Migraine Headaches

Sinus and Headache

2009-12-19T17:40:00.001-08:00

Sinuses

Sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of the head above the eyes (frontal) and below (maxillary). They are lined with mucous membranes which produce a starchy liquid keeping their surfaces moist. The sinuses are linked to the nose and throat passage ways by narrow tubes called ducts. Infections pass along these ducts causing sinusitis.
Sinusitis

Some infections penetrate the sinuses and cause inflammation with swollen tissues and increased mucus secretion. This causes severe burning pain in the forehead, under the eyes and behind the nose, extending to teeth on occasions.
Sinus Headache

Headaches can accompany sinusitis, a condition in which the membranes lining the sinuses become swollen and inflamed. But many people who assume they have sinus headaches actually have migraines or tension headaches.
Causes of Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are caused by sinus congestion and inflammation (called sinusitis). Sinusitis, in turn, is caused by either a respiratory infection (such as a cold) or allergies (like hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis). The sinuses are air-filled spaces lined with mucous membranes surrounding the forehead, cheeks and eyes. Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to circulate throughout the nasal passages. When sinuses become inflamed, these areas get blocked and mucus cannot drain. This lack of proper sinus drainage can lead to infection.

Sinus headaches can also result from changes in atmospheric pressure (for example, from swimming or climbing to high altitudes)
Treatment For A Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are associated with a swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (spaces adjacent to the nasal passages). Pain occurs in the affected region - the result of air, pus, and mucus being trapped within the obstructed sinuses. The discomfort often occurs under the eye and in the upper teeth (disguised as a headache or toothache). Sinus headaches tend to worsen as you bend forward or lie down. The key to relieving the symptoms is to reduce sinus swelling and inflammation and facilitate mucous drainage from the sinuses.

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YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment. However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Dean Watson of YourHeadache Solutions, Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western Australia. On his site you can search all topics about headache migraine, headache treatment, migraine treatment, , migraine causes headache symptoms and more.

Added: December 19, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/----Sinus-and-Headache/~

pregnancy headache

2009-12-17T17:58:00.001-08:00

Headaches can be miserable and debilitating, especially during pregnancy, but in most cases they're not dangerous. Considered as a common complaint during pregnancy, specifically during the first and third trimesters, doctors say it is rarely a signal of a serious problem. During pregnancy, experts say that the possible cause of headache during this time is quite uncertain.
Migraine headache during pregnancy
The relationship between migraine and sex hormones (particularly estrogen) is well accepted, because menarche, menstruation, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy often influence migraine .About 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women have migraines. Over half of women find that their migraines occur less often in the last few months of pregnancy. However, migraines may worsen after delivery, during the postpartum period. Although migraine headaches may cause severe pain for the mother, there are no dangers for the developing fetus.
What kind of pain medication can I take in headache during pregnancy?

Acetaminophen is safe to take as directed on the label, but most other headache medications - such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as most prescription migraine drugs - aren't recommended for pregnant women. Consult your practitioner about which medications you can take if you're prone to severe migraines.

If you're having frequent, debilitating headaches, the benefits of certain medications may outweigh any possible risks to your baby, although some drugs will remain strictly off-limits.

Potential Ways to Treat Your Pregnancy Headaches

* Some headaches are triggered by low blood sugar. You can prevent any bouts of decreased blood sugar by not missing meals and carrying high-energy snacks with you.
* Drink plenty of water - dehydration can cause headaches.
* Whenever possible, avoid loud music, noisy restaurants, packed parties and crowded department stores.
* Ensure your environment is healthy. An overheated, smoke-filled unventilated room can trigger some people's headaches. Also, make sure that your home and workspace have adequate natural lighting.
* Try going out for a brisk walk.
* Rest (but not too much, sometimes too much rest can worsen your overall symptoms)!
* Meditation and yoga are two ways to help you relax and decrease the effects of tension headaches.
* Try lying down in a dark quiet room with your feet up for ten to 15 minutes.
* Acupuncture, biofeedback and massage have been show to bring some relief from a headache.
* Alternating hot and cold compresses to the aching area for ten minutes can alleviate some of your pain.
* Cut a lemon into wedges and suck the juice out of the wedges.
* It's a good idea to avoid taking any kind of drugs while pregnant. However, if your practitioner recommends it, a paracetemol is OK but limit the number you take.

Headache prevention in pregnancy

When it comes to headaches--especially migraines--prevention is key. If you know what triggers your headaches, the first step, when possible, should be lifestyle change. For example, foods such as cured meats and strong cheeses (which contain the amino acid tyramine), as well as red wine and monosodium glutamate (the food additive MSG) can spawn migraines in some people.

Similarly, a lack of sleep, low blood sugar (which may affect pregnant women who eat irregularly), and alcohol use also can trigger migraine attacks. Migraines are also more common in smokers--yet one more reason to quit.

Tension headaches, too, can occur under avoidable circumstances. Loud noises (like those at rock concerts), sleep deprivation, dehydration, and allergies can all produce headaches.

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: December 17, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/pregnancy-headache/6164~

How To Maintain Your Spine

2009-12-16T14:32:00.001-08:00

Everything in life requires maintenance: cars, a house, your teeth, relationships and even your spine. The spine is a very complex structure which contains twenty-four movable bones (the vertebrae), twenty-three discs, the spinal cord, thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves, the meninges (the protective covering which surrounds the central nervous system), nine common ligaments, five layers of muscle, blood vessels, lymphatics, adipose (fat), fascia and other connective tissues.

If you fail to maintain your spine it will eventually start to develop problems (which are initially silent). It"s not until the problems have gotten so bad that you first start to experience symptoms. Pain is the last thing that shows up. By the time your back or neck hurts, the problem has been there for a long time.

This is very much like having a slow oil leak in your car. When your engine first starts leaking oil, there are no overt signs or symptoms. It"s a silent but very damaging problem. Your oil level has to be down about two full quarts before the engine sensor gets tripped and the little "check engine" dashboard light comes on. Does it make sense to pay attention to your oil levels only after the engine starts smoking?

Your teeth require ongoing maintenance (brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist for regular check ups). Failure to do these fundamental maintenance practices will lead to tooth decay and eventually to cavities. Did you know that tooth decay has to occur for about three years before the enamel is damaged enough to cause a cavity? And the cavity doesn"t cause tooth pain right away. It"s only after the tooth has rotted to such an extent that the cavity reaches the nerve root. So does it make sense to only pay attention to your teeth when they start to hurt?

The spine requires continuous maintenance as well. Failure to maintain your spine leads to spinal decay (which is very similar to tooth decay). The bones, joints, discs, and connective tissues all start to wear out. And just like with problems with your car or your teeth, the damage is insidious. It starts without causing any symptoms whatsoever. Neglecting your spine eventually leads to chronic back pain, neck pain, stiffness, headaches, fibromyalgia, migraines, sciatica, low energy, poor posture, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, poor sports performance, inability to concentrate (being in a "mental fog"), pain radiating into the arms or legs, and other signs of neurological stress.

