Dear students,
Yesterday we read first and then discussed the article about headaches. In this post I would like to put some more information about headaches. Please, read, listen and watch. You are going to summarize everything you have learned and write about headaches in your journals. Good luck with it.
Irena
A headache is pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck. It can be a symptom of a number of different conditions of the head and neck. Headaches can result from a wide range of causes both benign and more serious. Brain tissue itself is not sensitive to pain as it lacks pain receptors.
(This is a definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
According to some articles on the Internet, there 5 types of headaches.
It's important to figure
out what type of headache is causing your pain. If you know your headache type,
you can treat it correctly.
In one 2004 study, 80% of people who had a recent history of self-described or doctor-diagnosed sinus headache, but no signs of sinus infection, actually met the criteria for migraine.
Here are some tips that will put a name to your pain.
In one 2004 study, 80% of people who had a recent history of self-described or doctor-diagnosed sinus headache, but no signs of sinus infection, actually met the criteria for migraine.
Here are some tips that will put a name to your pain.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches, the most common type, feel like
a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back
of the head and neck. Not as severe as migraines, they don't usually cause
nausea or vomiting, and they rarely halt daily activities.
Over-the-counter treatments, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are usually sufficient to treat them. Experts believe these may be caused by the contraction of neck and scalp muscles (including in response to stress), and possibly changes in brain chemicals.
Over-the-counter treatments, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are usually sufficient to treat them. Experts believe these may be caused by the contraction of neck and scalp muscles (including in response to stress), and possibly changes in brain chemicals.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches, which
affect more men than women, are recurring headaches that occur in groups or
cycles. They appear suddenly and are characterized by severe, debilitating pain
on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by a watery eye and nasal
congestion or a runny nose on the same side of the face.
During an attack, people often feel restless and unable to get comfortable; they are unlikely to lie down, as someone with a migraine might. The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but there may be a genetic component. There is no cure, but medication can cut the frequency and duration.
During an attack, people often feel restless and unable to get comfortable; they are unlikely to lie down, as someone with a migraine might. The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but there may be a genetic component. There is no cure, but medication can cut the frequency and duration.
Sinus headaches
When a sinus becomes
inflamed, often due to an infection, it can cause pain. It usually comes with a
fever and can be diagnosed by symptoms or the presence of pus viewed through a
fiber-optic scope.
Headaches due to sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants.
Headaches due to sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants.
Rebound headaches
Overuse of painkillers for
headaches can, ironically, lead to rebound headaches.
Culprits include over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), as well as prescription drugs.
One theory is that too much medication can cause the brain to shift into an excited state, triggering more headaches. Another is that rebound headaches are a symptom of withdrawal as the level of medicine drops in the bloodstream.
Culprits include over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), as well as prescription drugs.
One theory is that too much medication can cause the brain to shift into an excited state, triggering more headaches. Another is that rebound headaches are a symptom of withdrawal as the level of medicine drops in the bloodstream.
Migraine headaches
Migraines can run in
families and are diagnosed using certain criteria.
- At least five previous episodes of headaches
- Lasting between 4–72 hours
- At least two out of these four: one-sided pain, throbbing pain, moderate-to-severe pain, and pain that interferes with, is worsened by, or prohibits routine activity
- At least five previous episodes of headaches
- Lasting between 4–72 hours
- At least two out of these four: one-sided pain, throbbing pain, moderate-to-severe pain, and pain that interferes with, is worsened by, or prohibits routine activity
- At least one associated feature: nausea and/or
vomiting, or, if those are not present, then sensitivity to light and sound
- A migraine may be foreshadowed by aura, such as visual distortions or hand numbness. (About 15% to 20% of people with migraines experience these.)
- A migraine may be foreshadowed by aura, such as visual distortions or hand numbness. (About 15% to 20% of people with migraines experience these.)
Here is a video about headaches. Watch it, please. Maybe you'll get some more information about headaches.
I understand it is a little boring to read about headaches, so to make you smile, I have found this video. Please, watch it. I hope you'll like them, and it will make you smile.
However, I'm not sure about this one. You might laugh or might feel sorry for this man. So, anyway, watch it.
So, next time when you have a headache, think if you want to go African style treating your headache.
