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Introduction
Most
headaches happen outside your skull, in the nerves, blood
vessels, and muscles that cover your head and neck. Sometimes
the muscles or blood vessels swell, which means they get larger.
They also can tighten
or go through other changes that stimulate or put pressure
on the surrounding nerves. The nerves send a rush of pain
messages to your brain, and you end up with a headache.
Kinds of Headaches
The most common
type of headache is a tension, or muscle-contraction, headache.
This happens when stressed-out head or neck muscles keep squeezing
too hard. When you get this kind of headache, the pain is
usually dull and constant. It might feel as though something
is pressing or squeezing on the front, back, or both sides
of your head.
A pain that is
especially sharp and throbbing can be a sign of a different
kind of headache called a migraine. Migraine headaches are
not as common as tension headaches, especially in kids, but
they can still happen.
Causes Of Tension And Migraine Headaches
-
Sometimes
a headache is just a part of another illness, such as a
cold or flu or strep throat. When you get better, the headache
gets better, too.
-
Excitement
about a special event or worry about something can also
cause headaches. Some people get headaches from riding in
a car or bus or from straining their eyes by spending too
much time watching television or using a computer.
-
Strong odors, such as perfume, smoke, fumes, or the smell
of a new car or carpet, can start a headache.
-
Some foods can cause headaches. The caffeine in sodas, chocolate,
coffee, and tea may cause headaches, too.
Headache Help
Most headaches
will go away after you have rested or slept awhile. Lie down
in a cool, dark, quiet room and close your eyes. Put a cool,
moist cloth across your forehead or eyes. Relax. Breathe easily
and deeply.
Time For You To Go To The Doctor
Headaches are very
rarely a sign of anything serious, such as a brain tumor or
meningitis. Headache triggers such as eating certain foods,
being stressed out, or not getting enough sleep are much more
likely causes of headaches. You should go to
the doctor when:
-
a headache is particularly painful
-
a headache doesn't go away easily
-
a headache follows an injury, such as hitting your head
-
your vision is affected
-
you feel tingling sensations
-
you just don't seem like your usual self
-
headaches occur once a month or more
-
headaches cause you to miss school
Doctor's
Help
A doctor can help
you figure out why you are getting headaches and might be
able to help you keep them from happening so often. Sometimes
relaxation exercises or changes in diet or sleeping habits
are all that is needed. If necessary, a doctor also can prescribe
medication to control headaches.
If you are bothered
by headaches, you do not have to put up with the pain. Sometimes
relief is just a nap away. Other times, seeing a doctor may
be necessary.
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