Question 1

What is headache?

Accepted Answer

Migraine headaches are a type of headache that some people get repeatedly over time. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. Most people, however, do not have such warning symptoms. See also: • Common migraine (which have no warning symptoms or aura) • Classic migraine (which have an aura consisting of visual disturbances before the headache starts) • Mixed tension migraine (has features of both migraines and tension headache)

Question 2

What are the risk factors for headache?

Accepted Answer

A lot of people get migraines - about 6 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46, may run in families, and occur in women more often than men. Migraines are classified as either "common" or "classic". Common migraines do not have any warning symptoms, while classic migraines do have a warning (the aura). Most migraine patients have the common type. The exact cause of migraine is not known. Migraine headaches are related to problems with blood flow through parts of the brain. At the start of a migraine, blood vessels in certain areas of the brain constrict (narrow), leading to symptoms like visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of headache?

Accepted Answer

Migraine headaches, which can be dull or severe, usually: • Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating • Are worse on one side of the head • Last 6 to 48 hours Symptoms accompanying migraines include: • Nausea and vomiting • Sensitivity to light or sound • Loss of appetite • Fatigue • Numbness, tingling, or weakness Warning signs that a migraine is coming include seeing stars or zigzag lines, having tunnel vision, or temporary blind spot. Symptoms that may linger even after the migraine has gone away include: • Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp • Increased need for sleep • Neck pain

Question 4

How is headache treated?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or altering triggers. When you do get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away. The headache may be less severe. A good way to identify triggers is to keep a headache diary. See headache. When migraine symptoms begin: • Rest in a quiet, darkened room. • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration (especially if you have vomited). • Try placing a cool cloth on your head. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful, especially when your migraine is mild. If these don't help, ask your doctor about prescription medications.

Question 5

What is the outlook for headache?

Accepted Answer

Every person responds differently to treatment. Some people have rare headaches that require little to no treatment. Others require the use of several medications or even occasional hospitalization.

Question 6

What are the complications of headache?

Accepted Answer

• Migraine headaches generally represent no significant threat to your overall health. However, they can be chronic, recurrent, frustrating, and they may interfere with your day-to-day life. • Stroke is an extremely rare complication from severe migraines. This risk may be due to prolonged narrowing of the blood vessels, limiting blood flow to parts of the brain for an extended period of time.

Question 7

Can headache be prevented?

Accepted Answer

• Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol. • Exercise regularly. • Get enough sleep each night. • Learn to relax and reduce stress. Try progressive muscle relaxation (contracting and releasing muscles throughout your body), meditation, biofeedback, or joining a support group. If you get at least three headaches per month, your doctor may prescribe medication for you to prevent recurrent migraines.

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