Decoding the Pain A Comprehensive Guide to Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are one of the most common health issues worldwide, affecting around 40 million Americans. Despite their prevalence, the suffering caused by headaches is often misunderstood. Since pain is subjective, those who don’t experience headaches might not grasp their severity and persistence. Additionally, a stigma surrounds headache complaints, which can diminish the perceived legitimacy of the suffering they cause. Migraine headaches, in particular, can significantly reduce quality of life, hinder participation in daily activities, and impact mood. Migraine is recognized as the most common disabling brain disorder.

Educating Physicians on Headaches and Migraines

Internist Chantel Strachan, MD, who completed a fellowship in headache and facial pain, is part of initiatives aimed at educating primary care physicians about headaches and migraines. She provided insights into the basics of headaches.

What is a Headache?

Headaches occur when an unknown mechanism activates nerves that send pain signals to the brain. Various factors can trigger this mechanism, including stress, sleep deprivation, hunger, alcohol consumption, computer screens, and teeth grinding.

Causes of Headaches

Headaches can be a standalone medical condition or a symptom of other issues such as:

• Dehydration
• Medication side effects
• Medication overuse
• High blood pressure
• Sinus congestion
• Tumors
• Migraines

Understanding Migraines

Migraines are not merely a type of headache but a neurological disease causing recurrent, debilitating headaches and other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Each migraine episode can last for weeks.

Treating Headaches

The most common type of headache is a tension headache, which can result from physical and emotional stress, anxiety, or head injury. Tension headaches are usually treatable with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Some people might need stronger medication such as Excedrin Migraine or prescription drugs. Alternative treatments like massage, acupuncture, and healthier eating can also provide relief.

When to See a Doctor

If a headache persists for more than three days despite treatment, it’s advisable to consult a doctor, as it may indicate a more serious issue.

When to Go to the ER

A visit to the emergency room is warranted if a headache is unresponsive to over-the-counter medications and severely hinders any activity for several hours. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if a headache is accompanied by symptoms such as vision changes, weakness on one side of the face or body, confusion, or changes in walking.

What is a Migraine?

Migraines involve an intense throbbing headache, typically on one side of the head, along with symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound, blurry vision, dizziness, and stomach upset. Migraines have four phases:

1. Pre-monitory Phase: This can occur up to seven days before head pain starts, featuring signs like cravings, irritability, and tiredness.
2. Aura Phase: Experienced by about 17% of migraine sufferers, this phase often includes visual disturbances and weakness, lasting up to 60 minutes before the headache begins.
3. Head Pain Phase: This phase involves the severe headache most people associate with migraines, often accompanied by nausea and the need to lie down. It can last for at least four hours.
4. Postdrome Phase: After the headache, symptoms like confusion or brain fog may persist, similar to a hangover.

The entire migraine process can extend over weeks.

New Treatments for Migraines

Recent advancements in migraine research have led to new medications aimed at reducing CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide), which plays a role in pain within the brain and nervous system. Discuss with your doctor if these treatments are suitable for you.

Choosing the Right Specialist

If your headache doesn’t require immediate emergency care but persists, start by seeing a primary care physician, ideally one specializing in headaches. They can determine if the headache is due to another condition like high blood pressure, anemia, or depression. While neurologists are also an option, it’s best to get a referral from your primary care physician to ensure you see the right specialist

Final Thoughts

Headaches can significantly impact quality of life, and it’s important to seek appropriate medical help if they persist or worsen. More doctors are receiving training to support headache sufferers, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re not finding relief.

Regular exercise, proper hydration, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can also help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. Keeping a headache diary to track triggers and symptoms can be beneficial in managing and treating headaches more effectively

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