The following are the five easy keys to maintaining your spine. Do these five things and you will prevent problems from occurring:

1. Eat right: you need to put high quality fuel into your body. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of any health and wellness plan. Eat whole foods (fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables and lean-clean protein. Supplement your diet with a high quality multi-vitamin, fish oils (for omega 3 fatty acids), a probiotic and vitamin D3. Avoid fast food, junk food, processed food, sodas (regular and diet), sugar, gluten and dairy.

2. Exercise: Exercise helps to oxygenate (bring oxygen to) all of your tissues. Oxygen is required by all cells, tissues, organs and systems. Exercise also helps keep you flexible and limber. The intervertebral discs don"t have a good direct blood supply and they rely on motion so fresh oxygen and nutrients can penetrate into the disc to keep them healthy.

3. Stay Well Hydrated: Water lubricates and protects your joints. The solution to pollution is dilution. If you"ve got a build up of toxins in your body (which tend to linger in the muscles), you can flush out your body with an abundance of filtered water. Most people need to drink eight to twelve glasses of water per day. If you drink coffee, tea, sodas or alcohol, you need to drink even more water to flush out your system.

4. Keep Your Spine Aligned: Normal spinal alignment is absolutely critical for correct loading on the joints, discs and supportive soft tissues. If your spine is out of alignment it will create massive pressure on the nervous system (as well as arthritis, degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease). This can also lead to a wide array of neurological problems. Poor posture leads to low energy and experiencing a brain fog. Be sure to get your spine checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic. Do not allow any misaligned vertebrae to go unchecked or uncorrected.

5. Pay Attention To Ergonomics: Ergonomics has to do with how you interact with your environment. It involves your bedding (mattress & box spring), your chair, your car seat, your work station, etc. Flip & rotate your mattress every 3 months. Adjust your chair so it"s at the correct height and you have ample lumbar support. And adjust your work station so you can work in a forward neutral posture (without having to twist your back in order to work at the computer).

Your spine did not come with an instruction manual when you were born (which accounts for why nobody ever taught you how to maintain your spine before this). The key to preventing spinal problems is via maintaining your spine for life. Do these five easy steps and you"ll have a healthy spine and prevent future problems from occurring.

Autor: Dr. Kevin Smith

-- Dr. Kevin Smith Red Apple Wellness http://www.redapplewellness.net

Added: December 16, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/How-To-Maintain-Your-Sp~

Headache and Migraine Symptoms

2009-12-14T19:26:00.001-08:00

What are the symptoms for headaches and migraines?

The most common symptom for headaches is that of an ache in the head. The feeling is of a pain running from the base of the skull across the top of the head and finishing somewhere behind the eyes. Some people report throbbing inside the temples.

A Tension headache is the most common type. It is caused by excessive tension in the muscles at the base of your head. This type of headache is commonly associated with dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and in many cases jaw pain and clicking. Tension headaches are due to misalignments of the spine and skull so it is very common for sufferers to report neck pain and stiffness also. Sometimes there can be associated nerve compression leading to numbness, pins & needles and carpal tunnel symptoms.

A Migraine is another common type of headache. It is characterised by a severe headache. Classic migraines have a visual aura associated with it. An aura is some kind of visual disturbance that precedes the migraine. Common auras include spots in the vision or blurry vision, flashes of light, zig zags, or blind spots in your vision or tingling in one arm or leg. Light sensitivity is also very common with migraine headaches. Some people suffer from nausea and vomiting with migraines too.

Another common type of headache is the cluster headache. They are characterised by intense one-sided pain, often described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant. Pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides. Pain lasts a short time, generally 30 to 90 minutes. But, it can last from 15 minutes to three hours. The headache will disappear only to recur later that day (most sufferers get one to three headaches per day during a cluster period). Headaches occur very regularly, generally at the same time each day, and they often awaken the person at the same time during the night.

Inflamed or blocked sinuses can also give headaches. They are characterised by deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining and usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling.

Chronic sinusitis can be caused by tension in the muscles at the base of the skull also, so if you have headaches and sinus problems get your neck checked out.

Treatment is dependant on the type of headache and the underlying cause. Chiropractors are the experts in treating headaches and headache related symptoms.

Autor: Phillip Elder

Doug Eldred is a Chiropractor in West Ryde, Sydney, NSW. He has a particular interest in helping people get their bodies back into balance, and consequently living a pain free and completely mobile, long, healthy life. http://www.backdoctor.net.au http://www.headachesnomore.com http://www.rydemassage.com Doug has a particular interest in helping people with headaches and neck pain, shoulder blade pain, low back pain, and fott, ankle, knee and spinal problems caused by foot dysfunction.

Added: December 14, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Headache-and-Migraine-S~

Migraine Relief

2009-12-12T20:54:00.001-08:00

Natural Migraine Relief Alternatives?

The most important thing to consider when talking about natural migraine relief alternatives is the lead up history. What sets off the migraine spiral in you? What are your headache and migraine triggers? You need to consider foods, lifestyle and biochemical factors. It is encouraged that you keep a headache/migraine diary. When you have a bad episode, record what you have been doing in the days before and see if there is a common trigger to all the headache/migraine incidents.

Common headache and migraine triggers are:
Food - Chocolate, yeast, cured meats containing nitrates, caffeine, nuts, pickled foods,
monosodium glutamate (MSG), aged cheese, yogurt and sour cream, onions,
red wine, brown vinegar and citrus fruits to name a few.
Lifestyle - Stress, stress 'let-down'(on a weekend or holiday), missing a meal, lack of
Sleep, oversleeping, fatigue, long travel journeys or overexertion when you
are unfit.
Biochemical factors - Some medications including birth control pills, hormone
replacement therapy and some angina medications. Hormone fluctuations -
menopause, menstruation.

The most natural way to manage a headache or migraine involves releasing tension in the muscles at the base of your skull. When you feel a headache or migraine coming on, stretch your neck by lying on your back on the floor with a rolled towel where the tag of your shirt would be. Stretch it for at least 20 minutes. Placing a heat pack at the base of your skull helps the muscles to relax. You can self massage the muscles, you know when you get the right one because pressing the muscle will increase the intensity of the headache.

Find out why you're getting excessive tension in the muscles at the base of your spine. Visit a Chiropractor and get an x-ray examination of your spine. Chiropractors are the experts in treating headaches and migraine naturally and without the use of drugs or herbs.

The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain, and fever in Europe. It became especially popular in England in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional drugs for migraines.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. It is supposed to help with migraines but little evidence exists.

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. It has been reported to help with migraine symptoms.

The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.
There are plenty of medicines that are supposed help with migraine and headache symptoms but sadly (as with the herbal remedies) there are side effects. The most natural form of treatment with the least side effects is Chiropractic.

Autor: Phillip Elder

Added: December 12, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Migraine-Relief/620237

Nerve Pain

2009-12-11T04:42:00.001-08:00

What does a pinched nerve feel like?

If you have a pinched nerve you may have pain shooting down the legs or arms. This is the most common presentation of a pinched nerve but can also cause other sensations such as sharp shooting pain, pins and needles, numbness and a burning feeling to the arms and/or legs.

