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Migraines and Headaches
Headaches are more common in adults, although they can develop
at any time in life. Approximately 4 out of 5 children have
headaches at some point, but most are benign and self-resolving.
In fact, many adults who suffer from headaches report having the
first headache in childhood.
Headache symptoms usually
begin gradually. In fact, the sudden onset of severe headache
may signify a serious problem and requires immediate medical
attention. Common headache is often described as achy, dull or
throbbing pain. It typically begins at the base of the
skull/upper part of the neck and may radiate into the eye(s),
the temple, or other locations. Headaches may be felt on one or
both sides of the head. Often loud noises or bright lights may
make them worse. Some patients may become nauseated or
experience odd smells, sounds, or sights before and during the
headache attack.
How Is a Headache
Evaluated?
Early diagnosis and treatment
are important in identifying a serious underlying cause for your
headache. In most cases, an in-depth history and physical
examination can help determine if your symptoms are related to
an easily treated problem, or if it is more serious.
Dr. Davenport can use other
tests that reproduce the symptoms of your headache to help
develop a specific management plan for your condition, or refer
you to another health care provider. X-rays, laboratory tests
and even advanced imaging studies like magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) may be necessary. Your doctor may ask you to
complete a headache diary, recording:
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day and time of the
headache
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headache location
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what the headache
feels like
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what you were doing
when the headache began
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how long the headache
lasts
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what makes it feel
better or worse
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anything else you
notice before, during, or after the attacks
What Is the Treatment
for Headaches?
Headache treatment is
cause-related. Dr. Davenport treats patients with tension-type
headaches and headaches caused by problems with the joints and
muscles in the neck, as well.
Joint
manipulation and mobilization
of the neck, along with stretching and strengthening exercises,
have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of this
type of headache.
Massage
and other forms of soft-tissue treatment can sometimes be
helpful.
More serious causes of
headache require aggressive treatment. The majority of patients
with headache recover completely after treatment. Unfortunately,
the recurrence rate is relatively high, particularly with
tension-type headache.
What Causes
Headaches?
Headaches can be primary and
secondary. Primary headaches do not result from some other
health condition.
The most common type of
primary headache is caused by problems with the neck muscles.
Changes in the blood vessels inside the skull usually cause
migraines. Other common types of headache include “cluster”
headaches—headaches grouped together over weeks at a time; sinus
headaches, associated with allergies and/or sinus infection; and
headaches from poor vision.
Secondary headache results
from some other cause or condition—head injury, concussion,
blood vessel problems, or high blood pressure—or from side
effects of some medications, infections in the head or sinuses
or elsewhere in the body. Rare headache causes include tumors,
aneurysms and other abnormal growths inside the skull, and toxic
substances in the blood. Certain foods, such as monosodium
glutamate (MSG), a food flavor enhancer, may cause headaches, as
well.
How Can Headaches Be
Prevented?
Muscle-tension headaches can
often be avoided by maintaining proper posture and neck
movements while performing your normal activities. You should:
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Avoid slouching
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Avoid reading with
your neck bent forward
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Keep your computer
monitor at eye level
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Take frequent breaks
from reading and working on the computer.
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Try a low-fat,
high-complex carbohydrate diet. A recent study
demonstrated that such a diet can dramatically lower the
frequency, intensity, and\duration of migraine
headaches.
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