Samobathi Pain Clinic - 6/Z Umakanta Sen Lane Kolkata 700030
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Headaches : Types, Symptoms, Treatment
Headache is a common condition that involves pain or discomfort in the head, face, or neck. There are many types and causes of headaches, and they can vary in how often they occur and how severe they are. Some headaches are primary, meaning they are not caused by another medical condition. Other headaches are secondary, meaning they are a symptom of an underlying condition or a result of certain factors.
Types of headache
Headaches are mainly of two types
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Primary (then headache itself is a disease )
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Secondary (Caused by some other diseases like trauma, infection)
Primary Headaches are more common
Common Primary headaches
Suffering from Headaches
Three types of Primary Headaches are more common and disabling daily life.
They are -
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Tension type headache
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Migraine
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Cluster headache
Symptoms and treatment options for Migraine, Tension type Headache and Cluster Headache
MIGRAINE HEADACHE
Symptoms of Migraine
Migraine headache usually starts from one side of head then it may sometimes involve the whole head.
Occurs commonly in women,
Pain is usually throbbing or pulsating in nature. Sometimes it may be associated with typical aura. Avoidance from light and sound is usually observed. Usually associated with nausea and vomiting. Pain attacks may lasts for 72 hours. Pain intensity is usually moderate to severe.
Treatment for Migraine
Initial Management -
To prevent migraine attacks medicines. like Flunarizine , Propranolol, Divalproex sodium , Topiramate are used as per the requirements and associated conditions of the patient.
The following drugs are used to abort / stop the attacks -
Pparacetamol, Ergotamine , Sumatriptan depending on need and physical condition of the patient .
When Migraine is not relieving with medicines the following treatment is done -
Botox injection for resistant chronic migraine.
TENSION TYPE HEADACHE
Symptoms of Tension Type Headache
Tension type headache usually starts as a pressured or band like sensation around head.
The pain usually do not increases on day to day daily activities. Pain may last 30 minutes to 7 days.
The pain may be aggravated by stress , sleep disturbance or fatigue .
Tension type headache is the most common primary headache .
Treatment for Tension Type Headache
Most of the times it responds with common analgesics like common pain killers like aspirin and paracetamol.
In come resistant and non remitting cases preventing medications like low dose anti depressants and anxiolytics are required
When Tension Type Headache is not relieving with medicines the following treatment is done -
Occipital Nerve Blocks
CLUSTER HEADACHE
Symptoms of Cluster Headache
Cluster headache unlike other headaches is more common in males . It is associated with severe one sided pain in head or behind one eye. The pain is very severe intensity, and may be associated with redness of eyes, nasal stuffiness, excessive sweating, or puffiness in one side of face, There may be eyelid swelling and increased tearing .
Treatment for Cluster Headache
Treatment for abortion / stopping acute attacks
Custer Headaches can be aborted by oxygen inhalation, 100% oxygen 7 L / minute via a face mask , sumatriptan, sublingual
ergotamine.
To prevent the attacks Verapamil or prednisone is used .
When Cluster Headache is not relieving with medicines the following treatment is done
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment of
the Ganglion Pterygopalatinum (PPG)