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What is Chronic Headache?Three severe headache attacks per week that affect quality of lifeand have not responded to at least three consecutive trials ofpreventive treatments.Can be divided into : Tension headaches ,Cluster headaches,Migraines, vascular headaches, due to sinusitis,
Chronic Headache is generally known as migraine.Nowadays, chronic headache is observed in mostage groups.
www.faythclinic.comChronic Headache among age groups
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Age groups suffering from chronicheadache are:
ChildrenMiddle agedElderly
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Chronic Headache in Children AndAdolescents
Children and teens can experience headaches due to stress, irregulareating habits, irregular routine (sleep,food, physical exercise),ovulation and menstruation, high caffeine intake , concussion , highgrade fever , chronic sinusitis , vision disturbances or refractionerrors , sports related injuries to head.
stress irregular sleep irregular food habits
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Avoidance of triggers and setting a regular schedule;rest and even sleep in a quiet dark room; relaxationand stress management techniques are helpful;medications involve mainly painkillers. Medicaltreatment for sinusitis, correction of refractive errors ,treatment for high grade fever.
Treatment:
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Chronic Headache in Adults
Tension headacheMigraine headacheChronic dailyheadacheCluster headache
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Tension headache: caused by musclecontractions in the head and neckregions.
Migraine headache: Migraineheadache is a result of specific changesin the brain.It causes severe headpain.
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Chronic headache: If you have a headachemore days than not, you are experiencingchronic daily headaches.
Cluster headache :is a neurologicaldisorder characterized by recurrent,severe headaches on one side of the head,typically around the eye.
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Chronic Headache among ElderlyIn older people headache is usually due to:
Tension or depressionHeadache may be as a result of some underlyingdiseaseSome medication, usually drugs may causeheadache as a side effect
cause: tension
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Inflammation or other problems with theblood vessels in and around the brain,including strokeInfections, such as meningitisIntracranial pressure that's either toohigh or too lowBrain tumorTraumatic brain injury
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SYMPTOMS
Headaches may be severe throbbing , dull aching ,localised to one side of head or on both sides of head .May be associated with nausea or vomiting or both May be aggravated with loud noise or bright lights
vomiting loud noise can cause headache
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May be aggravated due to sudden rise inblood pressure or fall in blood sugarlevel Tearing or redness of the eye on theaffected sideNasal congestion or runny noseDrooping eyelid or pupil narrowingSensation of restlessness
redness of the eye
nasal congestion
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WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR
You usually have two or more headaches a weekYou take a pain reliever for your headaches most daysYou need more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain remedies to relieve your headachesYour headache pattern changes or your headachesworsenYour headaches are disabling
You must see doctor when..
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PROMPT MEDICAL CARESeek prompt medical care if your headache:
Is sudden and severeAccompanies a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, doublevision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speakingFollows a head injuryGets worse despite rest and pain medication
stiff neck double vision pain killers
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TREATMENTTreatment for an underlying condition stops frequentheadaches. When no other condition is identified , preventionof pain is the main feature.Prevention strategies differ, depending on the type of headacheand whether medication overuse is contributing to theseheadaches. Complimentary or alternative therapies like massage,accupressure , accupuncture may also be helpful.
accupuncture massage
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COPING & SUPPORTTake control. Commit to living a full, satisfying life &Working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan thatworks for you. Develop a positive attitude to life.Seek understanding from family members and friendsCheck out support groups to talk to other people who havepainful headaches.Consider counseling.
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For more details:
Headache Management inMumbai