied with other symptoms such as disturbances in your vision, feelings of vertigo, neck stiffness, fever, or problems with memory and alertness? Symptoms that do not represent those of a traditional headache may be indicative of other problems.
• Do your headaches affect or prevent your normal daily activities? If your ailments have begun to alter the way you live your life, they are definitely worth checking out.
• Are you experiencing the ailment due to a new medication you are taking, or that has been prescribed to you? Your new medication may fix one thing, but have negative side effects on your life in other ways.

Visit A Health Care Professional

Answering yes to any one of the above questions likely means that you should seek medical help. This does not mean that you need to worry, as there are many ways to treat these problems and get the help you need.

Even if you cannot answer yes firmly to any of the above, but you are still in doubt, it is better to be safe and take a trip to the doctor anyway. You know best what is normal for your body and when you need assistance.

Once you have decided to seek professional diagnosis or help, it is strongly suggested by health care practitioners the world over that you take some time to keep a record of your headaches and their symptoms. Keeping a headache diary for even a few days can be a huge help for your doctor.

What Is A Headache Diary?

Headache diaries can be kept either before your trip to the doctor or after consultation with them. It is a record kept of the particulars of your symptoms. You should aim to be as accurate as possible in keeping this, so be sure to be vigilant in your tracking and recording. Ultimately, this will help to yield the best results when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

You can find headache diary templates all over the web, and there are also a number of headache diary apps that you can download on your phone for ease of use. However, there are certain questions you should be able to answer, so keep the next section in mind when downloading an app, trying out a template, or drawing up your own personal log.

What Will You Learn From Keeping This Type Of Log?

The following questions and concerns are what you should be able to find out if you decide on the process of keeping one of these helpful headache or migraine diaries:

• How frequent are your headaches? How long do they last and how severe are your symptoms? Is relief instant or are the after-effects just as debilitating?
• What kind of pain are you experiencing? (throbbing, piercing, dull etc.) Where is this pain located
• How might your environment be affecting your ailment? What makes it worse, and what makes it better?
• Is the food you eat and liquid you consume a factor? Is there a link between how much you consume/ when you consume it and your headaches?
• Are the medications you are using or precautions you are taking working, and if so, to what extent? Do your headaches get worse as a result of other medications?
• Is there any pattern to be observed? What are the trigger factors and warning signs?
• What are the accompanying symptoms that you experience, and when and to what extent do they occur?

Being able to answer these questions in detail may seem a bit overboard, but since there are over 300 different kinds of headaches, it is best to be as accurate as possible.

How To Be Sure Of The Particulars Of Your Headache

Because headaches, migraines, and their accompanying symptoms can be so severe, we may lose sight of the particulars when facing this extreme pain and discomfort.

Learn how to identify headache locations by following this link – you will also be able to find out more about what the importance of location means when it comes to analyzing causes and risk factors. The location of your pain is crucial information for your doctor.

It may also be a good idea to look further into it and discover what triggers headaches. There may be some activities you partake in or foods you enjoy that will surprise you. You may be experiencing headaches for reasons you had never even dreamed of.

Bad posture, preservatives in foods, and repeated exposure to bright lights or technology are just some examples of surprising but frequently observed causes and triggers. This is also why it is important to keep a very detailed log of how you spend your day and what you eat and drink.

Useful Headings To Include In Your Headache/Migraine Diary

When looking for the right app or diary template to download, try to look out for the following headings or logging questions. There should also be the option to record the time that each of the following occurs:

• Foods eaten
• Water and other beverages consumed
• Hours slept
• Activities undergone (sport, work, relaxation etc.)
• Medications taken (be specific!)
• Headache severity, intensity, and duration
• Location of pain or symptoms
  Triggers
• Preceding symptoms
• Accompanying symptoms
• After-effects and extent of relief

Of course, a consultation with your doctor may also clarify what they need to know from you. With this in mind, draw up a diary logging plan together if there are any specific questions that he or she may want to be answered.

Otherwise, using the headings above should help you to achieve the best results from your headache diary.

While the above exercise may seem tedious, it will undoubtedly be of help to you and your doctor when it comes to diagnosis and effective treatment. This is also a great way to log your child’s details if you are becoming concerned about their headache symptoms.

