Who Is At Risk For Migraines
About 12% of Americans get migraines. They can affect anyone, but you are more likely to have them if you:
- Are a woman. Women are three times more likely than men to get migraines.
- Have a family history of migraines. Most people with migraines have family members who have migraines.
- Have other medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and epilepsy.
Migraine Treatment In Emergency Departments
Opioids continue to be used in over 50 percent of emergency department migraine visits, according to a 2014 study published in Headache, even though medications that directly target migraine symptoms, like triptans, are also available, and may be more effective for many. Migraine patients are routinely prescribed OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet and other opioid-based medications in an attempt to treat their headache pain, which some specialists say strays far from the best practices applied within the headache medicine field.
The problem we have is that many physicians treat the symptoms, and not the disease, Silberstein said. So if you have a pain of any type, theyre treated with an opioid, even though evidence strongly suggests that opioids are not as effective as medicine like triptans.
Rare Headache Disorders & Facial Pain
These disorders include trigeminal neuralgia and persistent idiopathic facial pain . Trigeminal neuralgia involves recurrent electric-shock-like pains in one side of the face, and can be triggered by seemingly innocuous stimuli . PIFP causes dull, aching, poorly localised facial pain, which occurs for over two hours per day .
While they have different symptoms, both of these rare disorders have a huge impact on patients, and can be physically, psychologically and socially debilitating. General painkillers are not effective for these disorders. If you are experiencing these symptoms, ask your GP for a referral to a specialist treatment is complex, and a specialist will be able to screen for possible other causes of the pain.
Trigeminal neuralgia and PIFP both have preventive medications available. These need to be taken at a low dose to begin with, and gradually increased due to possible side effects. Many people find these preventives helpful, and if the pain stops altogether patients can possibly taper down the dosage and eventually cease medication .
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Know Whats Causing Your Headache
The best way to get rid of a headache quickly may depend on whats causing it, or what type of headache it is. Some common and less common types and causes of headache include the following:
If headaches are disrupting your life and they dont respond to the treatments you try, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Are Muscle Relaxers Safe To Take While Breastfeeding
Some studies suggest that muscle relaxers may pass through breast milk. As a result, breastfeeding mothers shouldnt take muscle relaxers unless their doctors have prescribed them.
If you do decide to take one, make sure you only take the smallest dose possible and always check with your doctor first.
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Top 7 Cannabis Strains For Headaches
It is difficult to determine which cannabis strains and cannabinoid compounds are more effective for specific headache types. It all depends on multiple factors, so it makes sense to try different strains and dosages to find the option that works for you. Here is the list of cannabis strains that AskGrowers.com recommends to start with:
ACDC
This CBD-based strain has strong anti-inflammation effects, which explain its usefulness as a painkiller during headache episodes. It is widely used for relieving pain because, unlike many other strains, ACDC allows a person to stay focused and productive. So, if you are looking for pain relief and do not need psychoactive effects, ACDC may be the best option for you.
OG Kush
This strain also has enough CBD to reduce pain and inflammation. Accessibility is its main benefit, as you can easily find it in any local dispensary. It would be best to use this strain before the pain becomes full-blown.
Blackberry Kush
This stain contains more THC than CBC. Unlike ACDC, it can cause a powerful feeling of euphoria, which distracts from pain and relieves the muscles.
Harlequin
Purple Kush
Good Medicine
A cross-breed between Appalachian and Harlequin, this strain boasts a perfect balance between CBD and THC. It means that it can both relieve pain effectively and help with sleep. It is excellent for those willing to remain active and focused throughout the day while also enjoying a good rest at night.
CBD Critical Mass
What Are Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, accounting for around 90% of all cases. They are usually described as a dull, throbbing pain that affects the forehead, temples or both sides of the head. Tension headaches can be triggered by eye strain, stress, anxiety, tiredness and lack of sleep, or poor posture.
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Keep A Regular Schedule
“Migraines don’t like change, and it’s often when you’ve deviated from your normal routine that they tend to occur,” Dr. Green said.
One of the most common triggers, in fact, is getting too little sleep, based on a study published in April 2016 in Medicine. Don’t go too far in the other direction, though: “Too much sleep can also be a trigger if you’re altering your regular schedule,” Dr. Green said. Your best bet is keeping a consistent bedtime and wake timeyes, even on the weekends.
What Medications Are Used To Relieve Migraine Pain
Over-the-counter medications are effective for some people with mild to moderate migraines. The main ingredients in pain relieving medications are ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen and caffeine.
Three over-the-counter products approved by the Food and Drug Administration for migraine headaches are:
- Excedrin® Migraine.
- Advil® Migraine.
- Motrin® Migraine Pain.
