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Coping With Chronic Daily Headaches |
15.08.2009 19:22 |
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If you suffer from chronic daily headaches then you've probably forgotten what it feels like to be free of pain. There are different treatments and medications that can be used to eliminate or at least reduce the severity of chronic daily headaches. However, before you can find a course of treatment that offers some respite you must determine what kind of headaches you are experiencing. There are actually four main types of chronic daily headache and by checking out the signs and symptoms of each you should be able to discover which one you suffer from. Migraine If you experience chronic daily headaches you could be suffering from migraines. Migraines are usually experienced as an acute throbbing pain down one side of the head or behind the eye. They can cause other symptoms such nausea and vomiting and are sometimes aggravated by noise and light. Medical experts aren't sure what causes migraines, but they are thought to be the result of irregular chemical changes in the pain. There are two ways of treating migraines. The best option is to prevent the migraine from occurring in the first place. Various medicines can help prevent migraines including beta blockers, anti-depressants, anticonvulsants and calcium channel blockers. You also have the option of using medication to stop the migraine once it has begun. You can do this by taking prescription drugs such as Maxalt or Frova, which restore the balance of chemicals in the pain. You may also find it helpful to rest in a dark quite room until the headache subsides. Tension Migraines aren't the only chronic daily headaches. Tension- type headaches are quite common and can also occur on a daily basis. People who experience tension headaches often describe the pain they feel as a tight band around the head. However, you may also experience pain at the base of your skull. Chronic tension headaches can make you feel irritable and stop you from being able to get to sleep at night. You can treat tension headaches with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. It may also help if you avoid stressful or emotionally fraught situations whenever possible. Gentle massage is an effective treatment for tension headaches too. Sinus Problems Some chronic daily headaches are the result of blocked sinuses. If your chronic daily headaches are caused by a problem with your sinuses then you'll feel pain in your cheeks, eyes and forehead. The pain may feel worse if you lean forward and it is often accompanied by a feeling of nasal congestion. There are various ways of treating chronic daily headaches caused by sinusitis, depending on the severity of the problem. If you have a mild blockage your doctor may prescribe a nasal spray or a prescription medicine such as anti-histamines or antibiotics. If these medications fail to cure the problem your doctor will probably order a CAT scan to determine whether you require surgery to unblock the sinuses. Hemicrania Continua Hemicrania continua is a rare cause of chronic daily headaches. The symptoms of this type of headache can feel quite similar to those of a migraine, though sufferers may also experiences drooping eyelids, a runny nose, sweating and eye discomfort. This type of chronic daily headache is usually treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. If you suffer from this type of chronic daily headache then you should not consume alcohol, which can make the problem worse. |
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