Headaches can be caused by any number of things. Knowing what type of headache you are experiencing can help you to fight it and to combat pain, especially if it is debilitating. Some headaches, such as migraines, need a doctor's care, as these headaches are not typical and may not respond to normal treatment.
Find a Treatment
Resting in a quiet room for a few minutes can relieve headache pain. A cold compress also works for some people. If you are suffering from a tension headache, a neck massage might help ease some of your pain.
Over-the-counter medications can treat most headaches. Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen sodium are just a few options. Migraine headaches might respond to these measures, but many will require stronger medications prescribed by a doctor. Try to treat any headache as soon as the symptoms begin, recommends the University of Michigan. Read and follow directions on the medicine bottle and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Relaxation techniques and biofeedback can also relieve headache symptoms. If your headaches are stress related, stress management can be helpful.
Identify a Cause
While headache might be a common occurrence, identifying causes are not so simple. Common causes for headaches include alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, eyestrain, fever, high blood pressure, sinus infections, neck or shoulder strain and premenstrual syndrome.
The causes behind tension headaches are unclear. Many experts believe they are triggered by changes in brain chemicals, and that stress, depression, anxiety and jaw-clenching can cause this response.
Some headaches result from inflammation or other circumstances dealing with blood vessels in the brain, reports the Mayo Clinic. Migraine headaches involve this type of chemical change in the brain, and these changes can be triggered by a variety of things, including certain foods, anxiety and strong odors.
Call a Doctor
You should call a doctor if you have persistent, debilitating pain that lingers for days. See your doctor if you experience a severe, abrupt headache or if you have double vision, numbness or difficulty speaking accompanied by a headache. If your headache was brought on by a head injury, you should see a doctor. In addition, you should call your doctor if your headache gets worse over time and intensifies with coughing or sudden movement.
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