As the word indicates, headache is here where there is a head. But ironically, the brain seated inside the head is not at all sensitive to pain. Dr. Anandam Gopinath elucidates the common causes of headaches to make one aware of the preventive measures to avoid being subjected to a wresting headache.

Headache is the most common pain and, in one form or another, it affects almost 90% of the population. The headache – a pain or ache across the forehead or within the head – may be severe or mild in character and can last from under half an hour to three to four days. It may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, nasal stuffiness or difficulty in seeing or hearing.

It may be due to a variety of underlying causes. These include excessive drinking or smoking, lack of sleep, hunger, emotional stress and disturbances, diseases of the eye, ear or nose, brain tumor or head injury. Some headaches are symptoms of illness – like viral infections, meningitis and anemia. Chronic headaches are usually tension headaches or migraines. Exposure to toxic gases – like carbon dioxide, which are common in polluted air – can cause headaches. Remember, even after 9 years, people who were at the proximity of the World Trade Center on that black September 11th, are still under constant headache!

Migraine, characterized by attacks of severe pain, affects women more than men. There is a strong family history and it often begins in childhood, before the age of 15. The period in between the attacks is usually pain free. An attack may last several days and is often preceded by psychological or visual disturbances. It is characterized by a pulsating or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head and accompanied by dizziness, nausea, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. An attack may be precipitated by sudden changes in temperature, certain foods or hormonal changes (premenstrual).

The other chronic headache is a tension headache or muscle contraction head ache. The pain is steady, that is, on one or both sides of the head or may be a band-like sensation. This may last for weeks or months. It can be avoided by getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise and by learning to cope with frustrations and anxieties. Find time to relax each day. This pain can be relieved by neck massage and a heating pad.

People with high blood pressure sometimes suffer from severe headaches. A headache due to acute sinusitis is short lived and typically commences in the morning or early afternoon and subsides by the evening. It is a dull, aching pain and is aggravated by changing the head position. Dental disease also causes head aches. Errors or refraction and diseases of the eye also cause this horrid pain.

Cluster headache is another pointed type headache where the cause id a little different to state immediately.

Feelings of hunger and thirst, not getting enough sleep, over work, missing meal times, use of certain drugs etc can also be the causes of this bleak state.

So to avoid such situation is the most prescribed way for the considerably harmless headaches.

Treatment of headaches depends on the underlying etiology or cause, but commonly involves analgesics.

Relief from head aches can be achieved by simple aspirin, but beware, take it according to the directions of your doctor. Remember, a double dose is not doubly effective and in fact is dangerous.

A cup of coffee may prove helpful in some cases – while a few may be relieved with just fresh air. Avoid excess use of alcohol and tobacco. If you must skip a meal have at least a candy or a fruit to prevent headache.

So try to be cool!

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