A pinched nerve can cause pain and other sensations anywhere in the body. It's all a matter of which nerve and what part of the nerve is pinched. Common conditions caused by pinched nerves are protruding disc 'slipped disc', sciatica, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel. A common site of a pinched nerve is the discs of the lower spine. A protruding disc, 'slipped disc', puts pressure on the nerves exiting the spine. It can cause pain, pins and needles down the legs because these nerves extend down to the toes, commonly referred to as sciatica.

A pinched nerve is quite a literal translation when a nerve has direct pressure on it from other parts of the body. These nerves are a highway for information travelling to and from the brain. When a nerve gets pinched, it affects the transmission of these signals, causing sensation changes. A simple analogy is a foot stepping on a garden hose. The water does not flow, because of physical pressure, much like a pinched nerve.

The symptomatic areas do not necessarily mean it is pinched in that area. The pressure can arise from anywhere along that nerve. I.e., pressure on the neck can cause pain, tingling, numbness on the hand.

Tight muscles, trauma, inflamed joints, misaligned joints, osteoarthritis, spinal discs can all cause pressure onto a nerve. Once you remove the blockage, much of the symptoms will be resolved, but further treatment and rehabilitation will be needed to prevent re-occurrence.

When a nerve becomes pinched, and left untreated, the long term damage can be significant. Constant pressure will cause muscle wasting, imbalances during walking, and even permanent changes. Nerves are a very slow healing structure. Thus the need to treat nerves as soon as symptoms appear is essential for a quicker healing time.

A low level pinched nerve can be painless and go undetected for a long time. Every organ and cell in your body is in communication with your brain via your nerves. This is how the body manages itself. When you have a spine that is not in the correct alignment your nerves on either side will be affected. This leads to abnormal organ function and if left long enough can cause disease or organ failure.

Everybody has an inbuilt healing potential (innate intelligence) and this healing potential is guided and controlled by your nervous system. Your body has the power and intelligence to heal itself. If you cut your finger, providing you keep it clean, it will repair itself. If you strain a muscle or ligament it will heal itself with time. It is the same with sickness and disease. Restoring the structure and alignment to your spine, results in the restoration of function to the nerves and the organs which they supply. This is the underlying philosophy of chiropractic. The power that made your body heals your body (innate intelligence) and by maintaining a healthy spine, the body stays healthy and heals itself.

Autor: Phillip Elder

Added: December 11, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Nerve-Pain/620459

How to identify migraine and avoid it?

2009-12-10T03:18:00.001-08:00

A migraine is a common and very painful type of headache that affects more women than men. Frequent attacks of migraine may be quite bothersome and may affect quality of life. Steps should be taken to identify and avoid migraine triggers with an aim of reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attack.

How to identify a migraine?

Patients have described migraine as a very painful type of headache in which a throbbing or pulsating pain occurs in one area of the head. Sometimes migraine may be difficult to diagnose as symptoms overlap with other types of headache. Given below are some symptoms associated with migraine that will help you identify migraine from other types of headache.

Migraine headache is accompanied with various other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Many patients want to be isolated in a dark, quiet and cool room

During migraine attack, pain is often felt on one side of the head however, some victims may report pain on both sides of the head

The pain experienced during migraine localizes in the front, around the temples or behind an eye or ear

Migraine pain is usually quite intense and often throbbing

Unlike a headache, a migraine lasts a long time; from over an hour to a few days in worse case

Some but not all migraine patients experience an aura at the onset of the migraine headache. This is one of the differentiating features of migraines

Patients who suffer from migraine with aura (classic migraine) experience an 'aura' 10 to 30 minutes before actual migraine headache begins. During an aura, people may see flashing lights, zigzag lines or even a temporary loss of vision

Sometimes physical symptoms may accompany aura. People may experience dizziness, weakness and feel pins and needles sensations in one arm or leg and face speech difficulty

Migraine can occur any time of the day

What are common migraine triggers?

Factors that, on exposure or withdrawal, lead to a migraine attack are called migraine triggers. According to experts, patients must keep a detailed diary of what foods, events or activities trigger a migraine. By identifying and avoiding migraine triggers patients can reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. Some of the commonly observed migraine triggers are:

Bright lights, loud noises

Physical or emotional stress

Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition

Changes in sleep patterns

Smoking or exposure to smoke

Skipping meals

Alcohol

Changes in weather

Certain odours or perfumes

Allergic reactions

Tension headaches

Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs and some beans), MSG or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs and salami)

Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products and fermented or pickled foods

Medicine for your migraine

Migraine may be relieved through non-prescription medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. In severe cases, prescription medicines such as NSAIDS (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) may be used.

Many patients who wish to avoid dependence on medicines make use of alternative treatment methods to relieve migraine pain. These days, doctors are increasingly recommending the use of Cefaly electrotherapy device to prevent and moderate pain experienced during migraine attack. Cefaly emits gentle electric impulses that act on the nerve cells and thereby inhibits pain.

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with migraine treatment related site. This site provides various information on migraine headache treatment and stress treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: December 10, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/How-to-identify-migrain~

Learn more about headache

2009-12-08T20:14:00.001-08:00

Everyone gets affected with headache at some point in his or her life. However, if headache occurs quite frequently it may be a cause of concern and person must seek treatment immediately. This article discusses various types of headaches, causes, common symptoms associated with headache and also offers information on herbal remedies for headache. By making yourself informed about headache, you'll be able to treat it better.

How is headache classified?

The International Headache Society has classified various types of headaches based on the cause of headache. The classification is made to help health practitioners' treat headaches in a better way. The 3 major categories of headaches are:

1. Primary headaches - These headaches include migraine, tension and cluster headaches besides a variety of other less common types of headache.

2. Secondary headaches - These headaches are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. Some of the common causes of secondary headache include bleeding in the brain, tumour, meningitis and encephalitis.

3. Cranial neuralgias, facial pain and other headaches - Such type of headaches are those that occur because of an inflammation of nerves in the head and upper neck. Facial pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this group of headaches.

Common causes of headache

Headache may result from a wide variety of causes. Some of the common causes of headache include inflammation of the sinuses, eyestrain, hunger, dehydration and reactions to certain foods including chocolate, cheese and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Headache may also be caused by life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, brain cancer and cerebral aneurysms. Head injury may also cause headache. According to the traditional theory, tension-type headaches are caused due to muscle contraction while migraine and cluster headaches are caused due to blood vessel dilation.

Other serious symptoms associated with headache

Sometimes headache may be accompanied with nausea and vomiting, visual impairment such as blurred vision, hearing impairment, loss of memory, irritability, confusion, malaise or a general feeling of discomfort. Medical help should be taken in such situations.

According to experts, a severe headache that appears suddenly, or one that continues for more than a week following a head injury, or one that worsens instead of getting better with time, should not be taken lightly and must be reported to a doctor. In the case, headache is accompanied by fever and a stiff neck one should immediately consult a physician to rule out meningitis or another serious infection.

