Headaches plague adults and children alike. Caused due to several mental and physical health problems, they are not only an extreme source of pain but also are disruptive as well.
There are mainly two broad categories of headaches; one is primary headaches that occur due to no other medical condition, and the other, secondary headaches, which are a consequence of some other medical issues and ailments in the body.
While there are over 150 types of headaches, few are more common than the rest. The treatment is contingent on the type of headache.
You should ideally consult your General Physician Lahore for diagnosis of your type of headache but understanding them is also important. The common types of headaches with their treatment are as follows:
Cluster headaches
These are severe types of primary headaches. It causes extreme throbbing and burning pain. The pain is focused on one side of the face, or behind the eye. The headaches come in episodes, with anywhere from one to more than 5 headaches.
Cluster headaches can continue for months at a time, after which they might go into remission, only to return later.
The treatment for cluster headaches is very comprehensive. Acute treatment is given immediately in the aftermath of the headache to resolve it. The treatment options include using sumatriptan, either in injectable or nasal form.
Similarly, zolmitriptan nasal sprays are also an effective treatment option. Similarly, oxygen is also good for pain relief. Local anesthesia is effective as well.
Some people may also require surgery in case they are not responding to other treatment options. Preventive care is also done to lower the chances of repeat episodes.
Rebound headaches
These are secondary headaches, the result of the overuse of headaches. The pain from these headaches may vary in intensity; they might be dull or intense. They tend to result from the abuse of OTC painkillers.
The treatment for rebound headaches lies in restricting the painkiller intake. Taking medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, acetaminophen, and caffeine-based painkillers for 15 days can pose the risk of rebound headache, so break this habit.
Some people might require preventive medication. For to reduce dependence, exploring alternative medicine like acupressure is also helpful.
Tension headaches
This type of headache leads to dull pain that occupies your entire head. The pain also causes sensitivity around the forehead, scalp, neck, and shoulders. The frequency of the headache may vary from person to person.
The treatment of tension headaches includes over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen. For people who have tension headaches due to secondary factors like stress and depression, improving the symptoms of these might also then help with improving the tension headaches.
Migraines
There are many reasons why you may get migraines. Some people get them due to hormones, others might have it triggered due to stress. The pain from migraine can be intense or bearable, depending on where you fall on the spectrum.
The hallmark of migraines is the pain in one part of the head. It also causes problems like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, noise, and smell. Migraines are extremely disruptive and painful. They continue for days at a time even.
The treatment for migraines includes managing the symptoms and the pain associated with the headache. To improve the sensitivity, it is suggested to lie down in a cool and dark place. Try to rest as much as possible, since the body is also under a lot of distress already.
To get a reprieve from the pain, you might need to take painkillers. Some people are able to manage it with the help of over-the-counter pills, others require prescription medication.
Furthermore, to prevent the frequent episodes of migraines, doctors may also prescribe medication like beta-blockers, SSRIs, etc. as well. You should therefore consult an expert like those at Iqra Medical Complex for advice on preventive care.
