It is difficult to find someone who has not suffered from a headache at some point in their life, whether due to fatigue, a cold or spending long hours in front of a screen. Headaches, the medical term for headaches, are one of the most common disorders of the nervous system, affecting 50% of the adult population. Although most cases are not serious, they can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them.
Dr. Neus Fabregat, neurologist at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains: “According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), headaches constitute the sixth most disabling group of diseases in terms of days of healthy life lost due to illness.” Headaches are divided into two large groups: primary headaches, which represent 90% of cases and are characterized by pain with specific criteria, and secondary headaches, which are a consequence of other diseases, such as infections, cerebral vascular pathologies, tumors or traumas. Within the group of primary headaches, the most common is tension headache, which is caused by muscle tension in the forehead and neck, and manifests itself as constant pressure.
According to recent data from the WHO, headaches constitute the sixth most disabling group of diseases in terms of days of healthy life lost due to illness.
One of the most common headaches is migraine, characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headache, which often worsen with exposure to light, noise or odors. This throbbing pain usually spreads throughout the head and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In other types of headache, the pain may be electrical, like a cramp; tebrante, like a drill; or explosive. Very often, this pain is disabling for the patient, forcing them to suspend all activity.
In addition, symptoms such as drooping eyelids, differences in pupil dilation, tearing, redness of the eyes or vertigo may appear. Although annoying, these symptoms are usually part of the usual picture. However, there are warning signs that require urgent medical attention, such as vision disturbances, weakness in extremities, tingling sensations in the arms and legs, speech problems, and dizziness or unsteadiness when standing.
Many headaches are caused by factors such as stress, diet, hormonal changes, climate changes, lack or excess of sleep, or the use of certain drugs, such as vasodilators. Another factor that triggers headaches is the hereditary factor, especially in the case of migraine. It is estimated that 80% of migraine patients have a family history, such as parents or siblings who also suffer from it. Starting with puberty, due to hormonal changes, the incidence of migraine increases in women. Although most headache episodes are sporadic, around 2.5% of patients develop a chronic form each year. Sometimes it can also happen the other way around.
A person is considered to have chronic headache when they have a headache more than 15 days a month, of which at least 8 meet the criteria for a migraine. Although treatment for the most serious cases usually includes medication, Dr. Fabregat warns that “one of the determining factors in the chronification of migraine is the excessive consumption of medications.” In fact, around 50% of patients self-medicate, which contributes to chronic pain. Drug abuse is considered when more than 10 anti-inflammatories or more than 15 triptans are consumed per month.
One of the determining factors in the chronification of migraine is the excessive consumption of medications.
When starting treatment, it is essential to identify the type of headache the patient has, as well as its triggers. Based on this evaluation, a plan will be established for the treatment of acute pain crises. The most common medications, depending on the type of headache, include anti-inflammatories, triptans, anxiolytics or paracetamol. In addition, relaxation techniques and exercise usually work. In the case of migraine, it is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent a severe attack and, in more serious situations, preventive treatment is recommended.
Although this condition can be frustrating, most primary headaches are controllable, especially if you act at the first symptoms. The most effective way to relieve pain, or at least reduce it, is to rest in a quiet, dark room, apply a cold cloth to your head, and use any relaxation techniques. Professionals emphasize that the key is prevention, which is based on the adoption of healthy habits.
How to identify headaches
Keeping a headache diary can be helpful. Experts recommend writing down the following data:
1
Date and time of onset of headache.
2
Relationship with drugs or foods consumed.
3
Accompanying symptoms of headache.
4
Hours of sleep prior to the episode.
5
Duration of the headache and what measures were taken to relieve it.
#Headache #disabling #diseases