Your diary can also be kept during your treatment to track its effectiveness and consult back with your doctor. Always be sure that you are well informed when it comes to headaches, migraines, and their triggers – you may be able to alleviate frequency and duration purely by being vigilant.

The post What You Need To Know About Keeping A Headache Diary appeared first on Treat Headaches.

Vestibular Migraine – Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A headache is one of the most frustrating ailments out there, and a migraine is even worse. Pair this with vertigo and you get a condition that can affect your daily functioning in more ways than one.

A vestibular migraine, also known as migrainous vertigo, is a type of migraine with a number of symptoms that impair its sufferer. Learn more about what this condition is, its symptoms, its causes, and ways to effectively treat these unwelcome and intense types of conditions from this article.

What Is A Vestibular Migraine?

This kind of ailment is a nervous system problem that often occurs in patients who have a history with normal migraines and their symptoms.

Some people can go years only experiencing migraine symptoms before vertigo associated with the vestibular kind kicks in. Typically, this vertigo is the primary symptom, and the sufferer may not always complain of a headache in itself.

Either way, this condition can be extremely debilitating and is something that can and should be treated by both you and a medical health professional. You can help yourself by learning more about it so that you are better prepared when the next one comes along.

Causes Of The Condition

In every person’s nervous system, you find the vestibular system. This is located in the inner ear and sends messages to the brain’s balance control center about the position of the head. When we experience vertigo, we suffer the false sensation that we or our surroundings are moving.

As it stands, the exact vestibular migraine causes are not known. However, it is theorized that it has to do with the widening of the blood vessels in and around the patient’s brain, in particular, the area wherein the vestibular system is located.

This causes problems with the processes between this system and the balance control center of the brain. Sometimes this does not only cause vertigo but it also causes a number of associated symptoms that make up this exact condition.

Because there is a link between previous sufferers of migraines and those who suffer migrainous vertigo, checking out these additional causes for headaches may be helpful in gaining a better understanding of one’s condition.

The symptoms of vertigo may happen before, during, or after a headache, so sometimes preventing the headache itself may keep vertigo at bay.

Who Suffers From These Migraines?

Although it is more likely to begin suffering vertigo after the age of 40, both adults and children can be affected by this condition. Women are more likely to suffer from it than men, as is the case with traditional migraines. Around 40% of people who suffer from the latter also experience symptoms of vertigo. It is estimated that around 1% of the population are affected by migrainous vertigo.

No matter who you are or what your age, this condition can be extremely frustrating and can impair your daily functions and overall quality of life in a number of ways.

Vestibular Migraine Symptoms

There are numerous symptoms associated with this ailment. The main being that of vertigo: feeling unbalanced and as if one is falling or the ground is moving. This can seriously affect a person’s ability to conduct movement.

Along with the dizziness and vertigo associated with a vestibular migraine, you may also experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort when turning, bending, or otherwise moving the head and neck area
• Constant neck pain
• The feeling of pressure within the head and/or ear
• Difficulty hearing low sounds
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feelings of confusion and disorientation
• Visual disturbances such as blurred or hazy vision, or loss in parts of vision
• Tinnitus which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear not caused by any external sound

Along with the above, of course, sometimes comes the presence of a headache. One or more of the following symptoms of a traditional migraine are often experienced at the same time:

• Abnormal sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Seeing flashing or shimmering lights in one’s vision. This is called a migraine aura.
• A headache that is one-sided and pulsing and that gets worse upon activity or other exertion

Migraines are ailments that affect a great deal of the population, and their symptoms alone can be cause for concern and distress. Read more about the debilitating ailments and what causes them here.

Diagnosing The Condition

When determining whether or not you are suffering from this ailment, it is best to visit a medical health professional to make the diagnosis for you. This way, you can be sure of what it is and receive the right treatment.

There are, however, general guidelines for diagnosis set forth by the International Health Society. If you exhibit the following you could be diagnosed as a migrainous vertigo sufferer:

• You have a history with traditional migraines and/or still suffer from this ailment
• Vestibular migraine duration of symptoms is anywhere between 5 minutes and 72 hours, from moderate to severe intensity
• Half of your episodes are paired with traditional migraine headaches or problems with vision and hearing
• You have experienced at least 5 separate episodes of a vestibular migraine

A medical health professional’s diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of this condition. If you think you exhibit the right symptoms that ascribe to the above guidelines, it is recommended that you visit a doctor to help you manage the ailment effectively and professionally.

