sophieHU
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CAUSES OF HEADACHES INTRODUCTION Headache is defined as a pain arising from the head or upper neck of the body.The pain originates from the tissues and structures that surround the skull or the brain because the brain itself has no nerves that give rise to the sensation of pain.The thin layer of tissue(periosteum)that surrounds bones,muscles that encase the skull,sinuses,eyes and ears,as well as thin tissues that cover the surface of the brain and spinal cord (meninges),arteries,veins and nerves,all can become inflamed or irritated and cause headache.The pain may be a dull ache,sharp,throbbing,constant, intermittent,mild or intense. CAUSES OF HEADACHE People often get headaches because of: Illness such as an infection,cold or fever.They’re also common with conditions like sinusitis(inflammation of the sinuses) a throat infection,or an ear infection.In some cases,the headaches may be the result of a blow to the head or rarely,a sign of a more serious medical problem. Emotional stress and depression as well as alcohol use,skipping meals,changes in sleep patterns,and taking too much medication. Other causes include eyestrain and neck or back strain due to poor posture. Your environment,including secondhand tobacco smoke,strong smells from household chemicals or perfumes,allergens, and certain foods.Stress,pollution,noise,lighting and weather changes are other possible triggers. Migraine headaches is caused by inflammation or irritation of structures that surround the brain or affect its function.While the brain itself has no pain nerve fibers,everything else above the shoulders,from the neck,skull and face,can cause a person to have of head pain.Systemic illnesses, including infection or dehydration can have associated headache.Changes in circulation and blood flow or trauma can also cause headache.Some medication reactions,drug abuse and drug withdrawal can all cause pain. Every person is different so the history of the headache is important.Recognizing patterns or foods eaten,stressfactors, in combination with the physical examination and associated symptoms,can help identify the cause for each individual's specific headache. Headaches, especially migraine headaches, tend to run in families. Most children and teens (90%) who have migraines have other family memberswho get them. While tension headaches are the most frequently occurring type of headache,their cause is not known.The most likely cause is contraction of the muscles that cover the skull.When the muscles covering the skull are stressed,they may become inflamed,go into spasm and cause pain.Common sites include the base of the skull where the trapezius muscles of the neck insert,the temples where muscles that move the jaw are located,and the forehead. It is believed that tension headaches occur because of physical stress on the muscles of the head.Physical stressors include difficult and prolonged manual labor,or sitting at a desk or computer concentrating for long periods.Emotional stress also might cause tension headaches by causing the muscles surrounding the skull to contract. CONCLUSION It is important to consider that an unusual headache may need to be evaluated by a health-care professional,but in most instances, primary tension headaches may be initially treated at home.First steps include maximizing rest and staying well hydrated. Recognizing and minimizing stressful situations may be of help if that is one of the contributing causes of the headache.If there has been a cold or runny nose recently,humidifying air may be helpful in allowing sinuses to drain.Rubbing or massaging the temples or the muscles at the back of the neck may be soothing, as might warm compresses.Over-the-counter pain medication may be helpful,in moderation. Those with migraine headaches often have a treatment plan that will allow treatment at home.Most patients with migraine headaches get much relief after resting in a dark room and falling asleep. Once you start a treatment program,keep track of how well it’s working.A headache diary can help you note any patterns or changes in how you feel.Know that it may take some time for you and your doctor to find the best treatment plan,so try to be patient.Be honest with him/her about what is and isn’t working for you. Even though you’re getting treatment, you should still steer clear of the things you know can trigger your problem,like foods or smells.And it’s important to stick to healthy habits that will keep you feeling good,like regular exercise,enough sleep and a healthy diet.Also make your scheduled follow-up appointments so your doctor can see how you’re doing and make changes in the treatment program if you need them.
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