Chronic Headache Information - - Side Effects of Modern Medical
Treatments for Chronic Headache.
Definition
The two most common type of headaches are:
1) Tension-type headaches
2) Vascular headaches
Headaches may also result from:
1) Existing medical conditions
2) Medications such as analgesics
Tension-Type Headaches
75% of all headaches are tension-type headaches, caused by a tightening
of the muscles in the back of the neck and the scalp. This tightening of
the muscles decreases the blood flow to the head, and irritates the pain
fibers in the skin, muscles, and walls of the blood vessels.
Tension-type headaches produce a steady, constant pain on both sides of
the head which can last anywhere from several hours to several days, or
even months. If these headaches occur regularly over a period of years
they are considered to be chronic. Tension-type headaches can be
triggered by:
muscle strain
stress
fatigue
specific foods
menstruation
depression and anxiety
medications (see section on "Analgesic Rebound Headaches")
Vascular Headaches
Vascular headaches are caused by dilation of the blood vessels in the
head, and are characterized by a throbbing or pounding pain, usually on
one side of the head. The most common vascular headaches are:
1. Migraines
2. Cluster headaches
3. Migraine Headaches Caused By Medical Conditions
28 million people in the United States suffer from migraine
headaches—12% of the total population (6% of all males, 18% of all
females). For more than 70% of migraine sufferers the tendency to have
migraines is hereditary. Migraines often begin during adolescence, but
occur most frequently in adults between the ages of 35 and 45. Migraines
are associated with changing levels of seratonin, a neurotransmitter
produced in the brain.
At the onset of a migraine headache the seratonin levels first rise and
then fall dramatically. In addition to a throbbing or pounding pain on
one side of the head, migraine sufferers also experience nausea, extreme
sensitivity to light and noise, and sometimes dizziness or
lightheadedness. The pain is aggravated by activity. 20% of migraine
sufferers experience a visual disturbance (aura) at the onset of the
headache, usually 20 to 60 minutes before the headache starts.
The aura is experienced as flashes of light or shimmering jagged lines
in the field of vision. The individual may also experience blank spots
in the field of vision, tunnel vision, numbness, weakness, or difficulty
speaking. Migraine headaches can be triggered by:
diet
skipping meals
alcohol
stress
fatigue
changes in sleep patterns
bright lights
television
loud noise
menstruation
environmental changes
weather changes
strong emotional states, such as depression, anxiety or excitement
Cluster Headaches
Over 1 million people in the United States suffer from cluster
headaches. 90% are male, and most are between the ages of 20 and 30. The
name "cluster headaches" is used because they occur in groups, up to 4
times a day. They are also referred to as "alarm clock headaches" since
they usually occur at the same time each day, often in the night or in
the early morning hours. Cluster headaches are the most painful type of
headache, producing a sharp burning or piercing sensation. The pain is
felt on one side of the head, usually behind the eye. During the
headache the eye becomes watery and inflamed, and the pupil will
contract. The nose may become congested on the same side of the head as
the pain. Cluster headaches are short, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes
to 1 or 2 hours. Because the attack is so brief, administering medications can
be difficult. Cluster headaches usually occur for a few weeks or months
at a time and then go into remission for months or even years.
Cluster Headaches can be triggered by:
smoking
alcohol
histamines
nitroglycerin
Headaches Caused By Medical Conditions
Headaches may also occur due to flu, fever, infections, internal
bleeding, and tumors, or in connection with conditions such as
sinusitis, allergies, arthritis, or head injury. In these cases, once
the contributing condition is relieved the headache goes away.
Analgesic Rebound Headaches
Analgesic Rebound Headaches are caused by prescription or
non-prescription headache medications. Analgesic agents are used to
treat headache symptoms, but when they are taken on a daily basis they
can become the cause of headaches.
Since the medication interferes with the body's natural ability to fight
pain, the body becomes extremely susceptible to pain once the influence
of the drug has worn off.