Herbal remedies for headache

If you are hit by headache, you may try some of the following tested and tried herbal remedies:

Eat a ripe apple with little salt in morning on an empty stomach continuously for a week

If you suffer from sinus headache, boil fresh ginger or dried ginger powder in water and inhale it

For headache caused by heat, pound lemon crusts into a fine paste and apply it as plaster on the forehead

If you suffer from chronic headache then keep your legs in a bucket filled with hot water for 15 minutes every night before sleeping. Continue it for 2 to 3 weeks

If you have migraine headache, prepare a juice by adding 200ml of spinach juice with 300ml of carrot juice. Drink it regularly

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with migraine headache related site headclinic.co.uk. This site provides various information on headache, stress and migraine relief treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: December 8, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Learn-more-about-headac~

Migraine - Identify the symptoms and get effective treatment

2009-12-07T16:44:00.001-08:00

Migraine is a very painful type of headache that affects large number of people but is 3 times more common in women. It is identified as a neurological disease in which intense pulsating or throbbing pain builds up in one area of the head. Migraine pain is typically accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Frequent episodes of migraine affect quality of life and may lower performance at work.

Migraine pain should be taken seriously and work a doctor may be consulted. To avoid migraine pain sufferers should keep away from triggers that may be leading to a migraine pain. Commonly reported migraine triggers include bright lights, loud noises, stress, changes in sleep patterns, smoking, and alcohol, skipping meals, changes in weather, allergic reactions and certain types of food. Menstrual cycle fluctuations, use of birth control pills or hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition may trigger migraines for women.

Types of migraine

There are mainly 2 types of migraine headache -

Classic migraine (migraine with aura) - Sufferers of classic migraines experience 'aura' less than 30 minutes before actual migraine pain. While going through aura, sufferers usually see flashing lights, zigzag lines or even experience a temporary loss of vision. Some people also feel pins and needles sensations in one arm or leg and face speech difficulty. Other senses, such as hearing and smell, may also be affected.

Common migraine (migraine without aura) - This is same as migraine with aura, except that sufferers of common migraines often bypass the aura phase. Most sufferers of common migraines endure the same symptoms as experienced with classic migraines.

Symptoms of migraine

Symptoms of migraine vary; however, there are certain characteristic symptoms that are typically noticed in most migraine types for sufferers. Migraine symptoms may last from 4 to 72 hours. The severity of these symptoms may also vary in sufferers. Discussed below are some of the characteristic symptoms of migraine :

Intense pain which may be unilateral (affect one side of the head) or bilateral (affect both sides of the head)

Pain begins as a dull ache and develops into a constant, throbbing and pulsating pain

Extreme sensitivity to light, noise and smells

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Numbness, tingling or weakness

Stomach ache and diarrhoea

Increased urination

Pain worsens with physical activity

Patients feel better when they lie down in a quiet place

Migraine treatment

In most cases, sufferers can take painkillers for migraine treatment. However, if the migraine becomes more chronic the painkillers may prove to be ineffective and prescription medications such as NSAIDS (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) may be used instead, to get relief from migraine headache. Help in the form of drug-free therapies such as Cefaly electrotherapy devices can also be used to reduce the frequent or to moderate the severity of migraine pain. Cefaly comes in the shape of headband that needs to worn for 5-minutes. Cefaly emits gentle electric impulses that acts on the nerve cells and inhibit pain.

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with migraine treatment related site. This site provides various information on migraine headache treatment and stress treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: December 7, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Migraine---Identify-the~

Know your ginko

2009-12-05T23:46:00.001-08:00

Ginko has usage in various fields such as inspector ginko who is a character in italian comic diabolik, showing main character of japanese comic mushishi, ginko name of japanese bank, and act as haiku walk and many more. One should have the information that Ginko is also known as ginkgo. Ginko has its importance in every human aspect's of life. So one of them is a herbal plant what actually ginko is. One should understand ginko is the genus of non-flowering plants. And being a herbal plant one should study alot before opting it as a usage.

In many scientific and crime incidents importance of ginko is applied as per the conditions of the cases. Ginko also plays an important role in memory enhancement and altitude sickness. It also has the usage in various premenstrual syndrome and reduciton of chemotherapy. Not only this ginko do have benefits in the treatment of tinnitus. But many medical reports are not supporting it. One should use ginko after discussing the usage with the doctor if really one wishes to take its benefits. Lots of reports are focussing on the incidents of bleeding after its cosumption espcially in the case of anticoagulant therapy . All these conditions reveals only that people should have deep knowledge about ginko to put positive impressions in the market.

It is important to know that pregnant women should not consume ginko as it might turn out to be poison for them . Medical reports are denying the usage of ginko during breastfeeding and pregnancy. So if taken without expert guidance then consequences could be threatening. Also If taken by mistak then the only side effect one will see is signs of bleeding. Many curious people consume ginko leaf as result minor symptoms like headache, nausea, and intestinal complaints emerges. One can find it amazing that ginko do have negative side effects in disturbing the level of insulin and blood sugar level in the body. Especially advisable for those persons who are already have the intake of drugs should consult the doctor first before opting ginko.

Autor: bettykinchenkg

To read about ginko and other information, visit the eiwei�pulver site.

Added: December 6, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Know-your--ginko/625957

Anxiety Rashes: How to Reduce a Rash Caused by Daily Tension

2009-12-04T23:36:00.001-08:00

Aside from ulcers, stomach upsets and migraines, people also get anxiety rashes due to excessive worries and feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors. Anxiety can cause a current rash to get more inflamed or be the reason for a rash to begin with. Students notice that acne can be worse during stressful times around exams, relationship issues and family problems. Rashes due to anxiety are also common.

Hives, shingles and cold sore rashes are common when one is exhausted, run down, experiencing poor sleep and low immune system responses and not in one's optimal physical and mental health. However, there are a number of rashes that can be due to an allergic response to foods or chemicals, bacterial infections, antibiotic medication responses, insect bites, viral infections and environmental triggers so it's important to do an analysis to get to the bottom of the problem.

If one has an anxiety rash because of hives, the skin will be very itchy and patches can appear and disappear. For some people, increased anxiety results in itchiness without any visible red marks or eruptions. When we feel overwhelmed the body temperature can increase and we can also sweat. Sweat rashes or prickly heat rash can follow in the summer months. Rashes also can be complicated when we scratch them as this can cause bacterial infections.

The key to controlling an anxiety rash is to find ways to prevent the stress from building up. Release it regularly through running, swimming, yoga and changing one's perspective. Talk to a trained counselor to learn techniques to apply when situations occur that hit your triggers. We all have buttons that can get pushed and when you learn these, you are in a position to stay centered rather than to just react.

Do you put yourself in situations that result in anxious feelings? It is always good to step back and evaluate whether certain friends are not healthy for you at this period in your life. Do they make you feel insecure? Do you find yourself dreading certain gatherings? Look at your social life and if there are people that are more toxic than healthy in your socializing. Taking a few minutes each day to breathe slowly in a quiet place in your home or office can help you to find your way back to yourself. In yoga, the alternative nostril breath is a helpful way to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems to stay balanced.

Autor: Rosie Wallace

We can learn healthy ways to prevent and cope with Anxiety Rashes at http://www.itchyskinrash.net/anxiety-rash-tips.html and prevent Itchy Skin Rashes at http://www.itchyskinrash.net as well as other somatic problems.

