Migraine Headaches
Headaches
Headaches are very common, and most people have had a headaches at some time in their lives. Most headaches disappear on their own in a short period of time; however, sometimes there may be a need for mild pain medication to get rid of the headache. Although most headaches are mild and temporary annoyances, some people have headaches that are so severe they need to consult a doctor for pain relief.
There are many forms of Headache: tension, migraine, sinus, and cluster headaches. Although most cases of headaches are not serious, in some cases headaches may signal a serious condition that could require immediate medical attention.
Tension headaches or muscle-contraction headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors. The most common cause of headaches is attributed to prolonged tension or stress. Practically everyone suffers from this type of headache at some time in their lives. Muscles in the head, neck, and face tighten and contract sporadically to cause spasms and pain. Psychological factors such as sleep disorders, anxiety, fatigue and stress and mechanical factors such as neck strain, eyestrain, long periods of concentration while working on a computer are often the cause of typical tension headache.
Migraines
Migraines are generally more severe and can be debilitating. Although there is no known cause of migraine, many trigger factors commonly experienced by sufferers of migraine are recognized. These include hormonal changes in women, as during menstruation, certain foods such as chocolate and some cheeses, and beverages like red wine, strong smells, poor sleep, and even stress can sometimes be attributed to the onset. Mixed tension-migraine headaches are also frequently experienced.
Sinus headaches
Sinus headaches are not very common and usually occur after a cold. A runny or stuffy nose can be accompanied with the headache. Sinus headaches are caused by bacterial infections in the nasal sinuses.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are relatively uncommon and the cause is not known. They tend to occur in clusters over a few days, weeks, or months with long headache-free periods lasting from months to years. In some cases, they are triggered by alcohol.
So-called "ice pick" headaches are severe headaches that can occur suddenly, causing a few seconds of intense pain at a small, localized spot. The exact cause of these headaches is not known, but they are usually not due to a serious problem.
It is critical that you seek emergency medical care if you experience a headache that:
- gets worse over days or weeks
- is accompanied by impaired neurological function (e.g., loss of balance, weakness, numbness, or speech disturbance) and double vision (could signal a stroke)
- is accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting
- is accompanied by seizures, mental disturbances, and loss of consciousness
- is associated with a fever or stiff neck (could signal meningitis)
- is different than the usual pattern of headaches experienced
- strikes suddenly with great intensity
- wakes you from sleep or is worse when lying down
For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call us on 416 489 5313 (Finch) / 416 604 4404 (Jane) or email us at info@physiowell.ca.
