This article reviews information from the 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) report "Neurological disorders: public health challenges."
Migraines
A migraine is regularly occurring inflammatory response to chemicals released by the brain, leading to excessive dilation of the blood vessels in the brain. Headaches and nausea are the most regular features of migraine.
Many events may trigger a migraine in sufferers, including hormonal changes, high light levels, differences in temperature, and food allergies.
Women are much more likely than men to be sufferers, perhaps due to the hormonal triggers of the disorder.
Migraine is typically treated with medication, such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, however, it must be taken quickly after an attack, or the nausea will cause the individual to block absorption of the medication. After this time, it may be necessary to administer medication rectally.
Tension-type Events
Most people experience tension type headaches, which are more frequent for women than for men. The pain can be described as pressure, tightness, or a band around the head.
Usually over the counter medicines such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen is sufficient. If the medication stops responding to these analgesics, a doctor is often consulted.
If the pain is experienced more than two days a week, analgesics for the pain when it occurs are not recommended. Physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and relaxation therapy such as Biofeedback are often prescribed.
Cluster Type Headaches
These are rare disorders, affecting only 3 in 1000 people. The pain occurs frequently, lasts only a short time, and is extremely severe. The headache is centered around the eye on only one side, usually at night for six to twelve weeks during a year. The sufferer experiences a red and watery eye, a blocked nose, and a drooping eyelid.
Because the Cluster type is rare, it is often misdiagnosed as the result of another disorder, such as tooth infection. They are best treated by a specialist, such as a Neurologist, and may be a symptom of a larger problem.
Medication-overuse Disorders
When medication is overused to treat a headache, more severe pain can develop. Eventually, the pain can last all day, going up and down as medication is taken.
Technically known as trigeminal autonomic cephalagias, these cluster-type occurrences can be either episodic or chronic.
Doctors recommend taking analgesics for no more than fifteen days in a row for headaches. When Medication-overuse is indicated, the treatment is withdrawal, or removal of the medications. This will at first lead to a worsening of the pain, and at times nausea and sleep disturbances. However, with appropriate planning, treatment is often successful.
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