Added: December 5, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/-Anxiety-Rashes--How-to~

What's ginko ?

2009-12-03T05:16:00.001-08:00

One should know that ginko is a word which is used in different fields such as inspector ginko which is a character in italian comics diabolik, act as the main character of japanese comic mushishi, ginko name given to the japanese bank, and acting like haiku walk etc. Normally ginko is also considered as ginkgo. Ginko plays important role in every field of human life . Actually ginko is termed as herbal plant carrying lots of benefits. People should know that ginko belongs to the genus of non-flowering plants.

In many scientific and crime cases one can see the application of ginko depends on the type of cases. Ginko is popular mostly for memory enhancement and altitude sickness in people. One will find that how ginko act as the major source for treating several premenstrual syndrome and reduciton of chemotherapy. Ginko is providing benefits for the treatment of tinnitus but not too many medical reports supports the fact. People should not forget the fact ginko is a herbal plant and should make the usage after discussing with doctors. One should check the if and buts of ginko before applying it on the body. In several cases like in the treatment of anticoagulant therapy, ginko has shown the signs of the bleeding. In this way users must have information about the correct usage of ginko for daily purposes.

Pregnant women are advised not to consume ginko as it might turn out to be poisonous for their health. As not too many reports from medical faculty is backing the fact that it should be offered while breastfeeding and in pregnancy. Ginko do not carries severe side effects. And if by mistake some body consumes it then the only side effect one will have is signs of bleeding. Lots of curious people do consume ginko leaf as result many symtoms like headache, nausea, and intestinal complaints occured. Ginko shows severe bad side effects in maintaining the level of insulin and blood sugar level in the body. Those people who are already under medication should consult doctors and experts before opting ginko in usual life.

Autor: bethvagliardoxx

To read about gingko and other information, visit the vitamine site.

Added: December 3, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/What-s-ginko--/627163

Got Headaches? The Problem May Actually Be In Your Neck!

2009-12-01T09:10:00.001-08:00

Each year tens of millions of Americans suffer with headaches (ranging from tension headaches to cluster headaches to migraines). The problem is so widespread it accounts for an extremely high percentage of visits to doctor"s offices, emergency rooms and walk-in clinics. The medical approach to treating these headaches is with some kind of a drug (Tylenol, Motrin, aspirin, and even powerful prescription strength drugs such as Imitrex, Topamax, Maxalt, Zomig, Amerge, etc.). $40 billion dollars are spent annually for pharmaceutical treatments for headaches. Regardless of the type of medication used, the common problem with using drugs for headaches is that they don"t actually fix the cause of the problem, they only temporarily mask the symptoms. They"re also toxic, expensive and can have side effects. To make matters worse, overuse of certain drugs can actually compound the intensity, frequency and duration of the headache - which is referred to as a "rebound headache".

Current research has shown that there is a little known, yet extremely common cause of headache pain. And the area of involvement isn"t in the head at all, it"s in your neck! This condition is what scientists have referred to as "cervicogenic headache". The prefix "cervico" comes from the word "cervical" - meaning (neck). And the suffix "genic" comes from the word "Genesis" - which means the beginning (as in the first book of the Bible). A "cervicogenic" headache is a headache which has it"s beginning (it"s cause) in the neck area of your body.

What causes cervicogenic headache? The most common cause is due to stress and tension on the spinal cord and spinal nerves in the neck. This stress and tension is caused by pressure exerted on these delicate neurological structures by abnormal posture (most notable, forward head posture) as well as misalignments in the spinal bones of the neck called the vertebrae. When a bone in the spine becomes misaligned, it presses on a nerve. This is similar to what happens when you have a pebble in your shoe, and the pebble is pressing on a nerve of pain in your foot. It irritates the nerve, sending pain signals up into the brain. Many of the pain-sensitive nerves that are in the head actually start in the neck region. So if you irritate these nerves, the pain will be expressed as a headache!

The solution to relieving cervicogenic headache is by removing the physical stress on the spinal cord and on the spinal nerves in the neck area. This is accomplished by correcting the vertebral misalignments (via a series of painless adjustments as done by a Doctor of Chiropractic). Additionally, the abnormal postures are resolved by a combination of adjustments and exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in the neck. The end result is a permanent resolution of headache pain.

Autor: Dr. Kevin Smith

-- Dr. Kevin Smith Red Apple Wellness http://www.redapplewellness.net

Added: December 1, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Got-Headaches---The-Pro~

Headache affects everyone, learn more about it

2009-11-30T04:56:00.001-08:00

Headaches are one of the most commonly reported medical conditions. Each one of us experiences headaches at some point in our life. Occasional headaches are not harmful as they can easily be treated. However, if the intensity and frequency of the headaches increase and starts to affect your daily life you should consult a doctor.

How are headaches classified?

In 2007, the International Headache Society updated its classification system for the headaches. The classification is based on the cause of the headache and how sufferers can be treated in various ways. The 3 major categories of headaches are:

Primary headaches - This is the major category of headache that includes migraine, tension and cluster headaches. Out of these, tension headaches are said to account for a majority of headaches in adults.

Secondary headaches - The secondary headaches are caused due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. Commonly reported causes of secondary headache include bleeding in the brain, tumour, meningitis and encephalitis.

Cranial neuralgias, facial pain and other headaches - Such type of headaches typically occur because of an inflammation of nerves in the head and upper neck. Facial pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included here.

Headache in children

Headaches do not affect just adults; the problem is frequently reported in children as well. It is estimated that 90% of children are suffer from headaches at least once a year. The frequency may increase as the child becomes older. Commonly reported causes of headaches in children include viral or upper respiratory infections such as ear infections, the common cold, allergies and sinus infections, stress related to family or school, tension and minor head injury. Children may also suffer from migraine or cluster headaches.

It is tough to perceive the symptoms of headache in children because they often cannot articulate their condition. In most cases, headaches in children are relieved by taking rest, by massage therapy and by leading a healthy lifestyle. However, you should report to the doctor if the child experiences headaches more than once in a month of suffer from associated symptoms such as vomiting, changes in vision or double vision, neck pain or stiffness, confusion, loss of balance or unsteadiness, and/or fever.

What happens when you have a tension headache?

Tension headaches are one of most common types of headaches. People suffering from tension headache may report a constant and not throbbing pain or pressure on both sides of their head. Some sufferers also experience aching pain at temples or at the back of their head and neck. Tension headaches are usually triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, hunger, anger, fatigue, overexertion, poor posture and muscle strain. Usually, pain from a tension headache is not severe and will allow you to carry on with your school or office work. However, people who experience chronic tension headaches may suffer from a severe pain or a headache that lasts for a long time.

Headache treatment

In most cases, headaches are easily treated through rest or by massage therapy. If this does not work, over the counter pain relieving medications can be taken. However, sufferers of frequent and chronic headaches may need to take proper treatment to avoid the severity of symptoms. These days, many headache patients are making use of alternative treatment methods such as Cefaly electrotherapy device to get relief from headache. The advanced electronic device emits gentle electric impulses that offer a feeling of relaxation.

