by Michelle Meier RN BSN

Created on: March 19, 2008

Nothing is more distracting than a headache, and once afflicted, getting relief is top priority. Non-medicinal comfort measures can help regardless of headache type, however, some headaches require specific medicinal treatment in order to be managed effectively.

Here are the common types of headaches, causes and treatments.

Tension Headaches

The most common type of headache, it is often brought on by stress. Pain starts gradually, is usually mild to moderate, and is described as a dull, increasing pressure that feels like a vice' squeezing your head.

Treatment: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin usually provide sufficient relief.

Cluster Headaches

Less common, they frequently occur right after falling asleep. Believed to be neurologically related, they can happen several times a day, for several months at a time.

Symptoms are described as rapid onset of severe, stabbing, shock-like pain in the eye area. The affected eye may tear, the eyelid droop, and the nose may be runny or stuffy on that side as well.

Treatment is focused on prevention. Daily dosing of beta-blockers (Inderol , Topamax) is commonly prescribed, to lessen the frequency. For acute attacks, triptans (Imitrex) are effective for pain.

Migraine Headaches

These one-sided headaches result from exposure to common triggers:

Physical / emotional: Stress, hypoglycemia, disrupted sleep cycle (night-shift workers), prolonged eye strain, head injury.

Environmental: strong odors (paint, perfumes, gases), weather changes, bright / flashing lights, prolonged loud noise (concerts, construction).

Hormonal changes: pregnancy, menstruation, birth control

Foods: alcohol, food preservatives (MSG), artificial sweeteners (saccharin), caffeine, fermented foods (wine), pickled vegetables, cheese, and cured meats (ham, bacon).

Symptoms:

Auras: visual and sensory changes before the headache begins (squiggles, spots, or blurry vision, dizziness, numbness & tingling of affected side of head). Not all people will have auras prior to their migraines.

Pain: throbbing, one-sided that usually includes the eye area and may range from mild to severe.

Other: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound, visual and sensory changes.

Treatment:

Preventative: Avoid known triggers. Daily medication with beta-blockers (Inderol, Topamax).
For acute attacks: use of triptans (Imitrex) for pain.
Often times, migraines become so severe that hospitalization is required. Oxygen, narcotics, IV fluids and other medications may be given under strict observation.

Sinus Headaches

A common cold with nasal congestion results in build up of pressure from accumulated mucous in the sinus cavities, causing pain in the cheeks, teeth, upper jaw, forehead, and around the eyes.

Treatment:
Over the counter pain relievers, decongestants, and nasal sprays to relieve pain and pressure. If symptoms persist longer than a few weeks, a sinus infection could be the cause and treatment would require antibiotics. To keep secretions thin and aid drainage: increase oral fluid intake, breathe in steamy air, use a humidifier, blow your nose.

Non-medicinal comfort measures:

Cool packs
Massage
Pressure point massage
Resting in a quiet, darkened room
Meditation
Yoga / stretching
Exercise

Especially helpful for headaches at work:

* Take frequent, small breaks to stretch.
* Change posture, adjust chair, sit up straighter.
* Sip cool fluids.
* Get some fresh air, go for a walk outside if possible.
* Turn on a small fan to circulate air.
* Turn the brightness on your computer monitor down.
* Turn down the volume on your phone, let calls go to voicemail

For more headache tips:

www.headaches.org
www.migraine.org

Learn more about this author, Michelle Meier RN BSN.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.