Headache Statistics
Every day one out of seven Americans stops or limits their activity due
to a headache.
Each year 90% of all men and 95% of all women have at least one
headache.
10 million people visit the doctor each year due to headaches
Absenteeism and medical care for headaches costs the United States over
50 billion dollars annually.
Over 40 million people suffer from chronic headaches that recur for
years.
Each year more than 4 billion dollars is spent on over-the-counter
medications for headaches, many of which are not effective in relieving
the pain. Harmful effects, which can be serious and even lethal, are
associated with every facet of modern medicine.
Hazards of "Modern" Medicine Pertaining to Chronic Headache Avoided by
Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health
Drugs of "Modern" Medicine and their side effects
The most common drug used for treating headaches are:
Over-the-counter analgesics (pain relievers) Prescription analgesics
Vasoconstrictors
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Antidepressants
Muscle relaxants
Over-the-counter analgesics (pain relievers)
Over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin and acetaminophen are sold
as pain relievers and may help reduce inflammation. They are sometimes
combined with other ingredients such as caffeine in an attempt to
improve the effectiveness of the drug. Side effects of over-the-counter
analgesics include:
nausea
dizziness
lightheadedness
rebound headaches
Overdose of prescription analgesics can create other health problems
such as:
anxiety
confusion
excitement
restlessness
insomnia
slurred speech
addiction
Prescription analgesics
Prescription analgesics are used for moderate and severe pain associated
with tension-type headaches and migraines.
Either single analgesics, such as ibuprofen and meclofenamate, or
combination analgesics may be prescribed. The combination analgesics are
thought to be more effective, but are also more dangerous to use because
they may be combined with habit forming agents such as sedatives or
codeine. Side effects of prescription analgesics include:
bloating
dizziness
drowsiness
nausea
gastric irritation
ulcers
rebound headaches
Vasoconstrictors
Since vasoconstrictors have even more serious side effects than
analgesics, they are usually prescribed for vascular headaches only when
analgesics fail.
They attempt to prevent headaches by stopping the blood vessels from
swelling.
The most common vasoconstrictor is ergotamine. Dihydroergotamine (DHE)
is an intravenous form of ergotamine. Due to the dangers of their side
effects, it is advised not to use vasoconstrictors more that once very 4
days. Side effects of vasoconstrictors include:
circulatory problems
changes in blood pressure
sensitivity to cold
numbness
blurred vision
drowsiness
nausea
Beta blockers
Beta blockers are used primarily for hypertension and other
cardiovascular disorders, but they may also be prescribed for vascular
headaches. They are given to stabilize the action of the blood vessels
and prevent them
from dilating. These drugs used on a daily basis with the goal of
preventing headaches. It is important that beta blockers are not used by
people with asthma or other respiratory diseases. Side effects of beta
blockers include:
difficulty breathing
hallucinations
skin discoloration
depression
fever
sore throat
slurred speech
numbness
nausea and vomiting
stomach pains
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers are generally used for treating cardiovascular
disorders, however they may also be prescribed to treat vascular
headaches such as migraines and cluster headaches. The goal of using
calcium channel blockers is to disallow calcium ions from entering the
muscle cells of the blood vessels, and thereby keep the blood vessels
from swelling. These drugs are taken on a daily basis in the hope of
preventing headaches. Side effects of calcium channel blockers include:
loss of balance
fainting
muscle stiffness
trembling
difficulty speaking
Antidepressants
Antidepressants such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are
used to treat chronic tension-type headaches.
They act as an analgesic and may also have an effect on depression
related to the headache. The most common antidepressant used is
amitriptyline. Side effects of tricyclics or monoamine oxidase
inhibitors include:
high blood pressure
dizziness
lightheadedness
faintness
blurred vision
drowsiness
weight gain
dry mouth
sensitivity to sunlight
Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are used for tension-type headaches and in the early
stages of migraines. Some muscle relaxants are mixed with caffeine or
codeine and can be addictive. Side effects of muscle relaxants include
gastric irritation and addiction.
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