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with headache related site headclinic.co.uk. This site provides various information on headache treatment, stress treatment and migraine treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: November 30, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Headache-affects-everyo~

Migraine headache - Causes and diagnosis

2009-11-28T22:44:00.001-08:00

A migraine headache is a unilateral headache, the symptoms of which include nausea, vomiting and increased ocular, aural and nasal sensitivity. A migraine headache attack is recurrent in nature and as the person grows older the attacks also increase in severity.

Causes of migraine

There is no cut and dried cause for migraine. It is thought that migraines are a result of various reactions taking place in the central nervous system. These reactions are either a result of bodily changes or of the changing environment. At times, migraines are a result of family history suggesting that people suffering from this condition have inherited their sensitivity to various triggers that cause their migraine. The triggers lead to an inflammation of the blood vessels and nerves around the scalp and the brain, which in turn leads to migraine headaches.

Some of the migraine triggers include alcohol, exertion, food containing caffeine, stress, specific prescription and over-the-counter medications and hormonal changes (especially in women).

Migraine headaches differ from tension headaches

Headaches are a highly complex medical condition. In order to get the right treatment for your headache, it is of paramount importance that you identify the kind of headache that you are suffering from. Take the case of migraine headaches and tension headaches. They are two very different types of headaches. So, their treatment plan is also different from one another. An interesting fact is that you can suffer from migraine headaches and tension headaches at the same time. A migraine headache is characterized by its unilateral nature, meaning a person usually has pain on only one side of the head whereas a tension headache is usually bilateral; pain is experienced on both sides of the head. A migraine headache can also be identified on the brunt of its symptoms with include nausea, vomiting and a lack of tolerance for sound and smell; tension headaches have no such symptoms. Some people suffering from migraine headaches experience an aura just before the onset of pain. But, 90% of all headaches are tension headaches. Migraine headache are not as common as tension headaches.

Diagnosis of migraine headaches

The history of a patient's symptoms helps doctors make a correct diagnosis with regard to migraine headaches. But symptoms alone are not an indication of migraine. A comprehensive physical examination and neurological tests are also a part of the process of diagnosis. These tests are conducted to exclude other neurological or cerebrovasuclar conditions like cerebral stroke, dilation of cerebral blood vessels, bleeding within the skull etc. Neuro-imaging is one of the many diagnostic tests that might be conducted on the patient. Doctors search for specific 'red flags' that show beyond doubt that the person is suffering from migraine. If the investigation reveals that the symptoms and tests do not fit into the 'benign' headache category, doctors begin to zero in on migraine as the cause of headache.

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with Migraine Headache related site headclinic.co.uk. This site provides various information Migraine Symptoms and Migraine relief treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: November 29, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Migraine-headache---Cau~

The Triptans and Menstrual Migraine

2009-11-26T05:42:00.001-08:00

It"s interesting to read that the "triptans" are also effective in managing menstrual migraine, suggesting that the underlying cause for migraine, tension headache and menstrual migraine is similar, that is, a sensitised brainstem.

One underestimated source of sensitisation are neck disorders .... tired of playing around with your hormonal levels? Perhaps it is your neck that is sensitising your brainstem - a skilled examination will either confirm or eliminate this as a possibility.

Cheers

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment. However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: November 26, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/The--Triptans--and-Mens~

Understand the intricacies of the disease and win the war against migraines

2009-11-24T21:14:00.001-08:00

What is Migraine?

Migraines are a severe, painful headache that gradually develops from a mild headache to a throbbing momentum. It is often preceded or accompanied by sensory upheavals like flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The piercing pain that migraines bring on can sometimes last for a few hours or even days.

Migraine generally result from the combined affects of the enlargement of the blood vessels and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers. During the headache, the temporal artery enlarges causing the release of chemicals. These combined effects not only cause further enlargement of the artery but also cause pain and inflammation.

This further aggravates feelings of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Moreover, this typical response adds to a delay in emptying of the stomach into the small intestines, taking its toll on food absorption, decreasing blood circulation which leads to cold hands and feet, and an increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Who are affected by migraine?

Anybody can suffer from migraines, including children, adolescents, or grown - up men and women. However, studies have revealed that this condition is nearly four times more evident in women.

It has also been found that many people who suffer with migraine headaches also have a family history of migraines. However, this is an assumption as no exact hereditary mechanisms have yet been detected. The assumption is based on suffers having a family history of migraines. It has been assumed that people who get migraines have an inherited abnormality wherein the blood vessels are not consistently regulated.

Migraine symptoms in children

Most adults who still suffer from migraine headache probably got their first headache as a child. Some research on this issue reveals that almost 5% of the people suffer from at least one migraine attack before the age of 15; in fact children as young as five years are known to suffer from migraine headaches. This means that migraines in children seem to be much more common than earlier believed.

Children, more often than not, do react differently to migraine - their symptoms and ways of coping may look quite unfamiliar to an adult. Some of the more noticeable symptoms include a change in temperament (unusual temper or sadness), nausea, and headache (especially on one side of the head) which can either be on one side of the head or on both sides. Children are more likely to have a headache on both sides of the head. Some may even experience an aura and be sensitive to light. In addition, it has been noted that children who get car sick may also be predisposed to migraine.

Nutritional supplement for the relief of migraine

Trying nutritional supplements for headaches is a good idea. Neither do these supplements cost a fortune nor do they cause any unpleasant side-effects, like prescription drugs. On the contrary, these supplements may actually do some real good. However, the only issue with alternative treatments is that in most cases immediate migraine relief is almost impossible; however, in the long-term this goal can be achieved.

Therefore, taking supplements of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as folic acid, magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and riboflavin on a daily basis may reduce the frequency, severity and disability of migraines. Daily vitamin supplements, in fact, were found to produce a two-fold reduction in migraine disability.

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associate with migraine headache related site. This site provides various information on migraine treatment and migraine symptoms. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: November 25, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Understand-the-intricac~

Exertional Headache, Migraine and the Neck

2009-11-23T15:52:00.001-08:00

"Benign" (or harmless) Exertional Headache is defined as headache caused by exertion such as coughing, sneezing, bending, heavy lifting, running (how is this different to headache triggered by exercise?) or when straining at stool.

It is important that if your headache history is less than 3 months and is triggered or aggravated by these activities that you consult you doctor.

These activities create similar effects on the body as do the Valsalva manoeuvers.

Recent research1 found a wide range of symptoms in Exertional Headache, some with migrainous symptoms, and the authors suggested that the "triptans" might be useful. As usual there is a lot of discussion as to the actual mechanism of Exertional Headache and indeed Exercise Induced Headache, but the causes remain unknown - why?

The Valsalva manoeuver is used (and has been for years) to identify problems or injury in the nerves of the cervical spine. Upon the exertion of pressure, pain may be felt, and may indicate increased pressure on the C2-3 intervertebral disc or other part of a cervicogenic (neck) disorder.

Clearly increased headache or headache or migraine triggered by exertion or exercise is likely to be caused by a neck disorder.

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment. However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: November 23, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Exertional-Headache--Mi~

Avoiding Chocolate to Prevent Migraine is Not Necessary

2009-11-22T12:56:00.001-08:00

Avoiding Chocolate to Prevent Migraine is Not Necessary

Avoiding chocolate to prevent migraine is not necessary - it isn"t about the chocolate!

