HEADACHE & MIGRAINE TREATMENT & RELIEF:
GENERAL MEDICAL
Head Pain is one of the most common reasons why patients consult their doctors in the Western world.
Your Doctor is an expert at diagnosing head pain and providing pain management and / or referral.
See Doctors with expertise in head pain
- Addressing Headaches and Migraines which are secondary to underlying pathology or disease processes.
ie: blood pressure problems and nerve problems / diseases. - Acute Treatment. This is usually administered once the headache or migraine has begun, and usually involves medications such as pain killers (analgesics); anti-emetics for nausea; sumatriptan, ergotamine, and Triptan based medications which act on the blood vessels or neurotransmitters; as well as non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
- Prophylactic Treatment. This approach is directed towards reducing attacks ( usually with daily medication); in sufferers of frequent migraines; and may also involve investigating any underlying aggravating factors/causes of the problem and dealing with them directly or through referral.
- Avoidance of Triggers. This can involve food diaries to help identify foods which precipitate attacks, modifying dietary habits, and identification of allergies.
- Non-Pharmacological Treatments. This may involve any number of different types of therapy, including stress management, vitamin therapy, and referral to other health care experts to deal with specific problems.
- Referral. This is useful where a problem is identified that requires expertise in a specific area such as- nerve problems, muscle or joint problems, dental problems e.t.c
Your medical doctor can be of great help in this regard, addressing medical related issues and medications; and referring out for specific treatments or tests- especially where the headaches and migraines may be caused by a number of problems.
All cases of headache & migraine need to be properly diagnosed by a trained health care professional first.your family doctor is ideally positioned to help make decisions with you and co-ordinate any therapeutic trials. Many cases have a number of causes (not just one), so it is important to consider a combination of therapies / or approaches when this is the case.
Head Pain Articles by Head Pain Experts
Dental pain and headaches
Dental pain and Headaches Headaches which have their origin from or related to the oral cavity itself, are limited. Most pains originating from the oral cavity (mouth), remain localised to the source of the pain. The main causes of pain originating from the mouth are: Tooth Decay/Cavities Cracked Teeth A Dying Tooth Gum (Periodontal) Infection… Read More
General Ear, Nose, Sinus and Throat Problems
General Ear, Nose, Sinus and Throat Problems “Headache Secondary to Diseases of the Ear, Nose & Throat” Headache: Introduction In preparing notes for a lay persons web site about the ear, nose and throat causes of headache, one must appreciate that only a brief and incomplete description of the causes, clinical presentation, investigation and management… Read More
Nose & Sinus problems
Nose & Sinus problems Headache secondary to nose and sinus disease is not uncommon and well known patterns of headache are recognised according to the particular area of the nose and sinuses affected as well as the underlying disease process. There are four groups of sinuses: the maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses. Most headaches… Read More
Throat and Neck
Throat / Neck Headache secondary to neck, pharynx and larynx (throat and voice box) conditions is not a common isolated presenting symptom. It is generally referred via branches of the lower cranial nerves or the cervical spinal nerves, or due to spread of pathology to head structures such as the meninges (coverings) of the brain…. Read More
Face, Nose and Sinus pain: Other
Face, Nose and Sinus pain: Other: The face, nose and sinus structures are predominantly supplied with sensation from a nerve coming through the skull base called the “trigeminal nerve”. It consists of three branches, upper (ophthalmic), middle (maxillary) and lower (mandibular). It is the fifth cranial nerve and these branches are known as V1, V2… Read More
Headache and stress
Headache and Stress Many people cite stress as an important headache trigger. Studies also show that people who are prone to stress as well as anxiety and depression are more likely to suffer from frequent headaches. Women are more at risk than men. A tension headache is caused by a tightening of the muscles in… Read More
Medication Misuse Headaches
Medication “Misuse” Headaches Certain medications are known to affect and possibly cause headaches and migraines. (Medication misuse headaches) It is important that you inform your Doctor if you believe this is the case, as sometimes a different drug or dose may be more appropriate. MEDICATION MISUSE HEADACHE (MMH) This type of headache may occur when… Read More
Temporal Arteritis
Temporal Arteritis Temporal arteritis is an inflammatory condition that involves any large or medium-sized artery. The cause of this condition is unknown. Those affected are usually over 50 years of age. The person may feel generally unwell along with a low-grade fever, muscle stiffness, weight and appetite loss. Due to tenderness of the temporal artery,… Read More
Hormonal
Hormonal Problems MIGRAINE IN WOMEN Menstrual Migraine: Approximately half of all women who suffer migraines report a relation between their headaches and their menstrual cycle, with attacks usually occurring in the few days prior to or following the onset of menstruation. At this time the blood levels of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen are at… Read More
Other causes for Headaches and Migraines
Other causes for Headaches and Migraines There are many other miscellaneous factors which can contribute to headaches and migraines; and the mechanisms of how each might bring on an attack of head-pain are not always fully understood. Listed below are some other commonly reported factors which can bring on attacks of migraine and headaches; and… Read More
