Headache

DEFINITION

Headaches can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary
Headaches include migraine, cluster and tension Headaches.
Secondary Headaches are a symptom of an underlying disorder such as
infection; tumour; hypertension and diseases of the eyes, nose and
throat.

DESCRIPTION

PRIMARY HEADACHES INCLUDE:

Migraine: is a severe form of headache that lasts from 4 to 72
hours. Migraine attacks are usually unilateral (on one side only),
involve moderate or severe pain and are pulsating. Other symptoms
may include nausea, vomiting and avoidance of light (photophobia).
Between 10 and 20% of Migraine sufferers experience what is called
an ‘aura’. This is a sensation that warns them of a Migraine
attack. An aura may be a visual sensation (e.g. blurred vision,
flashing lights, spots in front of the eyes), difficulty speaking
or numbness or tingling sensations. Auras occur about one hour or
less before the Migraine starts. Migraines can occur at any age but
are usually the most troublesome from the late teens to
50’s.
Cluster: Headache occurs more often in men (6:1 ratio men to
women), mostly in their 20’s and older and is more commonly seen in
smokers. The condition has its name because typically cluster
Headaches occur in bouts over a 6 to 12 week period, often at the
same time each year. Over this period the cluster Headache usually
occurs daily, at the same time each day and lasts for approximately
30 to 60 minutes.

The pain caused by a cluster Headache is intense. Most often
it occurs over one eye but can spread over a larger area of the
head. The Headache often begins with an itching or watery discharge
from one nostril, followed by intense pain on the nostril-affected
side of the head, which spreads around the eye.

Tension Headache: is a type of headache caused by stress or
muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and head. The muscle tension
which causes Tension Headache may be the result of being in an
uncomfortable body position or fatigue. The pain is typically
described as pressure or tightness, like a tight band or vice
around the head that extends upwards from the neck.

RISK FACTORS

Common triggers or risk factors for primary Headache
include;

Anxiety and emotion
Missing meals
Specific foods
Too much or too little sleep
Hormonal changes caused by menstruation or menopause
Strenuous exercise

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way
is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner.

In order to determine the cause of the Headache, a Doctor will
need to know how often the Headache occurs, how long it lasts for,
how severe the pain is; what makes it better or worse and other
symptoms experienced with the Headache. Your Doctor may order
certain tests to help with this assessment.

Treatment of primary Headaches will depend on the Headache
type. Treatment of secondary Headaches involves treating the
underlying disorder.

DIET HINTS

Food sensitivities may contribute to the onset of Headache in
some people. Caffeine intake, for example, is linked with
Headaches. The withdrawal from regular caffeine consumption may
also cause Headaches. Cheese and chocolate have been linked with
Headaches, which may be due to their phenylethylamine
content.

Other food sensitivities linked with Headaches include nitrate and
nitrite-containing foods e.g. hot dogs and other luncheon meats,
tyramine-containing foods e.g. aged cheeses, some red wines,
fermented sausages, sour cream, vinegar etc, and aspartame
(artificial sweetener). Manipulation of dietary fatty acids may be
a useful tool in treatment of Headaches. It has been shown that
reducing the consumption of animal fats and increasing the
consumption of fish can play a beneficial role in Headache
control.

Eat a healthy diet. See the Healthy Eating Diet on the
Healthpoint.
Eat regular meals – avoid skipping meals.
Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Vitamins and minerals may only be of assistance if dietary
intake is inadequate.

Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters,
such as serotonin, which may be deficient in migraine
sufferers.
Magnesium supplementation may be effective in alleviating
migraine headaches and preventing tension and acute headaches.
Fish Oil may have an anti-inflammatory action.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) herb may be effective in
reducing the severity, duration and frequency of migraines.
Cayenne may relieve migraine pain.
Willow bark may be an effective pain reliever. It contains
salicin, the ingredient from which aspirin is derived.
Ginkgo may improve circulation to the brain and assist in the
treatment of headaches.

AROMATHERAPY

The listed essential oils are suggested for the temporary
relief of Headache. The most specific oils are shown in capitals:
Basil, BLUE CHAMOMILE, CHAMOMILE, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, LAVENDER,
Melissa, PEPPERMINT, Rosemary.

NOTES

See your Doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms
are present:

Visual disturbances, in particular, a blind spot, tunnel
vision, blurring of central vision or visual hallucinations.
Stiff neck.
Any speech difficulties, numbness, weakness or lack of
coordination.
Severe throbbing in either or both temples, in conjunction with
generalised joint and muscle pain.
A morning Headache that is made worse by lying down but
improves after an hour or two.
Headaches that are made worse by straining, coughing, sneezing
or laughing.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

Follow the Diet Hints
Avoid stress as far as possible.
Lower the intake of caffeine. Caffeine is a common trigger for
Headache. Caffeine-containing drinks include tea, coffee and cola
drinks.
Use a cold pack on the forehead and rest in a darkened room.
Your Pharmacist will help choose a cold pack.
Ask your Pharmacist about some pain relieving products.
Keep the bowels regular. Ask your Pharmacist for advice on
suitable fibre products.
If the diet is inadequate, consider some
supplements.
Relief may be obtained by taking a warm bath and adding some
bath salts containing Epsom Salts. This salt contains magnesium
which is a muscle relaxant.

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