Headache is one of the world's most common health issues. Some 40 million Americans suffer from headaches, but that suffering is often misunderstood.
Because pain is subjective, it's hard for people who do not suffer headaches to appreciate the severity and the relentlessness. Plus, there's a stigma attached to headache complaints. But headaches, and migraine headaches in particular, reduce quality of life, prevent full participation in work and activities, and even alter mood. Migraine is the most common disabling brain disorder.
Headache specialists, such as internist Chantel Strachan, MD, are part of initiatives to educate more primary care physicians on headache and migraine. Strachan, who completed a fellowship in headache and facial pain, shared the basics with us.
What is a headache?
Headaches happen when an unknown mechanism activates nerves in your body that send pain signals to the brain. This mechanism is activated by a variety of factors including stress, sleep deprivation, hunger, alcohol, computer screens, and teeth grinding, to name a few.
A headache can be its own medical condition, and a headache can be a symptom of something else, including:
- Dehydration
- Medication side effect
- Medication overuse
- High blood pressure
- Sinus congestion
- Tumor
- Migraine
Migraine is not the name of a type of headache. It's a neurological disease that causes recurrent, debilitating headaches and other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and/or sound, and each episode can last for weeks.
How do I get rid of a headache?
The most common type of head pain is a tension headache, which can be caused by physical and emotional stress, anxiety, or head injury. Tension headaches are usually treatable with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
Some people need stronger medication, such as Excedrin migraine or other over-the-counter drugs with added caffeine, and sometimes prescription medication.
Many people get relief from massage, acupuncture, and eating fresh, healthier foods.