Treating The Condition

Once you have been diagnosed, there are a number of different ways that your doctor may choose to treat your condition.

Not only can you receive preventive medication prescriptions, but you can also learn from your doctor what your triggers may be. Once you know what these are, you can combat them by making some simple but effective lifestyle changes:

Lifestyle changes for vestibular migraine treatment

• The best vestibular migraine diet is a healthy one. Making sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables and that you drink enough water can go a long way in improving how your body functions, thus avoiding unwelcome vestibular symptoms. The best foods to eat are ginger, tomatoes, and foods rich in zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B and C.
• Try to regulate your sleeping patterns. If you get enough sleep each night, it is likely that you will be able to combat the severity of your symptoms.
• Alter your lifestyle in such a way that you can avoid stress to the best of your ability. Stress is often cited as one of the main causes of traditional migraines. Exercise, regular sleeping patterns, and healthy eating are great ways to reduce stress.
• Avoid any food or drink that may cause headaches. The top causes here are caffeine and alcohol consumption. The amino acid, tyramine, should also be avoided. This can be found in many foods and has been cited as a potential migraine trigger. Examples of these foods include red wine, yogurt, chocolate, bananas, citrus fruits, ripened cheeses, and nuts.

Of course, lifestyle changes are not the only things that may help you to keep migrainous vertigo at bay. Doctor prescribed medications are key in treating the debilitating symptoms of this condition. While these medications may not completely rid you of your migraine, they are helpful in reducing severity and duration.

You may also find that home remedies for ridding yourself of a migraine or headache are helpful. These include avoiding the sun, drinking chamomile tea, using peppermint and lavender oils, and chiropractic care. Be sure to be aware of your symptoms and what triggers them.

Is There A Cure?

Can vestibular migraines be cured you ask? Well, there is no completely effective cure for them, but the above-mentioned means of combating them have proven to be extremely helpful. Making sure you know what the condition is can go a long way in helping you to identify triggers and reduce severity.

Your doctor will prescribe you medication in order to prevent the migraine or stop/decrease its symptoms when it happens. The following medications are helpful and often used in treatment:

• Traditional migraine medications
• Vestibular suppressants
• Anti-nausea medication
• Antihistamines
• Seizure medications
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications

Often, combating the vertigo element of a vestibular migraine, or combating the headache element can be effective in treating and preventing the entirety of the condition. However, keep in mind that a medical professional is the best person to diagnose and prescribe medical treatment.

If you suffer from vestibular migraines, keeping the above information regarding treatment and lifestyle recommendations in mind can truly help you to improve your quality of life. Make sure to follow our guidelines and the guidelines set out by your doctor.

Living with this condition can be extremely frustrating and can seriously impair your standard of living. As such, it is best to be fully prepared for anything that may cause an onset or worsen your symptoms. Read more about headache treatment options here, and take the necessary steps to change your life for the better.

The post Vestibular Migraine – Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options appeared first on Treat Headaches.

Thunderclap Headache: Symptoms, Possible Causes, and Treatment

If you have ever experienced a sudden and intense head pain seemingly out of nowhere, you may have had what is known as a thunderclap headache.

Although it’s not common, this ailment can potentially be very dangerous or even life-threatening. As a result, it is important to be aware of its existence, understand what the possible symptoms and causes are, and know how to seek treatment in the unlikely event that this somewhat rare condition occurs.

What Is A Thunderclap Headache?

Sometimes referred to as a lone acute severe headache, a thunderclap headache can be described as a very sudden and intense head pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is characterized by the fact that it reaches its maximum intensity in a very short amount of time (usually a few minutes).

If left untreated, thunderclap headaches can be dangerous and even potentially fatal. This is because they often signal very serious underlying problems such as bleeding or hemorrhaging within the brain. Luckily, they are regarded as a relatively rare medical condition though as less than 5 out of 10 000 adults are affected each year.