The thought of living without chocolate is unbearable but I know that for many of you, the experience is not worth it!

However, many of my patients are now eating chocolate, in fact this is what I ask them to do after 3-4 treatments - and you can imagine their (and mine!) delight when they do so without headache or migraine.

But why is it that I can eat chocolate without headache - I"m sure that chocolate has the same effect on me as it does on someone else who ends up with a headache. For example phenylethylamine (PEA) is a chemical in chocolate that causes blood vessels to expand and contract - this probably happens for everyone, but not everyone gets headache or migraine. Some might say that the chocolate sensitises their system, whilst some authorities suggest that their system is already sensitised before the chocolate came along.

I suspect that just as in migraine and tension headache sufferers, the brainstems of those whose headache or migraines are triggered by chocolate, are already sensitised. The normal response of the blood vessels to PEA is to expand, but the pain interpreting centres in the brain understands this (normal) increased activity to be much more than what it is and pain results.

What"s causing the sensitisation? It is easy to confirm a neck disorder because temporary reproduction and lessening of head pain occurs when examining the joints of the upper neck - it is important to confirm the source of sensitisation ...

... then you can enjoy the benefits of eating (good quality and dark) chocolate:

a natural mood enhancer

a stress reliever

a memory enhancer

improves your levels of serotonin (which will desensitise your brainstem).

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment. However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: November 22, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Avoiding-Chocolate-to-P~

Headaches Caused By Stress

2009-11-21T12:06:00.001-08:00

Stress is a typical cause of headaches. If you be afflicted by migraines, you have a tendency to be easily influenced by intense events. During stressful events, certain chemicals in your cerebral cortex are released to counter a situation ( known as "flight or fight" reply ). The release of these chemicals strokes the blood carrying vessels and that causes migraine.

Stress is generally the cause of tension-type headaches too. Tension-type headaches are of two types: episodic and chronic. You get an episodic tension-type headache because of an isolated stressful situation or a build-up of stress. If you get stressed out daily, such as from a high-pressured job, it can lead to a chronic tension-type headache.

Headache causing stress is usually prompted by factors which exist in the environment or other internal reasons. The most common sources of stress include family, social relationship, mates, work and college. Specific stress triggers include :

issues at home
The birth of a child.
Getting back to school
examination stress
New job and new office surroundings
Meeting stern cut offs
Work deadlines.
Competing in sports
Poor physical appearance
trying to achieve perfection
Lack of proper sleep
Less sleep than mandatory
Over-involvement in several activities

If you do not need to deal with headaches, it is important that you keep stress in control. Here are some tips that will help you keep stress in control.

Recognize potential triggers : Keep a log of the triggers that cause you stress. They might be habits, situations or personality issues.

Manage time effectively: Schedule your tasks by allocating adequate time period for each of them. Perform a single task at a time.

Take breaks : Take time out to clear your consciousness if you believe you are besieged in a complicated situation. A short walk or a stretch break may replenish your energy.

Start exercising everyday. Exercising releases endorphins in your body and helps combat a headache.

Have proper diet : A diet loaded in fruits, plants and grains energises you and keeps stress in hand.

Go on vacation : take five from your daily schedule and head out for a vacation or a weekend getaway. Time off will help you regain your point of view and calm you down adequately.

giggle : Humor is an acceptable approach to easing stress. Laughter releases the chemical endorphin into the brain which keeps your mood positive.

There are many OTC medications available as well to treat stress induced headaches and include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Acetaminophen. Prescription medicines include Tolmetin, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Isometheptine, codeine and Hydrocodone.

Autor: Daniel Day

To know more about Causes of Headache and Headache Treatments visit: http://www.headacheupdates.com/migraine/

Added: November 21, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Headaches-Caused-By-Str~

Hair Wash Headache

2009-11-19T21:50:00.001-08:00

In recent correspondence to an acclaimed international headache journal, a doctor located in

India reported on migrainous headache occurring after washing of the hair - as the author

explains this has either not been noticed in other countries or it may be that similar

headache presentations in other countries occur but are called something else.

As reported by this doctor, the crucial factor here is that many ladies from India have long

hair that is plaited and it is time consuming to dry their hair (it is uncommon to use a

hairdryer). Consequently many women do not wet their hair daily. On the days that they wash

their hair however they describe throbbing headache developing within 10"-15" ; their

history of these headaches is usually quite long; this is the only headache they get; usage

of perfumes or shampoos is uncommon ... therefore the author (doctor) considers there are no

other triggering factors .....

Are you thinking what I"m thinking? Imagine the weight on the back of the head of all the

wet hair pulling the upper neck backwards - the stress on the neck structures would be

significant .... could this be an unrecognised cervicogenic headache?

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic

(neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical

experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to

undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache

sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what

it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of

treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my

unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it

is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that

cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are

supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses,

can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment.

However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and

migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is

essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be

investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely

disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for

headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in

and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to

create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary

reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm

that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the

headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement

in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder

to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique

is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be

the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the

techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal

segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having

determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then

this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment

can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known

as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for

physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong,

Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany,

Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic

(neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School

of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western

Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: November 20, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Hair-Wash-Headache/5929~

Sensitisation in Headache and Migraine

2009-11-18T15:02:00.001-08:00

I have mentioned in my previous blogs that sensitisation of the brainstem has been

demonstrated in migraine, tension headache, menstrual migraine and cluster headache.

What I may not have made clear is that this sensitised state is present even when you are

free of your headache or migraine, that is, your brainstem is sensitised constantly.

Then what happens is that you eat or drink something, your hormonal levels change, you smell

a perfume - and this triggers your headache or migraine. These events lead to increased (but

normal) activity of structures (including blood vessels) inside your head.

This increased activity is wrongly interpreted as being much more than what it actually is

and pain results. If it wasn"t for your sensitised brainstem, what you eat, drink, smell or

hormonal fluctuations would not result in the disabling headache or migraine.

If you are going to be free of your headache or migraine, the source of sensitisation has to

be determined. Whilst the triptans desensitise the brainstem and are effective for many of

you, they do not eliminate the cause of the sensitisation.

Information from neck disorders can sensitise the brainstem and of all the various

investigations you may have for your headache of migraine, a skilled examination of your

upper neck is relatively inexpensive and non invasive, and may change your life

significantly.

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic

(neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical

experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to

undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache

sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what

it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of

treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my

unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it

is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that

cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are

supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses,

can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment.

However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and

migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is

essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be

investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely

disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for

headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in

and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to

create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary

reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm

that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the

headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement

in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder

to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique

is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be

the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the

techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal

segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having

determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then

this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment

can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known

as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for

physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong,

Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany,

Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic

(neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School

of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western

Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: November 18, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Sensitisation-in-Headac~

Hemicrania Continua - The Challenges of Diagnosis!

2009-11-16T19:34:00.001-08:00

Hemicrania continua is defined as a constant one sided (and always on the same side)

headache of moderate intensity with exacerbations and which responds to Indomethacin. Other

possible symptoms include redness of the eye, a watery or teary eye, a blocked or runny

nostril and drooping of the eyelid.

