Understanding Your Headaches
Common Types of Headaches
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Tension headaches: Feels like a tight band around your head
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Migraines: Intense throbbing pain, often with nausea and light sensitivity
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Cluster headaches: Severe pain around one eye
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Sinus headaches: Pressure and pain in face and forehead
Headache Triggers
Common triggers to monitor:
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns
- Certain foods and beverages
- Environmental factors (bright lights, loud noises)
- Hormonal changes
- Dehydration
Management Strategies
Immediate Relief
- Find a quiet, dark room
- Apply cold or hot compress
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Take prescribed medications as directed
Prevention Strategies
- Maintain regular sleep schedule
- Stay hydrated (6-8 glasses of water daily)
- Exercise regularly
- Practice stress management
- Keep a headache diary
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Headaches are severe or worsening
- New symptoms develop
- Headaches interfere with daily activities
- Current treatment stops working
Emergency Warning Signs
- Sudden, severe headache
- Headache with fever and stiff neck
- Headache following head injury
- Vision changes or speech problems
Treatment Options
Non-Medication Approaches
- Relaxation techniques
- Acupuncture
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
Medication Options
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription medications
- Preventive medications
- Emergency medications
Creating Your Management Plan
Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that includes:
- Trigger identification and avoidance
- Medication schedule
- Lifestyle modifications
- Emergency action plan