Thunderclap Headache Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that may indicate that a person is suffering this ailment. Naturally, it is in your best interests to seek immediate medical attention if you ever experience any of the related symptoms mentioned.

Generally speaking, the pain occurrences are usually short in duration, although there are reports of the effects recurring for a week or more on the odd occasion.

Other symptoms include:

• Changes in vision
• Sudden pain in the cranium or neck area that come seemingly out of nowhere
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Intense headaches, often described as the worst ever experienced
• Fever
• Seizures

Potential Causes

One of the most common thunderclap headache causes is a subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain. If the bleeding is the result of an aneurysm and is not identified and treated quickly, it can lead to other conditions or complications such as a stroke.

Other possible causes may include:

• A ruptured or damaged blood vessel within the brain
• Brain trauma or other cranium injuries
• Inflamed blood vessels within your brain
• A stroke caused by a blockage within a blood vessel
• A stroke caused by bleeding also known as a hemorrhagic stroke

Not all thunderclap headaches are caused by physical afflictions. The condition can sometimes be experienced due to an idiopathic benign recurrent headache disorder. More simply put, they occur as a secondary headache.

If this is the case, the condition may not be life-threatening and can be caused or triggered by the following:

• Sexual activity
• Physical exertion
• A past injury
• A traumatic experience

Thunderclap Headache vs Migraine – which is it?

Migraines can sometimes be confused with thunderclap headaches. However, there are distinct differences between the two that you should be aware of to avoid any unnecessary panic or misconceptions.

Firstly, it is important to note that it is common for people who experience thunderclap headaches to have suffered from frequent migraines in their past. If you are one of them, it is advisable to keep a record of your medical history to help determine any potentially related conditions in the future.

Secondly, the most noticeable difference between a migraine and a thunderclap headache is the severity of the pain. The latter is often described as the most intense and painful headache ever experienced.

Thunderclap headaches can also be much more dangerous than migraines. As a result, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you have just suffered from one.

What Does A Thunderclap Headache Feel Like

Understanding how it feels to experience this affliction will help you to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and know when to get medical help. Obviously, if you experience any severe or ongoing pain you should get advice from your local doctor without hesitation though.

As we mentioned, this affliction is sometimes described as the worst head pain imaginable by those who have suffered from it. The pain often takes you by surprise and seemingly comes out of nowhere with no clear warning signs.

Unlike other similar ailments where you experience pain for hours on end, this condition typically reaches its maximum intensity within the first 60 seconds and usually only lasts for less than 5 minutes.

Although short in duration, the pain is sometimes so severe that it can immobilize you and even result in a loss of consciousness. Due to its abrupt nature, you only have a short window to identify your symptoms and get help quickly should you need it.

Seeking Treatment

Before deciding on any thunderclap headache treatments, the cause of the condition must first be determined. Doctors will usually perform a CT scan to evaluate and identify the possible cause of the pain.

In most cases, a CT scan will be enough to discover the problem. However, in some instances, you may need to undergo more extensive tests to assess the issue. Some of these tests include:

• A Magnetic Resonance Imaging test (MRI) to allow your doctor to accurately assess the internal structures of your brain
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography test (MRA) to assess the blood flow within your brain
• Lumbar puncture which involves the extraction of blood fluid from your spinal cord

 Once the cause has been identified, there are a number of possible treatments available including:

• Surgery to repair the blockage or rupture and restore blood flow to the damaged areas
• Blood pressure medication
• Pain medications which help people who experience the headaches with no specific cause or trigger to manage their symptoms

Primary vs Secondary Thunderclap Headaches

Primary

Around 75% of thunderclap headaches are regarded as primary headaches. This type is attributed to pain structures inside the brain. At times the structures become overactive or malfunction. This leads to a brain pain disorder with no underlying condition.

Primary thunderclap headaches can also be caused by chemical imbalances within the brain, or even by hereditary factors. Similarly, lifestyle factors such as stress, certain foods, particular ingredients, changes in sleep patterns, or loss of sleep etc. can also trigger them.

Secondary

The remaining 25% occur due to underlying causes or diseases that activate the pain sensors within the brain. Secondary thunderclap headaches can, therefore, be serious and sometimes even life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Some of the causes of secondary thunderclap headaches include brain aneurysms, blood clots, broken or damaged blood vessels in your brain, concussion, as well as other physical injuries etc.

