Headache. Part of the Health Hints series from, Tierney’s Haven Pharmacy. Rathdrum. Co. Wicklow. HEADACHE. A headache is a pain in the head which needs diagnosis before being treated. Headaches are among the most common medical problems. Around 40% of the population will get at least one headache a year. If the headache involves any of the following then you should seek medical help from your GP. *sudden onset of headache and pain. *dizziness and lack of co-ordination. *stiff neck. *delayed mental reactions. *severe headache *first time headache in the under 5s or over 50s. *any child with a headache should be brought to the doctor immediately. *elderly people who develop a first time headache should be brought to the doctor immediately. *any headache that lasts longer than a few hours should involve a visit to the doctor. *a change in the pattern of headaches may indicate a serious problem and you should see your Doctor immediately. Eg an increase in frequency of headaches or an increase in the intensity of headaches *a headache around the eyes may indicate glaucoma. *a headache at the side of the eye may be a sign of a sinus infection. Most headaches are not dangerous. However a headache may be an early warning sign of a brain tumour or haemorrhage. A headache may also indicate infection, glaucoma, Blood pressure or a sinus infection. Some headaches can actually be caused by over use of headache medication. If you have any doubts it is important to discuss this with your pharmacist who may refer you to your GP. Many headaches are tension headaches and can be treated by your pharmacist. Sometimes stress headaches will need to have the cause of the stress treated. *too much caffeine or chocolate may induce a headache. *some people may suffer from dehydration which can lead to headaches. Tension headaches are generally caused by muscle tension around the head, shoulders and neck. They can be caused by stress, fatigue or by being in an uncomfortable body position. Tension headache is generally a pain above the eyes or in the back of the head. Migraine and cluster headaches are different. Initially these can be treated with OTC medicines but they may require medical attention, particularly if severe and if they cause nausea and vomiting. Migraine headaches usually begin suddenly and may also include nausea, vomiting and visual side effects. Migraine headaches can occur frequently and for a long period of time. Patients who suffer regular migraine headaches should see their doctor. For most headaches, your pharmacist can suggest pain relief and maybe some anti-nausea medication or a decongestant. Chronic daily headache can sometimes be associated with overuse of headache medication. The International Headache Society suggests that medicine overuse headache can develop with regular intake of painkillers or with regular intake of Codeine containing painkillers. This type of headache often occurs when patients take painkillers to try to prevent a headache, rather than treat an existing headache. The important message is not to take painkillers on a regular basis to prevent headache. *regular treatment with painkillers in anticipation of a headache almost always leads to medicine overuse headaches. *sometimes stress, anxiety and depression co-exists in patients with chronic daily headache. If in doubt consult your pharmacist. Health Hint From Tierney’s Haven Pharmacy, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 17:12:46 +0000
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