When your head hurts, you may want to curl up into a ball until the pain goes away. If you don't have that luxury, there are steps you can take to prevent and treat headaches before they become debilitating. Phillip P. Amodeo, MD, a board-certified neurologist and medical director of the Southeast Georgia Health System Stroke Program, shares expert advice on coping with this common ailment.
What’s Making Your Head Hurt?
Headaches come in many forms. Knowing which type you have, and the causes behind certain headaches, will help you get proper treatment.
Tension. The most common headache type, a tension headache is usually mild to moderate and feels like a band of tension tightening around your head. Stress depression and sleep deprivation can trigger a tension headache.
Migraine. Migraines cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Some people see flashes of light or temporarily lose their vision during a migraine. Migraines can cause nausea and sensitivity to light, and movement makes them worse. Lack of sleep or food, stress, genes and hormonal changes in women can cause migraines.
Sinus. Fever and nasal drainage often accompany this ailment. A sinus infection or a deformity that blocks the sinuses can also cause sinus headaches. In many cases, someone with a self-diagnosed sinus headache actually has a migraine.
Cluster. This type of headache causes severe, piercing pain on one side of the head close to the eye and on just one side of the face, with associated eye tearing, nose running, blood shot appearing eye or facial flushing. It can last from 30 minutes to three hours. The pain attacks in clusters, followed by a period with no pain. It can be hereditary, and alcohol may also trigger it.
Caffeine withdrawal. “Some patients over treat their headaches with over-the-counter medicines containing caffeine,” Dr. Amodeo says. “These can lead to caffeine withdrawal headaches.” He cautions against using caffeine-containing medicines more than two days a week for more than six weeks.
Medication side effects. Headaches are a common side effect of many medications, especially medications to control high blood pressure, and some medicines prescribed for heart disease.
Prevention and Treatment
Not every headache can be prevented, but there are ways to avoid some headaches or make them less painful.
Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours every night.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration is one of the most universal triggers for all headache types.
Be aware of and avoid triggers. These include bright lights, smells, certain foods and beverages, and excess stress.
Try relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises, yoga and massage can help control your body's natural fight-or-flight response to stress and pain.
Keep a journal. Record what you were doing, drinking and eating before your headache began. Note how long it lasted, the severity and what type of medication you took for it, if any.
Take pain relievers. Ask your doctor which over-the-counter or prescription medications are best for your situation.
Cause for Concern
If your headaches are caused by underlying health issues like a sinus infection or head trauma, you may need treatment for that condition. Talk to your doctor about what's causing your headaches and how to cope.
Chris Moncus
Dr. Phillip P. Amodeo, Southeast Georgia Health System
Photos by Chris Moncus Photography
“If someone experiences a sudden, severely incapacitating headache—what feels like the worse headache of their life—they should be immediately evaluated to rule out the possibility of a ruptured brain aneurysm,” Dr. Amodeo says.
If you experience reoccurring or frequent headaches in any of the following situations, Dr. Amodeo recommends getting a neurologic exam:
• Frequent or reoccurring headaches starting after age 40
• Head pain associated with straining
• Immunosuppressed health conditions
• A history of cancer
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Numbness
• Abrupt or painful vision loss in both eyes
• The inability to use both limbs in a coordinated way
Many headaches occur simply because of stress, lack of sleep, sinus problems, not eating enough or eating or drinking the wrong thing. Whether the cause is simple or more complex, help is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for the relief you deserve.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amodeo or another neurologist, call Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Neurology at 912.466.5503.