As you can see, when occurring in secondary form, they potentially present greater immediate danger than primary headaches do. However, before drawing any conclusions, consult your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis. Once a professional determines what has occurred they will be in a position to devise a suitable treatment plan.

What Should You Do If You Experience A Thunderclap Headache?

If you believe you are experiencing this unpleasant affliction it is important that you remain calm. Luckily the pain does not usually last for very long and subsides quickly. As soon as you are able to contact or locate someone nearby, let them know that you require medical attention. This is especially important if the pain is particularly debilitating and prevents you from functioning normally.

Do not attempt to drive yourself anywhere as a loss of consciousness may occur after experiencing a thunderclap headache. Rather ask a friend, family member, or even a neighbor to take you to a medical facility for a checkup.

If that’s not an option, then call up your nearest medical facility or emergency services. Ask for a paramedic to be sent out to assist you and take you into the hospital if necessary.

Why Experiencing One Of These Could Be A Sign Of A Stroke

Strokes happen as a result of an interruption of blood flow to and around the brain. There are two main types of strokes, namely ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes.

Ischemic strokes occur when an artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes disrupted. On the other hand, hemorrhagic strokes occur when damaged or ruptured blood vessels in the brain cause internal bleeding in the organ.

Due to their similar nature, a thunderclap headache could be a warning sign of a stroke. So until you receive an accurate diagnosis, treat the condition with caution. According to a study in 2010, between 7% and 65% of stroke patients will report some sort of localized brain and cranium pain symptoms.

That being said, by no means are all thunderclap headaches dangerous or life-threatening. You simply need to be mindful of the symptoms and causes of this affliction as you might be suffering from something more serious which is dangerous if left untreated or ignored.

Ultimately, it is wise not to ignore this condition or any other serious ailments which affect your cranium and brain. Seek professional assistance as soon as you can. At the end of the day, you want to avoid any further harm or negative impacts which could occur as a result of the condition being left untreated.

The post Thunderclap Headache: Symptoms, Possible Causes, and Treatment appeared first on Treat Headaches.

Headache On Top Of The Head – possible causes & solutions

The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, which means that discomfort in this area of your body can be difficult to understand.

There are many different parts of the brain, so there are many different types of headaches too, which could be a response to a number of internal or external factors.

These different types of responses can occur in different parts of the cranium itself, but one of the most common is a headache on top of the head.

This kind can feel like a massive weight pushing down on your crown, and we all know that a headache on top of your head isn’t a fun sensation at all.

To get a better understanding of a headache on top of the head, here’s an explanation and of the causes and how to treat it.

What Can Cause A Headache On Top Of My Head?

As mentioned above, there are many different reasons, physical and environmental that can fall under the title causes of headache on top of head.

There are also a number of medical conditions and environmental triggers that can lead to a headache on top of the head.

Here are some of the most common kinds of soreness that can be felt in this area:

Tension

This kind of pain is one of the most common and can feel like constant pressure or aching, or like the muscles around your head are pulling into a tight band.

You might also feel associated discomfort in your neck, the back of your head, and in your temples. It doesn’t throb and doesn’t feel as intense as a migraine though.

Tension headaches usually result from stress and tightness in certain muscle groups, namely the suboccipital muscles and the splenius cervicis and splenius capitis muscles. As muscles don’t work in isolation, pain is usually the result of multiple muscles tensing up.

Here is a brief explanation below:

• The suboccipital muscles are connected to the first and second vertebrae and can become tense due to grinding your teeth, straining your eyes or by having poor posture
• The splenius cervicis and splenius capitis muscles in your neck can also become stiff, causing tension in this region

Migraines

If you’re a migraine sufferer, you’ll already know that as opposed to the average headache on top of the head, migraines can be defined as a throbbing headache on top of the head, and can be felt on either side of your face too.

Migraines can also fall under the categories of a headache on top right side of the head, or a headache on top left side of the head.

They also come with a number of other symptoms, like nausea, cold hands, seeing auras and being very sensitive to sound and light. So much so that you’ll usually feel the need to be in a dark and quiet room.

