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Headache is a very common symptom in many diseases.It is important to find out the cause of the headache and learn how to deal with it, so that the pain can be reduced.

Types of Headache
Trigger Factors
Management
New Habits

1. Tension Headache

One of the commonest forms of headache.  It is a continuous headache that  worsens during the day.  Pain results from the continuous contraction of the muscles of the head and neck resulting in a feeling of heaviness on and at the back of the neck.  Patient feel like a weight is on the head or a band around the head.  Usually stress and anxiety is associated with this headache.  Except for some pain on exerting pressure on the neck muscles, other examination is usually normal.

Severe headache usually lasts for 6-24 hours. It is usually classified in two types.
    v Classic migraine – headaches with loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, which is
        preceeded by “aura” - visual effects such as flashes of lights, a tingling sensation and
        mood changes.
    v Common migraine – similar but not accompanied by “aura”.
    v Other rare forms of migraine.

Migraine usually effects about 5% of the population. Majority of patients get their first attack before the age of 30 years. The headache is usually on one side but frequently generalised, and occurs less than once a month.

3. Cluster Headache

It causes a very severe stabbing pain centered in one eye. People sometimes awaken with this type of headache within a few hours of falling asleep. Symptoms such as tearing, drooping eyelids and a running nose may also be present.  Attacks are usually brief, lasting for 30 to 90 minutes.

These are due to effects on the blood vessels inside the skull,  e.g.bleeding, blood clots, weakening and thinning of the walls of blood vessels and high blood pressure.

The pressure inside the cranium may be raised by growths, abcesses, inflammation of the lining of the brain and injury with swelling of the brain.

It may be associated with nausea and pain or stiffness of the neck.

This may indicate serious damage such as skull fractures or internal bleeding.

Diseases such as sinusitis, fractures of the skull and tumor of the bone can cause headache.

Certain diseases of the ear can produce headache.

Orbital tumor, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) can cause headaches.

Infections with fever, low blood sugar levels, alcoholic hangovers can cause headache.

v Stress
v Altered sleep patterns
v Alcohol
v Intense physical exercise
v Bright lights
v Hunger
v Some foods e.g. wine, chocolate
v Food preservatives e.g. nitrates in sausages
v Coffee (caffeine) withdrawal
v Certain medicines – consult your pharmacist
v Hormonal changes e.g. during menstruation, taking family planning pills
v Stuffy environment e.g. smoke-filled room

Management

Avoidance of provoking factors
    v Take simple pain relieving medication (consult your doctor or pharmacist).
    v Sinus headache – take an antihistamine or decongestant (consult your doctor or
        pharmacist).
    v Apply a warm compress over sinus area.

Remember to see your doctor if
    v the headache is not relieved by simple self management.
    v Headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, visual problems and personality changes
        or if it occurred after a head injury. 
    v Recurring headache with increased severity.

New Habits

v Learn to relax.
v Remove stress by planing activities ahead and let the family help.
v Exercise regularly and be fit.
v Eat regular balanced nutritious meals.
v Get regular and sufficient sleep.
v Wear sunglasses to cut out the glare.
v Drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather.
v Do not take too many pain relievers.
v Get your eyes checked by a specialist.

Change of lifestyle can relieve or eliminate many of the common headaches.