Common Cures-Headaches


	Common Cures: Headaches (Jump to Kids' Care)
Click here to see more Childbirth Educators Say You'll Need This!!! Click Here to see the Family Medicine Cabinet For Infant Care, click here to see the Infant Medicine Cabinet Family Shopping! Do you have questions? Thoughts? Want to chat with Nurse Nana? Visit Nurse Nana's FAQ!	For occasional tension-type headaches First, try massage, hot or cold packs, a warm shower, rest or relaxation techniques. If these measures don't work, try a low dose of aspirin (adults only), acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Moderate exercise may help. For recurrent headaches Keep a headache diary. The diary should include such factors as the severity of pain, frequency and duration of the headache, related symptoms you may feel, the location of the pain, your family history of headaches, and triggers that may set off your headaches. Avoid triggers, as possible. To do so may require lifestyle changes. Get adequate sleep and exercise. Special migraine self-care Begin treatment when you feel a migraine coming. This approach is your best chance to stop it early. Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin (adults only) at the recommended dosage for pain relief. Some people can abort an attack by going to sleep in a darkened room or consuming caffeine (coffee or cola). Medical help If self-care doesn't help after 1 or 2 days, see your health care provider. He or she will try to determine the type and cause of your headache, will try to exclude other possible sources of pain and may do tests. Your physician may prescribe one of many pain medications. Different medications are used for different types of headaches. For severe migraines, your physician may prescribe a medication that mimics serotonin, a nerve chemical in your body. For frequent migraine attacks, your physician may prescribe a preventive medication to use on a daily basis. Caution Don't ignore unexplained headaches. Get medical attention right away if your headache: Strikes suddenly and severely Accompanies a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties Follows a recent sore throat or respiratory infection Worsens after a head injury, fall or bump Is a new pain, and you're over 40 Kids' care Recurrent headaches are common during late childhood and adolescence. They rarely represent a serious problem. Headache is associated with many viral illnesses. However, if your child frequently complains of headache, even during times when he is otherwise well, consult your physician. Migraine headaches may occur in children and may be suspected if there is a family history of migraine. In children, this type of headache often is accompanied by vomiting, light sensitivity and sleep. Recovery follows within a few hours. A headache may indicate stress with school, friends or family. It may be a reaction to a medication, particularly a decongestant. If you think it's a tension-type headache, try the nonmedicating tips listed above in 'self-care'. If it occurs frequently, help your child keep a headache diary. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen sparingly and briefly to avoid missing serious problems that the pain reliever may be masking. If your child's headache persists, comes suddenly without explanation or gets steadily worse, call your health care provider. Also call about headaches that follow recent ear infections, toothaches, strep throat or other infections. Be sure to tell your physician if there is any family history of migraines. That information could help lead to a diagnosis. Avoiding headache triggers Does a particular food, drink or activity trigger your headaches? Some people can eliminate headaches by avoiding triggers. Triggers vary among individuals. Here are some common ones: Alcohol, red wine Smoking Stress or fatigue Eye strain Physical or sexual activity Poor posture Changing sleeping patterns or mealtimes Certain foods, such as bananas, caffeine, aged cheeses, chocolate, citrus fruits, food additives (sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate) and nuts or peanut butter Weather, altitude or time zone changes Hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle or menopause, oral contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy Strong or flickering lights Odors, including perfumes, flowers or natural gas Polluted air or stuffy rooms Excessive noise