Brain Freeze
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Blame everything for the throbbing headache, it’s one of the things we don’t like to have but still we have them in different forms. Good thing is that everything can be treated and alleviated in some ways.
Tension Headache – this feels like a monster’s hand squeezing our brains out. It may start out as stiffness in the neck, forehead, scalp and face, as overlying tight muscles irritate nerve endings, which relay pain signals to the brain. It’s usually caused by too much stress – lack of sleep, lots of work to do, working under pressure, the traffic jam when you’re already late, skipping meals, caffeine and alcohol. Pop up some over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to take the pain away during its first attack. Or this might be a call for a trip to a spa. Treat yourself with at least a 30-minute massage. Stress-free yourself and enroll in the gym. Regular exercise allows the body to release endorphins- natural painkillers.
Goggle Headache – common to swimmers due to tight-fitting goggles. This is caused by the constant pressure on the nerves of the scalp.
Sinus Headache – others term it as allergic rhinitis as anything that irritates the sinuses like cold environment, dust or malodorous perfume, can inflame them which causes painful pounding around the eyes thereafter. Furthermore, sinus infections can make things worse. The pressure inside the sinuses should naturally match the atmospheric pressure; so if you’re already stuffy and a pressure-altering storm rolls in, your sinuses can’t readily adjust and a more intense hurt between the brows would result. To decrease the painful sensation; place a warm, damp cloth over your eyes. To relieve the congestion, use an over-the-counter nasal spray. Consult the doctor if the symptoms persist for more than four days. Try to avoid allergens as much as you can. Clean up your environment.
Migraine – the most painful and there is a wide variety of stimuli that may cause it. Of course we know about stress, bright light, too much or too little of sleep, hunger, chocolate, red wine that swell up your brain blood vessels. It can last for hours, even days. To determine if it’s already migraine; meet two of these three criteria – it keeps you from your normal activities, sensitivity to light, and nausea. OTC drugs may not be of help, as most sufferers would need prescription pain relievers to get rid of pain. Get a dose of the pain killer at the first sign of pain. Take Vitamin B supplements that can help reduce frequency, severity and disability of migraines. Also try acupuncture.
Rebound Headache – this happens after over using headache meds. Your body becomes dependent of the pain meds and when you stop taking them, you will feel more and more intense pain.
Cluster Headache – they appear in “clusters” that lasts for weeks, or months, even years before vanishing. How very very irritating!
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