Be cautious when taking over-the-counter pain relieving medications. Sometimes overusing them can cause analgesic-rebound headaches or a dependency problem. If you’re taking any over-the-counter pain medications more than two to three times a week, report that to your healthcare provider. They may suggest prescription medications that may be more effective.
Prescription drugs for migraine headaches include:
Triptan class of drugs :
Drugs to relieve migraine pain come in a variety of formulations including pills, tablets, injections, suppositories and nasal sprays. You and your healthcare provider will discuss the specific medication, combination of medications and formulations to best meet your unique headache pain.
Drugs to relieve nausea are also prescribed, if needed.
All medications should be used under the direction of a headache specialist or healthcare provider familiar with migraine therapy. As with any medication, it’s important to carefully follow the label instructions and your healthcare providers advice.
Alternative migraine management methods, also known as home remedies, include:
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Coffee Can Stop A Headache Or Cause One
Coffee contains caffeine, which is added to some types of headache medications. But you can get too much of a good thing coffee may lead to caffeine rebound or a caffeine withdrawal headache, according to the National Headache Foundation.
A cup of coffee is a quick fix for this type of headache, says Brown. Its important to remember that caffeine can stay in your system for up to five hours, she says. For some people, this may lead to an afternoon headache once their morning cup of coffee wears off, she adds.
If your caffeine consumption is causing withdrawal headaches, you might try cutting down by drinking half caff or decaffeinated coffee, suggests Brown. Even decaf coffee has some caffeine in it, she adds.
What Are The Types Of Headaches What Type Of Headache Is A Migraine
There are over 150 types of headaches, divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. A migraine is a primary headache, meaning that it isnt caused by a different medical condition. Primary headache disorders are clinical diagnoses, meaning theres no blood test or imaging study to diagnose it. A secondary headache is a symptom of another health issue.
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When Should I Seek Immediate Help Or Contact My Healthcare Provider
- You are experiencing the worst headache of my life.
- You are having neurologic symptoms that youve never had before, including speaking difficulty, balance problems, vision problems, mental confusion, seizures or numbing/tingling sensations.
- Your headache comes on suddenly.
- You have a headache after experiencing a head injury.
Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if:
- The number or severity of your headaches increase or your headache pattern changes.
- Your medications no longer seem to be working or youre experiencing new or different side effects.
Relax With Meditation Or Yoga
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Use Meds In Moderation
Pharmacy shelves are stocked with pain relievers for all kinds of headaches. To get the most benefit with the least risk, follow the directions on the label and these guidelines:
- Choose liquid over pills. Your body absorbs it faster.
- Avoid ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if you have heart failure or kidney failure.
- Do not give aspirin to a child under age 18.
- Take painkillers as soon as you start to hurt. Youâll probably beat it with a smaller dose than if you wait.
- If you get sick to your stomach when you get a headache, ask your doctor what might help.
- Ask your doctor what to take to avoid a rebound headache, which is pain that sets in after a few days of pain relievers.
And be sure to talk to your doctor about what headache symptoms you should not treat at home.
Can Diet Changes Help Prevent Attacks
Knowing your headache triggers may help you ward off migraine-related vertigo. Things like chocolate, cheese, alcohol, and foods with the preservative MSG are triggers for some people. If you have vestibular migraines, these things might trigger your symptoms, too. It can’t hurt to cut them from your diet to see if your symptoms ease up a bit.
Tracking your diet is another good way to help tell if your vertigo symptoms are really due to food. For example, a high-salt diet can make vertigo symptoms worse if you have Meniere’s disease. Keep a food diary and show it to your doctor. It can help improve your diagnosis and treatment.
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Medication And Painkiller Headaches
Some headaches are a side effect of taking a particular medication. Frequent headaches can also be caused by taking too many painkillers. This is known as a painkiller or medication-overuse headache.
A medication-overuse headache will usually get better within a few weeks once you stop taking the painkillers that are causing it. But, pain may get worse for a few days before it starts to improve.
How To Choose The Right Pair Of Computer Glasses
With so many options on the market, how do you choose the right pair of computer glasses? Here are a few factors to consider:
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Lens type: Look for lenses that block blue light and reduce glare, as these will provide the most protection against eye strain and fatigue.
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Lens strength: If you have vision problems or need prescription glasses, consider getting computer glasses with the appropriate lens strength.
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Frame style: Choose a frame style that is comfortable and fits well. You’ll be wearing these glasses for extended periods of time, so it’s important to find a pair that you enjoy wearing.
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Additional features: Some computer glasses come with additional features such as anti-reflective coatings and UV protection. These can provide extra protection for your eyes and improve overall visual clarity.
