Tension Headache
Do you feel a dull ache on both sides of the head? Do the muscles in the neck and head feel tight and? You are most likely suffering a tension headache or stress headache as it is otherwise referred to. Such headaches are one of the most common forms of headache and can occur in adults and adolescents. The pain due to tension headache is wise-like and is generalized. Tension headaches may result from fluctuations in the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins and others. Tension headaches are noticed more often in women.
Tension headaches occur due to contraction of neck and scalp muscles. This contraction can be a reaction to stress, anxiety or posture. Excessive smoking, alcohol use, sinusitiss, eye strain can also bring on tension headache. Unlike migraine, tension headaches do not cause nausea and vomitting or numbness. Episodic tension headaches come a couple of times a month and last a few hours. If there are frequent episodes of tension headache, the condition is chronic. Skipping meals, stress, hormonal changes and hypertension medication can trigger tension headaches. Such headaches often have a genetic predisposition.
Tension headaches are treated with NSAIDs, aspirin or acetaminophen. A nonsedating muscle relaxant such as Skelaxin provides relief to persons suffering from tension headaches. Those who suffer from frequent bouts of tension headaches may need medications to reduce anxiety such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline or desipramine. But overuse of these medicines can lead to rebound headaches. You can try some of the following measures to bring tension headaches under control:
- Enough rest
- Regular exercise regimen
- Warm or cold compress on the head and neck
- Relaxation exercises, yoga, deep breathing, acupuncture
- Good posture while sleeping, reading, using the computer
- Massage
- Swimming
Weekend Headache Syndrome
Weekend Headache Syndrome is often related to imbalances in lifestyle. For example, a person working in a stressful environment throughout the week is at rest all of a sudden during the weekend. This transition may spontaneously trigger the release of neurotransmitter associated chemicals from the brain leading to painful and disturbing headaches called as weekend headaches or weekend headache syndrome. The pain production is due to the vasodilation of cranial arteries. Weekend headaches trigger the onset of tension type headaches.
Triggers for weekend headache
Sleep patterns: Inconsistent sleep patterns can play a major role in the onset of headaches. The biological transition of a person is altered because of irregular sleep pattern.
Stress: Stress is the most predominant predisposing factor in headaches. However, the conditions associated are different because the individual who is prone to a stressful week of work does not adapt to a quiet weekend. This eventually triggers the onset of headaches.
Eating habits: Eating habits especially with relation to the diet consumed during the weekend plays a significant role in weekend headache syndrome. A diet which is high in caffeine and M.S.G and artificial sweeteners trigger the onset of headaches. In addition to this, sudden caffeine withdrawal can also lead to headaches.
Drugs: People who consume marijuana and other narcotics during the weekend are prone to these headaches when they resume their week days.
Chemicals: Constant exposure to toxic chemicals such as paints, fertilizers, molds etc. can cause headaches.
The effects of weekend headache syndrome can also lead to psychological conditions such as depression. This is associated with the individuals work and family life. The predisposing factor is stress. Since weekend headache syndrome is associated with factors pertaining to sudden change in lifestyle, the treatment lies in the gradual change of habits. Some people are advised to take L-tryptophan, an antidepressant amino acid. This helps in relaxation of the mind. Other therapies such as maintaining a positive balance in the work environment. This is also followed by a continuum that has to be followed even during the weekend in order to prevent the biological system from undergoing any kind of sudden unprecedented transitions. Gradual withdrawal from habits such as intake of caffeine can result in prevention of these headaches. Since some weekend headaches are associated with lack of exercise or inconsistent exercise, a pattern of regular exercise can help reduce instances of headaches. Mountain sickness
Mountain sickness or altitude sickness occurs as a result of lower oxygen at higher altitude along with reduced air pressure. It is a series of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea and loss of appetite. Mountain sickness happens with those who have tried to reach faster. If a person suffering from a severe episode of altitude sickness, problems such as shortness of breath, cyanosis, chest constriction and inability to walk might be noticed. It is easier to treat the early signs of mountain sickness. Returning to lower altitude is the safest step. Additional oxygen must be given. Severe symptoms that might arise are pulmonary edema, cerebral edema or retinal hemorrhage. Rest and oxygen usually helps most persons suffering mountain sickness. Aspirin can be taken for headache but sleeping medications must not be taken as they can slow down breathing. A diuretic like Acetazolamide is prescribed. High altitude edema is best treated with Nifedipine.
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