Types of headache
1) Migraine –
This is a very severe headache. It may or may not be preceded by ‘Aura”
Aura means –may see some figures,etc which indicate that he is going to get an attack.
It is called as “hemicranial headache’i.e. half-sided headache. It may be associated with vomiting, giddiness. After vomiting, patient may feel better. It is caused by changes in dimensions blood vessels in the brain.
Rx options-
1) NSAID-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – for milder pain
2) ergot alkaloids- for acute attacks
3) calcium channel blockers like flunarizine- for prophylaxis of acute attacks
2) Headache due to serious conditions like brain tumors-
3) Headache due to eye problems- can be due to
1) uncorrected refractive errors
2) glaucoma especially acute attacks
3) keratitis
4) excessive eye strain
4) Tension ,Mental stress
5)Serious body diseases – septicemia, encephalitis, meningitis, vasculitis –giant cell or temporal arteritis
6) ENT conditions- deviated nasal septum , sinusitis, cold
Management of headache
Talking to the patient, taking detail history, asking about causes of stress is important part of management.
. Referral to physician , ENT specialist is required depending on the case.
Routine tests like hemoglobin, blood cell counts,urine exam, check up for refractive errors are needed. In some cases CT scan brain is required. Headache which is long lasting, severe & not relieved by analgesics needs investigations.
Analgesics like- paracetamol, combiflam may help in relieving symptoms but they don’t cure the basic cause.
Headache Migraine causes Treatment
