What Is Headache?

Headache

Definition

it is a symptom of an underlying disorder rather than a disease itself.


Types

Mainly two types:

1. Primary Headache

2. Secondary Headache


1. Primary Headache

is of three types.

(a) Tension headache

(b) Migraine or Vascular headache

(c) Cluster headache


(a) Tension Headache :

It is due to emotional and physical stress. It occurs mostly temporal area, forehead, and backside of the head. Also known as muscle contraction headache.


Treatment

• Narcotic analgesics.

• NSADs

• Muscle relaxant (Baclofen)

• Antidepressant and tranquilizers, e.g., imipraminhe.


Nursing Management

• Provide reassurance to the patient.

• Provide behavioral therapy to patients.


(b) Migraine (Vascular Headache):

A recurrent throbbing headache that
characteristically affects one side of the head. Due to spasm and subsequent dilation of certain arteries in the brain.

Women are more susceptible than men.



Signs/Symptoms

• Pain in one side of head

• Periodic attack of pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Visual disturbance

• Tingling

• Photophobia.


Treatment

• Analgesic, e.g, Acetaminophen.

• 6HT agonist, e.g, Sumatriptan (It rapidly reverse the dilation of blood vessels).

• Antihistamines, especially (cyploheptadine) which inhibit the effects of serotonin.

Prophylactic Measures

Restrict chocolate, alcohol, onions, yeast product, caffeine product, etc. in the diet. It

(c) Cluster Headache :

It occurs mainly in men. It starts from the eye orbit and then radiates to the facial and temporal region.


Signs/Symptoms

• Throbbing pain

• Nasal congestion

• Watery eyes

• Red skin on the affected side.


Treatment

• Cold application

• Analgesics, e.g., Indonethacin

• Antidepressants, e.g,

[ ] Imipramine

[ ] Phenelzine

[ ] Fluoxetine.


2. Secondary Headache :

It occurs in case of brain tumour, meningitis, subarachnoid
hemorrhage, and hypertension, etc.

• In brain tumors, headache is characterized by weakness, visual loss, and seizures.

• In meningitis, stiffness of the neck with headache is common.

• In hypertension, headache may be dull and occipital type. It may occur in the morning mostly.


Treatment

• Treatment with secondary disease management which causes headache.