Headache

Overview of Headache

• Headache is one of the most common local ailments.
• Whilst the majority of headaches are benign and self-limiting, it is important that the reason for a headache is known to rule out the possibility of it being the symptom of a serious condition.
• Knowing the cause of a headache enables you to manage your headaches therefore reducing the frequency of headaches and the pain.
• The cause of headache is usually easily treated.
• Headaches in children are regarded as unusual and a doctor should be consulted.

There are four most common types of headache:

Migraine

• Severe, recurring pain on one side of head.
• Migraine could be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Very often migraine is triggered by certain factors (e.g. food, emotion)
• Some people experience warning signs (e.g. flashing lights, tingling/numbness on one side of the body) up to an hour before an onset of migraine.
• Often bright lights and any noise can exacerbate the headache.

• Associated with sinus congestion.
• Pain due to increased pressure in the sinus due to build up of mucus.
• Pain felt is usually behind and around the eye or forehead. Pain detected is usually one-sided.
• If bending forward or lying down, the affected sinus often feels tender and the pain may worsen.

• One of the most painful types of headaches.
• Pain occurs in clusters or bouts. • Severe pain behind one eye or one half of the head, accompanied by red and watery eyes, and blocked nostril on that side. • Attack duration may be from 10 minutes to 2 hours, and could reoccur multiple times within 24 hours. • Could last for weeks or months, followed by remission periods when the headache attacks stop completely (months or years).

• Most common headache.
• Diffused, mild to moderate pain caused by muscle contractions over the neck and scalp.
• Pain described as ‘stiffness and tightness around the top of head or at the back of neck’.
• Possibly triggered by stress, worry, anxiety and pressure at work/home.

Self-care

• Identify and avoid trigger factors (See Box 1).
• Exercise regularly.
• Get sufficient sleep.
• Relax, plan ahead or manage your time well to avoid stress. Seek help from colleagues, family and friends.
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet.
• Maintain a good posture and do stretching exercise in between prolonged working hours.
• Wear sunglasses where appropriate to reduce glare.

Medicines

Mild / Simple pain relievers

• e.g. paracetamol
• may help alleviate headache for some time
• often have few side-effects

• e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen sodium
• provide relief by inhibiting the production of the pain enzyme prostaglandin
• need to be taken with meals to avoid gastric side effects
• unsuitable for individuals with asthma or kidney disease
• not suitable for children

• e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofe
• provide a synergistic effect in alleviating pain
• provide a faster relief for headache

Supplements

Feverfew

• reduces the symptoms and frequency of headaches and migraine when take regularly.
• Reduces the frequency and severity of attacks and also nausea and vomiting.