Why You Should Not Avoid Migraines and Headaches

Headaches are very common.In fact, the majority of us have experienced a headache at some point in our lifetime. For instance, you can expect a headache if you skip lunch, had a little too much alcohol the previous night, or stared at a computer screen for an extended amount of time.

While an occasional headache shouldn’t be a big issue, if it becomes a nuisance with increased frequency and intensity, then you may have something to worry about.

What can trigger a headache?

Factors that can trigger a headache vary from one person to the other. Common factors include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Allergic reaction
• Hormonal changes
• Excess exercise
• An underlying medical condition
• Medications
• Tense muscles
• alcohol and caffeine
• Foods like chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Detox issues
• Gut microbial imbalance

In most cases, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to determine what’s triggering the headache without a physician’s diagnosis. If you have a stubborn headache that doesn’t settle with over-the-counter drugs or happens more often than usual, then it may be a good decision to see a doctor.

Besides providing relief, treating a headache can prevent further complications. You can see Dr. Shezi Kirmani, a Board Certified doctor in Houston, for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Types of headaches

Depending on the cause, frequency,and intensity of the pain, headaches are commonly categorized into:

Primary Headache

This type of headache is caused by factors other than sickness or an underlying health condition. Common causes include sleep deprivation, alcohol, fatigue, strenuous exercises, certain processed foods, stress, and alcohol.

Secondary Headache

This type of headache is caused by an underlying condition such as an infection, sickness, or injury. The health conditions may range from mild to severe ones. It’s always best to check in with a doctor if you have a persistent and unexplainable headache.

Migraines

This is probably the most severe type of headache and should never be ignored. It’s a type of primary headache that is mostly felt at one side of the head. Besides causing complications, a migraine can prevent you from performing your normal day-to-day activities.

Common symptoms of migraines include:

• Pain in the neck or face:
• Intense pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to smell and noise,
• Distorted vision

Tension Headaches

It’s also a primary headache that is characterized by tenderness in the head, neck, & shoulders and pressure across the forehead / behind the eyes

Sinus Headaches

It’s a secondary headache that’s characterized with:

• Pain in the face or forehead
• Pain in the sinuses, eyes, or ears
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Itching
• Swelling in the face

Cluster Headaches

It’s a primary headache that’s more common in men. It occurs very suddenly and can last for a few minutes to hours. It’s also not a surprise to occur a couple of times in a day. They can last for several weeks or months.

Symptoms include:

• An intense pain on one side of the head
• Severe pain behind or around one eye
• Runny nose

Hypnic Headaches

It’s a type of headache that occurs when sleeping and can cause one to wake up. It’s more common in older people aged 50 years and above. Symptoms include:

• Throbbing pain on both sides of the head
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting

As you can see, there are so many varieties of headaches – some mild other serious. That’s why headaches or migraines shouldn’t be ignored. The earlier you get proper attention, the faster the relief and treatment.

If you’re in Houston and you’re suffering or have concerns about migraines and headaches, please see a physician immediately.

If you suffer from headaches, do this:

When it comes to headaches, knowledge is power. So it’s great news when you can identify exactly what type of headaches you’re suffering from. Luckily, there are certain steps you can take when you’re suffering from headaches frequently or even just occasionally—especially if it’s been hard to identify the cause. Here are 10 that Dr. Kirmani recommends:

• Start a headache diary, where you keep track of symptoms.
• Take a good hard look at your sleep (are you getting too much or too little?).
• Watch your intake of chocolate, cheese, deli meats, red wine, and any other type of alcohol.
• Keep track of neck pain symptoms, as this is often linked to headaches.
• Evaluate your stress levels.
• Consider that your caffeine intake might have something to do with your headaches.
• Try taking a B vitamin complex; these are great for people who are wary of prescription medications.
• Magnesium is great migraine prevention.
• Consider a massage—especially temporal massage.
• Uncover your triggers. For example, preventing sinus headaches is more about controlling pollen and the allergies that are causing the flare.

When You Should Not Avoid Migraines and Headache

To be safe, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any worrying symptoms such as:

• A severe headache that prevents you from performing your day-to-day tasks.
• Chronic headaches that happen a few times a day for several days.
• A new or unusual headache – especially in older people.
• A headache, along with high fever, stiff neck,or seizures. Such symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition such as meningitis.
• A headache accompanied by eye pressure, pain, redness, or blurry vision. It could be a sign of glaucoma, a serious medical condition that can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
• A headache accompanied by neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking, confusion, drowsiness, weakness on one side of the body, or seizures. It could be that you’re having a stroke.
• A severe and sudden headache. It could indicate bleeding in the brain, which can lead to stroke, head injury, or aneurysm.

If possible, do not drive yourself to the hospital if you experience any of the above symptoms. If you can’t find someone to drive you, call 911 immediately. If you have a disturbing headache or any questions about a Functional Medicine approach to Migraines in Houston, please visit My Pure MD.