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- Health News
- Tension-type headache
- Sinusitis headache
- Migraine Headache
- Botox
- nerve stimulation
- Migraine patients Seminar
- Good to know
Health News
Most of the complaints are a cry for help of our body: I just everything is too much! That's why stress reduction is the best painkiller.
For many people headaches are not a disease, but rather an annoying everyday phenomenon: After excessive alcohol and nicotine, in case of a cold or after coffee withdrawal, the head is buzzing. But for every fourth, the situation looks more serious: they are regularly plagued by pain, not a few again and again from bad migraine attacks.
It is now known that headaches are significantly triggered by stress . Although painkillers usually help quickly, those who want to tackle the problem in the long term must learn to relax. For example, with autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen.
Sport is also important: Especially jogging and walking accelerate the reduction of stress hormones and effectively protect against headaches.
For taking tablets: do not wait until the pain is unbearable, and rather equal to a higher dosage (from 500 mg) resort than later refill - the effect can not be increased "bit by bit".
Important to know: Painkillers should be taken for a maximum of 15 days a month.
Tension-type headache
localization
The most common headache: The whole head is buzzing and feels like it's in a vise. This pain affects almost everyone, but is usually harmless.
causes
Mostly stress is behind the complaints. It leads to tension in the neck and shoulder area and thus activates the pain centers in the brain. A too heavy handbag, constant phone calls, too hard a pillow, the wrong glasses or nocturnal gnashing of teeth can cause headaches.
therapy
In case of mild headaches , an old home remedy often helps : put a few drops of peppermint oil (pharmacy) on the temples and drink a large glass of water. For more severe complaints, the German Migraine and Headache Society recommends a painkiller with the active ingredients acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and caffeine (eg "thomapyrin", over the counter, pharmacy). Studies have shown that this combination of three acts better than single substances.
Sinusitis headache
localization
Dull feeling of pressure around the nose and eyes. If the head is moved or bent forward, the pain increases.
causes
An inflammation of the frontal and paranasal sinuses (medical term: sinusitis). It usually follows a violent or aborted cold. Other symptoms include fever, weakness and purulent nasal discharge.
therapy
Against the pressure in the head helps a painkiller (see in tension headache). Clogged airways counteract inhalation baths with chamomile and infrared lamp.
Medicinal plants also performed well in scientific studies: a combination of cowslip, gentian, sorrel, elderflower and vervain is particularly successful in combating germs (eg in "Sinupret", over-the-counter, pharmacy). Sinusitis is usually caused by viruses, but sometimes by bacteria: If symptoms persist (more than a week) ask the doctor, maybe he must prescribe an antibiotic.
Migraine Headache
localization
A one-sided throbbing pain that radiates behind the eye and expands into the temple. In addition, there are often nausea and high sensitivity to light and noise.
causes
The research assumes that a congenital hypersensitivity of the nervous system is responsible for the complaints. With certain stimuli, such as stress, too much or too little sleep or hormone fluctuations, the organism reacts with migraine. The attack is often preceded by warning signals, such as increased yawning, difficulty concentrating, tiredness. Anyone who takes a break now, sometimes is spared the migraine.
therapy
Triptans are called new active substances, which were developed especially for the treatment of migraine. They inhibit certain messenger substances in the brain and thus the perception of pain. Another important advantage: Triptans (eg in "Dolortriptan", over-the-counter, pharmacy) work after just 30 minutes.
Botox
When the wrinkle remover Botox arose a few years ago, the scientists made great hopes. The neurotoxin should also work wonders for headaches. But several studies have shown that botulinum toxin only helps with chronic migraine. Those affected suffer from headaches for 15 or more days a month, and after Botox injections the seizures are much rarer. At one session, tiny amounts of the substance are injected into more than 30 points on the head. The effect begins after two to three weeks and lasts up to three months.
nerve stimulation
For a Belgian study, migraine patients were recently treated with electrical impulses that act on the brain via an electrode on the forehead. With regular use, the seizures apparently subsided, but the procedure is still in the test phase. In chronic migraine already in use are neurostimulators, which are implanted under the skin in the neck or in the gums. The device is controlled by remote control: If necessary, you hold a kind of phone to the head, and the stimulator blocks a particular nerve bundle. Especially in cluster headache, the device has proven itself. Cluster is very rare but is considered the worst of all headaches.
Migraine patients Seminar
Pain clinics and community colleges offer classes where participants learn to recognize their personal migraine triggers and better manage stress and pain. Scientific studies clearly confirm these seminars. Further information: www.schmerzklinik.de, keyword "Mipas".
Good to know
If the headache is more common and more severe than usual, or is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, blurred vision, or other eye complaints, you should consult your GP. There is also a lot of information on the internet: www.migraeneliga.com . Book tip: Charly Gaul et al.: "Patient Guide Headache and Migraine", ABW Verlag, 9, 95 Euro.