In short, a migraine differs in terms of severity and accompanying symptoms.

Physical exhaustion

This kind of pain, as the name suggests, comes from not getting enough rest, and can feel like a dull ache or pressure. This can happen from lack of sleep, as well as from intense bursts of exercise that your brain might not be prepared for.

When it comes to sleeping, your posture is also very important. This is because poor sleeping posture can also lead to a hypnic headache on top of the head, which comes from the spinal position being compromised.

Cold-stimulation

Otherwise known as a brain freeze. This kind of discomfort usually only lasts a few seconds but can be a very uncomfortable headache on top of the head.

Sinuses

Blocked sinuses can also trigger tension which leads to painful symptoms. This is due to inflammation which can be easily treated by medication or relieving the sinus blockage in non-harmful ways.

Occipital Neuralgia

This kind of pain occurs when the occipital nerve is compressed, damaged or irritated. This nerve runs from your spine to your scalp.

When this nerve is compromised, you will feel it in the back of your skull as well as that tight band feeling.

Other symptoms like waves of electric shock pain and a dull aching can also be felt, which can all worsen when you start moving around.

Medical emergencies

Although rare, certain kinds of soreness in the cranial area are very serious and might require a trip to the emergency room.

Just two of the most intense of these are:

1. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCV’s)

This kind of headache on top of the head occurs when blood vessels in the brain become constricted, which results in an intense form of pain called a thunderclap.

In severe cases, this can lead to strokes or bleeding in the brain, as well as intense weakness, seizures, and blurry vision.

2. Hypertension pain

This results from pressure building up in the cranium due to high blood pressure, which leads to a distinctive pulling feeling at the top of your head.

Other symptoms include noises, intense agony, disorientation, short breathing, and unclear vision.

How Do You Treat A Headache On Top Of The Head?

Apart from just taking medication, there are many ways of treating a headache on top of the head.

Some of the most popular ways include:

Over the counter (OTC) medication

For tension pain and migraines, it’s possible to get quick relief with medication from your pharmacy. Be aware of combining different kinds of medication though, as it could lead to an overdose or other side effects.

Be aware that taking too much medication could even lead to another headache!

Awareness of muscle tension

If it is muscle tightness that is causing you a headache on top of the head, getting enough rest, reducing your stress levels and maintaining good posture can all help. This applies both to when you’re awake and when you’re asleep.

If you spend most of your day sitting behind a desk, an ergonomic chair can be very helpful. As is seeking treatment from a practitioner like a chiropractor, massage therapist or acupuncturist.

Overall relaxation and stress-relief strategies like breathing exercises, yoga and meditation could also be beneficial in relieving hurt associated with stress and tension.

Lifestyle choices

While some soreness can be due to factors outside of our control, it can also be a sign that you’re not in optimum health.

Taking measures to improve your overall wellbeing can definitely help to relieve tension, especially if it becomes a chronic condition.

It’s worth consulting a doctor if you continue to suffer terribly, as they will be able to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include medication and making some lifestyle changes, which could include your diet.

Self-care

If your discomfort is due to muscle tension, you can consult a variety of resources online and do a self-massage. This involves releasing tension in your neck and shoulder region with your hands.

You could even include some natural remedies too. This can go a long way to relieving chronic malaise when seeing a medical professional isn’t absolutely necessary.

Regular healthcare checkups

If you have any kind of hereditary predisposition that might compromise your cardiovascular functioning, it’s best to go for regular check-ups with a medical professional to avoid any kind of complications.

If you take the necessary steps to ensure optimum health, there is no reason why you should suffer from any kind of unexplained agony.

What To Do In An Emergency

As we mentioned above, there are certain kinds of pain that you don’t want to leave untreated.

If you feel any of the symptoms below, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately:

• changing patterns of discomfort and things getting worse
• pain that stops you from doing normal daily activities
• pain that doesn’t go away with medication

On the other hand, if you feel any of the following symptoms, be sure to head to the emergency room immediately:

• debilitating discomfort
• confusion to the point where you don’t know what’s going on
• loss of motor control in your body (i.e. paralysis)
• problems with vision
• problems with speaking
• persistent nausea and vomiting
• loss of balance
• fainting
• seizures
• stiff neck muscles with a fever

A Holistic Solution For A Headache On Top Of The Head

Understanding how and why headaches occur is an important part of being able to treat them, and perhaps even stop them from happening at all.