But we have case reports which show that this supposedly one sided (always the same side)

headache can occur on the other side and can also be on both sides at the same time.

Interestingly the traditional classification system of headache and migraine states that

Cervicogenic (neck-related) Headache as a one sided headache (and always the same side)

also. However my experience of over 21000 hours with headache and migraine patients is that

a one sided headache that can occur on the other side is a Cervicogenic Headache. Does this

mean that I am saying Hemicrania Continua is likely to be Cervicogenic Headache - Yes!

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic

(neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical

experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to

undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache

sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what

it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of

treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my

unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it

is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that

cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are

supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses,

can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment.

However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and

migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is

essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be

investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely

disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for

headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in

and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to

create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary

reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm

that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the

headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement

in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder

to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique

is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be

the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the

techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal

segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having

determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then

this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment

can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known

as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for

physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong,

Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany,

Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic

(neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School

of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western

Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Added: November 16, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Hemicrania-Continua---T~

Headache? Learn about its causes and remedies

2009-11-15T09:48:00.001-08:00

What is the cause of the headache?

There can be several causes of headaches. Some of the more likely causes of headaches are stress and fatigue, tension, eye strain, dehydration, low blood sugar, migraine, viral infection, musculoskeletal conditions, hyper-mastication and sinusitis. In rare cases, headache could be a result of certain life-threatening conditions such as brain tumours, meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral aneurysms and extremely high blood pressure. Headache can also occur because of head injury. Erratic changes in estrogen levels during menstrual years may also cause headaches in some women.

Tension headache

Tension headache is one of the most common types of headache and can affect people of any age and sex. But it is more commonly reported by adults and is more common among women than men. Tension headache is characterised by pain in both the sides of the head, though it may sometimes be pointed to the neck or the front of the head. The pain often starts at the back of your head and spreads forward. Besides, this is the only type of headache in which pain persists continuously throughout the day and night without any relief in between. Tension headache occurs mainly due to stress, depression or anxiety, fatigue, poor posture, eye strain, tobacco and alcohol use.

Cluster headache

Cluster headache is a type of primary headache. Though it is rarely reported, cluster headache sufferers are mainly men especially those in the 28-30 age group; however, headaches may begin in childhood. Cluster headaches are characterised by sharp, extremely painful headaches that tend to occur several times per day for months and then go away for a similar period. Sometimes the pain caused by cluster headache is so intense that the scalp feels almost tender, the arteries can be seen pulsating and the patient is so uncomfortable that he finds it difficult to sit still.

Common remedies for headache relief

Headaches cannot be cured but it is possible to control them by taking appropriate measures depending on the type of headache a patient is suffering from, individual response as well as associated health conditions. While home remedies work for some people, others need to take medicines to control the pain. The medications available for headache can be taken prophylactically (to prevent headache occurrence) or abortively (once the headache begins). Lifestyle changes such as avoidance of headache triggers, stress management, and relaxation therapy are also recommended to provide timely headache relief.

Many people these days are also resorting to alternative drug-free therapies for headache relief. Cefaly electrotherapy device is one such treatment option that is being increasingly recommended by doctors. The scientifically advanced device emits gentle electric impulses that influence the pain-affected nerves; this makes you experience a state of relaxation and wellbeing. You need to wear the Cefaly device like a headband and attach it to the electrode placed on the forehead. In just a few minutes, it provides relief from a throbbing headache.

Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with Migraine Treatment related site. This site provides various information on Headache Treatment and Stress Treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk

Added: November 15, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Headache--Learn-about-i~

Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania, Hemicrania Continua and Cluster Headache - All From The Same Disorder

2009-11-13T18:06:00.001-08:00

In recent times the International Headache Society has added a third primary group of headache(s) to the two primary headache types - migraine and tension-type headache.

This third primary group includes Cluster headache, Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania, and SUNCT (Short lasting Unilateral Neuralgia form headache attack with Conjunctival injection and Tearing!) and Hemicrania Continua.

Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania is very similar to Cluster Headache and is often described as the female equivalent of Cluster Headache (Cluster Headache is more frequent in males).

It is interesting to note a report demonstrating that both chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania and Hemicrania Continua (thought to be two different types of headache) respond to the same medication - Indomethacin. (Indomethacin is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug used to reduce pain)

I have written before that Cluster Headache and Hemicrania Continua respond to blocking or injecting of the greater occipital nerve i.e. a feature of Cervicogenic (neck-related) Headache - just more evidence to support the role of neck disorders in many different headache forms .....

====

YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of the Watson Headache Institute.

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge; to present and discuss past and present relevant research and to undertake and support rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge is self-empowering; I believe that every headache sufferer has the right to know their headache diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means), to know the nature of their headache disorder, its outcome and possible types of treatment.

What has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of others) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical experience and a significant body of international research, that it is incorrect to consider headache and migraine types as totally different entities and that cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in the headache and migraine process.

Although Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy are different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea that headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what their diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more effectively through appropriate neck treatment. However, because treatment of the neck does not fit the medical model of headache and migraine, the model has demonstrated little interest in exploring this as an option. It is essential that all factors, which have the potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated equally. Currently this is not the situation - the neck is largely disregarded.

So, whilst YourHeadacheSolutions.com is also about Education, it is also a directory for headache and migraine sufferers to source practitioners who have a particular interest in and are skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your headache or migraine - to create a more comprehensive approach and provide an alternative, medication-free treatment.

ver the past 15 years I have developed a series of techniques, which, by way of temporary reproduction of headache and easing of the headache as a technique is sustained, confirm that a neck disorder is the cause of or a significant factor in the mechanism of the headache or migraine - this a key diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic or neck involvement in headache according to the International Headache Society - importantly for the disorder to be related to the headache or migraine process the headache has to ease as the technique is maintained. If both reproduction and lessening are not possible then the neck may not be the source of the headache or migraine. Furthermore my experience has shown that if the techniques are performed in a specific manner it is possible to determine which spinal segment is the cause of or contributing significantly to headache and migraine. Having determined which spinal segment (or segments - there may be more than one) is involved then this significantly increases the chance of the treatment being successful because treatment can be directed at specific, relevant spinal segments.

The application of these techniques in Europe, United Kingdom and Australia has become known as the "Watson Headache Approach" and forms the basis of courses I present for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Norway and Spain - refer www.headacheeducation.com

The Watson Headache Institute was established to increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck) disorders in headache and migraine by:

imparting my (and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge

and,

undertaking and supporting rigorous clinical and scientific research in this specialty.

Dean Watson

Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, School of Physiotherapy, University of South Australia; PhD Candidate, Murdoch University, Western Australia

Autor: Dean Watson

Dean Watson of YourHeadache Solutions, Consultant Headache and Migraine Physiotherapist;. On his site you can search all topics about headache migraine, headache treatment, migraine treatment, headache causes, migraine causes headache symptoms and more.

Added: November 13, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Chronic-Paroxysmal-Hemi~