Headache is a common problem that can be equally common in men and women. If pain often manifests itself, then it is worth visiting a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
It is worth noting that the causes of headaches can be very different, from simple hypothermia or a cold to serious diseases, including tumors. Painful sensations can vary in degree of intensity and it is sometimes difficult to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
The peculiarity of eliminating painful spasms largely depends on the provoking factors of the ongoing diseases. That is why it is important to determine the cause of the headache.
Main reasons
The causes of a headache can be very different, and various pathological processes that affect pain receptors and trigger the mechanism of development of cephalgia can provoke it. A similar condition manifests itself in the form of various diseases, and sometimes it is the only sign. In this regard, it is important to determine exactly the nature of the pain:
- throbbing
- compressive;
- compressive;
- bursting;
- dumb;
- spicy.
The occurrence of cephalgia may be due to factors such as:
- low or high blood pressure;
- vascular mechanisms;
- effects on nerve endings;
- muscle tension in the neck and head;
- a combination of all these mechanisms.
The activation of all pathological mechanisms is performed by several factors. Among the main causes of headaches, a change in blood pressure can be distinguished. This occurs as a result of increased vascular sensitivity to oxygen deficiency. Oxygen starvation can trigger a hypertensive crisis. Often, painful sensations are localized in the back of the head, however, at high values, patients note nausea, pulsation in the temples, impaired vision, dizziness.
Headache can be divided into primary and secondary. Primary types of cephalgia include such as:
- various types of migraine;
- cluster pain;
- pain of tension;
- other species.
The primary form of pain occurs when certain stimuli are exposed. The idiopathic kind of pain is due to migraine. Initially, it forms in the eye, in the crown of the head, temples, but its duration is short-lived.
When exposed to cold, pain is localized in the forehead and has a short effect. With prolonged bronchitis, the headache mainly occurs in the temples.
The secondary type of cephalgia is a consequence of the pathological process. It is mainly caused by diseases such as:
- injuries
- vascular lesions of the neck and head;
- the use of certain medications;
- infectious diseases;
- diseases of the internal organs;
- structural changes in the skull;
- impaired vision and hearing;
- brain tumors.
The causes of persistent headache in men are due to the occurrence of severe attacks (clusters). They haunt a person for a long time and are mainly observed at night. They last about 1 minute, then cram a little, and the attack repeats again.
The causes of headache and nausea are mainly associated with the onset of migraine. Soreness is localized mainly on one side of the head. A distinctive feature of the course of migraine is the pulsating nature of the pain. In the presence of attacks, the patient is very difficult to endure harsh sounds, smells, as well as bright light. Pain can experience severe weakness, decreased performance, and a person constantly wants to sleep.
Frequent and chronic pain
The causes of a constant headache are mainly hidden in the conduct of an improper lifestyle and in violation of the psychoemotional background. Among the main prerequisites for the occurrence of frequent painful sensations are such as:
- oxygen starvation;
- hypokinesia;
- excessive static loads;
- stress and psychological stress.
Among the main causes of severe headache, osteochondrosis can be distinguished. In this case, painful sensations are localized in the back of the head, as well as in the arms and shoulders. Sudden movements and turns can provoke a very sharp headache, which is often so intense that you even have to call an ambulance.
Chronic diseases of the sinuses, neuritis and glaucoma can provoke discomfort. In this case, localization of pain in the temples or forehead.
Cephalgia in pregnant women
Causes of headaches in women can occur due to pregnancy. In addition, there may additionally be nausea and even vomiting. Cephalgia attacks can trigger the same factors as other people. However, it is worth noting that the body begins to rebuild in order to prepare for delivery, therefore, it becomes overly sensitive to a change in environment.
In connection with the ongoing change in the hormonal background, as well as an increase in the circulating blood required for proper nutrition of the fetus, a woman often has pressure fluctuations. In addition, some chronic diseases can provoke discomfort.
Some note that pregnancy is the cause of headaches in women. A great problem is also created by diseases of the spine, which have to withstand a very large load. The violation of the blood supply to the brain, which occurs during the course of osteochondrosis, is extremely undesirable for a pregnant woman, as this leads to changes in blood pressure and fainting.
Be sure to pay attention to the ongoing problem and consult a doctor in a timely manner for a comprehensive diagnosis. Treatment is carried out by a neurologist or therapist, depending on the provoking factor. Basically, after childbirth, migraine goes away without treatment, but the problem is that during pregnancy it is forbidden to take many medications.
Causes of headache, nausea and seizures during pregnancy can occur due to a pathological condition - preeclampsia. With the occurrence of such a disease, hospitalization of the patient is necessary, as there is a risk to the life of the woman and her child.
Cephalgia in children
For a long time it was believed that the head in children rarely hurts, but this is far from the case. Just small children can not always correctly assess their condition and indicate the localization of painful sensations. The child begins to be capricious, his temperature rises, there may be vomiting, but adults often attribute this condition to the course of the infection.
In older children, pain can be triggered by the course of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
A fairly common manifestation is migraine pain. Often, girls suffer from such a violation.
Among the main causes of headaches in children, neurological pathologies can be distinguished. In some cases, even a simple touch on the baby's head can provoke significant pain.