If you have chronic discomfort, it’s important to seek treatment so that you can not only feel relief but also be sure that there isn’t an underlying problem or more serious medical issue that isn’t being addressed.

As you start to understand your cranial anatomy better and become more aware of your particular triggers, you’ll start to notice patterns and know how to avoid recurring agony, especially with the help of a licensed medical professional.

If you choose to be proactive, just having this kind of awareness can help you prevent more discomfort in the future. Similarly, you can even help those around you to treat and avoid it too.

Article Resources:

(1). https://www.healthline.com/health/headache-on-top-of-head

(2). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321308.php

(3). https://www.muscle-joint-pain.com/pain/headaches/headache-on-top-of-head/

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Understanding Concussion Headache and Treatment Options

Headaches come in different forms. However, perhaps there is none as dangerous and as painful as a concussion headache. As you probably know, concussions are a form of brain injury caused by the trauma of being hit on the head. Needless to say, this type of injury can not only cause crippling headaches, they can also have a great impact on the way your brain functions. In particular, it can severely impact your concentration, balance, and memory.  Read on to learn about concussion headache treatment.

This article provides a basic overview of headaches from a concussion to give readers a better understanding of what it is actually like. Moreover, it tries to answer some of the basic questions regarding proper treatment and medication, you may also click here to know more about the topic.

Understanding a Concussion Headache

Before anything else, it is vital that readers understand the condition that gives rise to this particular sort of a headache. As stated earlier, concussions usually occur when a victim receives a severe blow to the head.

Oftentimes, this leads to the loss of consciousness and the subsequent loss of memory. Take note that for most people, the symptoms of the concussion would manifest immediately.

The victim would wake up feeling disoriented. This is made worse by the ringing in their ears and the dizziness that follow – all of which eventually lead to the severe head pain commonly called as concussion headaches. Changes in their speech patterns would quickly become apparent as the victim would start slurring their words. Needless to say, the patient will also have a great deal of difficulty answering the most basic of questions.

Take note that the pain from these headaches can incapacitate the victims and render them immobile for a brief period of time. Keep in mind that one’s motor skills are affected greatly by this condition. It is also entirely common for the person to start vomiting, often as a result of nausea.

Concussion Headache Treatment

Like with other first aid emergencies(1), the first thing that doctors need to do is to find a way to alleviate some of the pain being experienced by the patient. In that regard, most doctors would prescribe patients with acetaminophen, Tylenol, and other medications that can provide some relief from some of the pain caused by the concussion headache.

That being said, it is vital that you listen to the advice of medical professionals and take only the medication that is prescribed for the treatment.

For instance, some patients would self-medicate and start taking aspirin or ibuprofen. This is ill-advised as these medicines would inadvertently increase the risk of internal bleeding.

Recovering from Concussion Headaches

Of course, addressing the immediate symptoms is of vital importance. However, it is also important that you work on your overall recovery as well. For that very purpose, most doctors would recommend taking a bit of time to truly get some rest.

This means staying away from any strenuous activities, both physical and mental. It should be your priority to stay away from any activity that can stress you out as that is the last thing you will be needing.

This article presents readers with an overview of concussion headache treatment. It also focuses on how you can alleviate its symptoms and help find some treatment for the relief from the pain.

 

Article reference: (1)https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/first-aid/emergency-first-aid-priorities

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How a Barometric Pressure Headache App Can Help You

New technologies are actually changing every aspect of our lives. But can they predict health problems? Fortunately, this can be true especially in the case of barometric pressure headache.

This headache is usually very painful and can last for a few minutes or hours. Most patients experience difficulties sleeping or properly functioning because of the severe pain. Others can face difficulties working, reading, studying or driving. While OTCs usually work to treat the pain, a lot of people are not comfortable about depending on them all the time. This is why they prefer to find another solution that might help them avoid headache pain in the first place.

How Can An App Predict My Headache?