It’s important to note that computer glasses are not a replacement for regular eyewear or medical treatment. If you are experiencing persistent headaches or other vision problems, it’s always a good idea to consult with an eye doctor.
Overall, computer glasses can be a simple and effective solution for reducing eye strain and headaches caused by prolonged screen use. By investing in a pair of high-quality computer glasses, you can improve your comfort, productivity, and overall eye health.
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What Are The Best Natural Remedies For Headaches
The following headache remedies can be effective in relieving some of the pain or discomfort caused by headaches:
- A warm bath can help you relax and may also reduce any muscle pain that could be contributing to a tension headache.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water. Adding foods with high water content like watermelon, celery, and cucumber to your diet can also help.
- Meditation, including sitting in a comfortable position and regulating your breath until you feel relaxed, can help reduce tension caused by a headache.
- Progressive muscle relaxation could also offer some relief. Begin to deepen and regulate your breathing while seated in a comfortable position. Mentally review your bodys pain points, breathing deeply to loosen up those trouble areas.
- Listen to calming sounds, including music or recorded nature sounds. The rhythms and gentle melodies can help slow your breathing, promote relaxation, as well as help ease body pain or tension.
How To Manage Migraines
Some migraines can be managed without drugs. Talk to your doctor about how to:
Avoid triggers. These are things that bring on your headaches. Common food triggers are chocolate, cheese, alcohol, foods with MSG, and meats with nitrates . Other common triggers are strong smells, bright light, skipping meals, and smoking.
Reduce stress. Stress can bring on migraines. Try doing activities to help you relax, such as meditation, walking or swimming, yoga, tai chi, or stretching exercises. If you feel anxious or depressed, ask your doctor to help you treat these conditions or refer you to a psychiatrist for treatment.
Get regular sleep and exercise. Too much or too little sleep can lead to migraines. Aim for seven to eight hours a night, with a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can also help prevent obesity, a risk factor for migraines.
Control symptoms. When you get a migraine, lie down in a quiet, dark room if you can. Put a cold cloth or compress over your forehead, massage your scalp, or press on your temples. Drink plenty of water, especially if you have vomited. It is helpful to take medications as early as possible
Keep a headache diary. This can help you figure out what your triggers are and keep track of the medicines you use. Write down:
- When the pain began.
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Food And Drink Additives
Food and drinks today have many additives. There are flavorings to enhance the flavor of foods and preservatives to extend shelf life and sugar substitutes to replace real sugar. The various chemicals, including artificial sweeteners like aspartame, can produce headaches.
Though monosodium glutamate is not used as much as it once was, it is still found in products like soy sauce, packaged foods and meat tenderizers. Other additives triggering headaches include substances like phenylalanine and nitrites.
Can Weed Cause Headaches
Although marijuana has a milder effect on pain than medications, it should not be overused. The problem is that weed consumption may either relieve pain or cause it. James from TJs Gardens explained: I have heard this can go both ways all dependent on the individual and the particular cultivar.
Long-term modulation of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system due to regular marijuana use was found to increase the risk of headaches caused by medication overuse and rebound headaches in specific populations. Prolonged periods of exposure to marijuana or weed consumption in high doses may diminish the effectiveness of treatment. Situations causing rebound headaches include but are not limited to the following:
- Increasing the dose too fast
- Regularly exceeding recommended doses
- Discontinuing treatment after prolonged use
Other scholars doubt that cannabis causes overuse headaches, making it superior to more conventional treatments. However, evidence in this regard is inconsistent. Until more evidence is available, it is better to reduce marijuana use and pay more attention to how pain manifests itself and in what situations. For example, pain occurring or intensifying after cannabis use may point to its overuse or improper use.
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Whats Causing Your Headaches A Head And Brain Scan Could Help You Find Out
According to Brain Research UK, 2 in 5 UK adults are affected by a headache or facial pain disorder.
Sometimes, headaches can pass quickly on their own, and won’t recur. However, persistent headaches, including migraine headaches and cluster headaches, can be symptoms of a more serious problem. Headache and facial pain disorders are responsible for almost 3/4 of neurological-related disabilities, which include stroke, brain injury or more progressive conditions such as dementia.
Many patients who experience unusual headaches feel anxious about the possible causes. This article will talk you through the different types of headaches, how headaches happen, and when it’s time to book a brain scan to find out if there is a serious underlying cause.
When To Call The Health Care Provider
- Happen every day, especially if they interfere with school or play.
- Occur along with pain in the eye or ear, confusion, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, or numbness.
- Keep coming back and get worse.
- Are similar to those that other family members have.
- Follow a head injury and do not go away after a week.
- Are severe enough to wake them up from sleep.
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