cluster headache

Sufferers of chronic cluster headaches have been known to have nine or more headaches in a day. The pain is located around the eye socket and temple and is so severe that the condition is considered a neurological disease since many chronic cluster headache sufferers eventually kill themselves.

The exact causes of cluster headaches are not known and therapies vary according to the patient. Over the counter medications often prove ineffectual so many cluster headache sufferers take any number of medications including ranging from inhaling pure oxygen, to taking beta-blockers and anti-depressants. Some more traditional methods that have worked include inhaling pure oxygen, caffeine, exercise, taking hot showers, and even sex.

Many people report having 1 or 2 headaches a month. At this frequency the headaches are referred to as episodic tension headaches. People that experience more than 15 headaches a month are said to suffer from chronic tension headaches. Chronic tension headaches are harder to treat than traditional headaches, which generally respond well to over the counter headache medicines.

While caffeine withdrawal has been shown to be a factor in tension headaches, it can also be used to help cure them. Tension headaches are known to respond well to a combination of over the counter medicine, like aspirin or ibuprofen, and caffeine. There are several over the counter medicines available that include a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and caffeine. Generally, they use a little bit less caffeine than is found in a brewed cup of regular coffee. Aspirin can have some negative side effects, so make sure to consult your doctor.

Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the more common causes of headaches is as a result of dehydration. Dehydration is when the body looses water, which is not replenished. Things like heavy exercise or extreme heat can overheat the body and cause dehydration. In some instances dehydration can cause death or serious illness, but this is only if it goes untreated.One of the early signs of dehydration is a headache. When your body is not properly hydrated, it begins to pump blood to the brain to compensate for the loss of fluids. This causes the blood vessels that are closest to your brain, specifically the ones near the eyes and temples, to expand with blood. This expansion causes the area in and around the temples to begin to throb, and often signals the beginning of a bad headache.

It is very important to stay properly hydrated, and by doing so you can prevent headaches that are caused by dehydration. One common misconception is that caffeinated soda and coffee is hydrating, but this is anything but true. Caffeine is actually a diuretic, which increases the release of urine from the body. As you loose water without replenishing it, your body begins to become dehydrated.

Water is by far the best fluid to hydrate your body. There are plenty of other drinks available that can help with dehydration, and many include extra nutrients and vitamins. When you start to feel a headache, or that familiar throb, it is a good idea to begin hydrating your body with water.

Eye strain is a major trigger of headaches for a large percentage of the population. Much of the problem is no doubt due to the amount of time that we all spend in front of television and computer screens both on the job and at home. Although not usually a long term problem, the resulting pain can be very uncomfortable and may effect your productivity.

A few ways to avoid computer related eye strain:

• Take frequent breaks – Look away from the computer screen frequently and focus at object at different distances.
• Blink as much as possible – This will prevent dry eyes. Eyes require lubrication from the tear ducts to work efficiently.
• Use appropriate eyewear – Make sure your prescription is right for computer work. This includes glare resistant coatings and getting yearly eye exams.

If you experience eye strain related headaches frequently and over a long period of time, this could be a indicator of a more serious condition. A more intensive test, such as a CAT scan, may be in order. Be aware that many individual vision insurance plans will not cover the cost of this, so it may be necessary to seek a referral to a specialist if you suspect that your headache is the result of more than just tired eyes.

There is no doubt that your state of mind can effect your health. A recent study on the correlation of abuse and headaches in women by the University of Toledo reported that, of the women who participated in the study, 42% of women who suffered migraines had recently experienced emotional abuse. The study suggested that physicians screen headache patients for a history of emotional and physical abuse before recommending a course of treatment. In addition, if a patient does not show improvement over the course of treatment, then the problems may be psychological rather than physiological.

1. First, you should know that migraines are the result of a blood rush to your head. Constricting the blood vessels to slow the rush of blood will often help. Try applying cold compresses to your forehead and the back of your neck to see if the cold helps to slow down the blood, thus slowing down the pain.
2. Another idea is to dip your fingers into ice cold water and apply pressure to your temples. You can try an ice massage, by dipping your fingers into cold water, and simply massaging your temples to help relieve the pain caused from the sudden rush of blood.
3. Everyone knows that migraines are often the result of stress. If you are feeling stressed out, then try changing your scenery. Watch a funny movie, or take a long hot bath. Try to relax and let the stress wash off you.
4. Exercise is also a great pain reliever, specifically aerobic exercise. Exercising will help to regulate the blood flow throughout your body, thus relieving the pressure from the blood rush in your head which caused the migraine to begin with.
5. Migraine sufferers know that lights and sound are a migraine headaches worst enemy. If you are suffering with a migraine, then pull your curtains, turn out the lights, and keep all noise to a mute volume. Having just a simple dark, quiet rest will often relieve the pain, and the relaxation may make the migraine dissipate much sooner.
6. Migraine medication that comes over the counter holds one of the most effective ingredients for relieving migraines. Caffeine, although it can trigger a migraine, can also relieve it. Many over the counter medicines that are specifically geared for migraines hold caffeine, so grab a cup of coffee or tea and it should help to alleviate the pain.
7. Change your scenery. You can try a quick change, like moving from the room that may hold the smell or trigger of your migraine. If you are in the kitchen, try sitting in the bedroom for a spell.