Apps that predict headache pain are not based on guessing. In fact, the reason they only work is that your headache is caused by a factor that can be measured or predicted. A barometric pressure headache is related to fluctuations in the barometric pressure. This is the pressure of air within the atmosphere of the Earth. It changes with the rise or the drop in the temperature or altitude.

The problem with barometric pressure headache (https://treatheadaches.com/what-is-a-barometric-pressure-headache/) is that nothing can be done to avoid the triggers. You can’t change the barometric pressure or have a control over the factors that might cause the pressure to change. This means that patients will have a hard time with normal weather changes or while planning various activities. Travelling, spending time with family or planning for a hiking adventure can be impossible because the headache pain can be so immobilizing.

However, there are some free mobile apps that can help people predict such changes in barometric pressure and be well-prepared for them. An app that records all the changes in the barometric pressure will help you identify the triggers of your headache. Some patients experience such pain as the pressure drops while others will suffer from a headache when the pressure rises. The pain can be too severe, even deprives the person of sleep at times, but some OTC or prescription medication can help with the case.

Most smartphones already come with a built-in barometer. You can download a free app that will keep on recording the changes in the barometer pressure every few minutes or hours. This will provide you with some notes to help you identify the main reasons behind your headache.

Can A Barometer Pressure Headache App Change my Life?

By using a reliable app you will be able to plan your vacations smartly. You can pay attention to the upcoming changes in the weather that usually lead to barometer pressure fluctuations. You can also check for sea height level and pick the perfect accommodation or destination.

The best thing about the app is that it is highly customizable and is very convenient to use. You can check the pressure changes in your area or in your vacation destination simply by looking at your phone screen. You can also keep track of the changes over a period of time. This will enable you to highlight the main causes and the pattern of your headache pain.

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Know More About Scintillating Scotoma Without A Headache

A scintillating scotoma or a visual migraine is one of the most wide-spread migraines. Scintillating scotoma without headache is just that the visual interference without having a headache. It shouldn’t be confused with an ocular migraine as it is a different health issue.

The most common symptom of a scintillating scotoma is seeing a flickering or bright spot in the field of vision. The patient can’t see the whole field of vision clearly because of that spot of light. The flickering area is usually not dark. Nevertheless, this condition can affect vision and all related activities. These will include the ability to study, drive, read, write and perhaps engaging in everyday tasks.

How Does Scintillating Scotoma Happen?

In most cases, the patient will see a bright or flickering spot of light that blocks the vision without being too dark. This spot usually expands to cover a bigger area, thus blocking vision furthermore. However, the person will be able to see normally beyond the borders of that spot.

As the time goes by, the scotoma is more likely to grow in size. In the early stages, patients will be able to see objects more clearly by not looking at them directly. Tilting their faces or looking at one side of the object might prove to be more comfortable. This way, the patient will be able to see more details of the object as they adjust the scotoma so that it doesn’t cover the object.

As the condition progresses, the scotoma can cover half the field of vision. The nature of the flickering can change as well. Some patients report seeing arcs or waves of bright light, while others can see different and more uncommon patterns. The color of the light can differ from bright white to other colors.

What are Causes?

The main cause behind scintillating scotoma symptoms is a pattern of changes in the nerves of the brain. This condition is known as cortical spreading depression and is the most important cause of the scotoma. Migraines are usually caused by and can lead to hormonal imbalance. This, in turn, will interfere with the normal functions of the nerve.

Cardiovascular diseases can also trigger scintillating scotoma that can become very severe with time. High blood pressure is also one of the reasons that usually lead to the development of this condition. Brain injuries can lead to the development of scintillating scotomas.

In fact, most patients who suffer from brain injuries are more likely to suffer from a scintillating scotoma later on. Eye problems and diseases are usually linked to scintillating scotoma. Glaucoma and changes in the retina can also be a trigger.

Scintillating Scotoma is not necessarily accompanied by headaches. However, some patients usually report some pain that usually goes away after a while. A typical episode usually resolves within 5 to 20 minutes with no side effects typically. Patients usually start to see objects more clearly as the scotoma disappears.

However, in some severe cases, patients will experience more serious side effects like nausea and dizziness. This usually happens as the condition worsens.

To read about all the types of headaches, then just click the link. Also there is more information about cervicogenic headaches, you can read about it.

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