In addition, discomfort can occur with the course of sinusitis and sinusitis, which are a complication of acute respiratory viral infections. Also, among the provoking factors, one can distinguish puberty, as well as overstrain when studying at school. It is quite difficult to eliminate painful sensations with the help of medications. Regardless of the causes of headaches in children, the treatment is carried out by a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist.
Types and localization of pain
Painful sensations can spread throughout the head or can focus only in one part. The causes of headaches in the back of the head are often associated with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as injuries and sprains. At the same time, a person complains of tinnitus and dizziness.
Among the causes of a headache in the frontal part, violations such as:
- sinusitis;
- migraine;
- flu;
- diseases of the oral cavity;
- increase in pressure;
- dental diseases;
- allergic diseases.
The painful sensations are quite intense and often make it difficult to concentrate. They are accompanied by nausea, pain in the eyes, as well as a general deterioration in well-being. In practically healthy people, the causes of a headache in the frontal part are associated with stress, eye fatigue, and mental stress. In the case of a regular violation, you need to contact a neurologist.
Among the main causes of headache in the temples should be highlighted:
- weather change;
- infectious diseases;
- physical stress;
- mental strain;
- poisoning with intoxication.
Similar painful sensations are quite common. It is worth noting that nausea and general discomfort can indicate the presence of serious diseases up to meningitis, stroke, or pinched nerve endings. The causes of headaches in the temples may be associated with a strict diet. In addition, there is severe weakness and nausea.
Diagnostics
If the patient constantly complains of significant discomfort, it is necessary to consult a doctor and establish the cause of frontal headache or pain, localized in another area. To determine the origin of cephalalgia attacks, the following are prescribed:
- tomography;
- pressure control;
- angiography;
- lab tests.
To determine the cause of the headache and pain in the eyes, you need to undergo an additional examination at the ophthalmologist, since with the help of special equipment it is possible to identify violations in the fundus. This will make it possible to determine the exact cause of the attacks. In some cases, consultation with other doctors of narrow specialties is required.
Treatment features
Regardless of the cause of the headache, treatment must necessarily be comprehensive. In particular, pain medications are prescribed. In addition, it is required:
- normalization of lifestyle;
- pressure control;
- taking special medications;
- physiotherapy;
- moderate physical activity;
- treatment of infectious diseases;
- in the presence of serious problems, hospitalization of the patient.
Timely diagnostics will help to identify and eliminate the problem at the initial stage. This will avoid hospitalization, as well as prolonged stay on sick leave.
Drug therapy
Depending on the cause of severe headaches, treatment methods are selected purely individually. Throbbing cramps can often be eliminated with conventional medications designed to quickly eliminate pain. Among the main drugs can be identified such as:
- non-steroidal drugs that eliminate inflammation - "Ibuprofen", "Ketorolac", "Aspirin";
- antispasmodics - "Papaverine", "No-shpa";
- for quick pain relief - Novigan, Pentalgin.
For pain accompanied by an increase in pressure, “Analgin” is prescribed. With a very severe headache, drugs are prescribed against vasoconstriction and cerebral puffiness.
Alternative techniques
You can get rid of a painful condition not only with the help of medications, but also alternative treatment methods are used. These include:
- massage;
- acupuncture;
- balneological treatment.
During the massage, the effect is on certain points, which contributes to the normalization of blood circulation, relaxation of muscle mass. Balneological treatment implies that the therapy is carried out using water of the required temperature. Can be attributed to these procedures and gymnastics on the water.
Acupuncture involves the introduction to the vital points of needles intended for such a procedure. Alternative treatment is carried out for a long time, as well as to prevent the occurrence of subsequent pathological conditions.
Folk techniques
For an effective fight against headaches, folk methods are used in a complex. However, it is worth remembering that before using them, you must definitely consult a doctor so as not to provoke a deterioration in well-being. Whiskey, the back of the head and forehead can be greased with menthol oil and lie down for some time.
With reduced pressure, sweet strong tea has a good effect, and with increased pressure you can steam your feet in hot water to provoke an outflow of blood from the head. To reduce the incidence of headaches will help regular consumption of viburnum, rubbed with sugar. Pads filled with eucalyptus, laurel and mint leaves will help relieve spasms and relax.
Treatment of headaches with folk remedies will be safe only in the absence of serious pathologies and contraindications.
Dieting
You need to plan your daily diet in such a way as not to overload the stomach. It is advisable that breakfast consist of fruits and lunch consists of protein products. Consume starchy foods, preferably with vegetable salads. It is recommended to avoid seasonings and spices. In some people, dairy products, alcohol, and chocolate can trigger a headache.
One of the most effective remedies for headaches is lemon. You need to squeeze his juice into a cup of tea and drink. This will make it possible to quickly normalize well-being. Apples will be very useful, regardless of the cause of the discomfort. Before consuming food, it is recommended to drink a glass of water with the addition of honey, as well as a plentiful drink throughout the day.
Forecast
Many types of headaches are not serious pathologies, and they can be easily eliminated even without specialized treatment. And some are provoked by the occurrence of dangerous diseases. Failure to conduct therapy in a timely manner can lead to severe disability and even death.