10 Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches

Headaches are a very common symptom that affects the quality of life of many people and can be a sign of many different health problems, ranging from mild to serious. Below is information related to headaches.

1. Is headache a disease?

Headache is not a specific disease but is often a symptom of many different diseases. It can come from simple causes such as stress, lack of sleep, hunger, or more serious causes such as neurological diseases, blood vessels, brain tumors, cerebral hemorrhage...

2. Which group of people is prone to headaches?

Headaches are caused by many factors, from external factors such as environment and diet to internal factors such as stress and hormonal changes.

Some groups of people who frequently experience this condition include:

Women: Women are more prone to headaches than men, especially during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal changes.

Elderly: Age-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and vascular problems can cause headaches.

Lack of sleep, insomnia: Insomnia or not getting enough sleep can cause headaches.

Substance abuse: Alcohol, beer, coffee, and tobacco can increase the frequency and intensity of headaches.

People who are often stressed and anxious: Prolonged stress is one of the main causes of headaches.

Stress often causes headaches.

3. Why does stress easily cause headaches?

Stress is one of the most common causes of headaches. When stressed, the body releases stress hormones, which constrict blood vessels and muscles in the head and neck, leading to pain.

The pain is often dull and can last from a few hours to a few days, or even weeks if the stress is prolonged, accompanied by fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.

4. Does weather change cause headaches?

Many people experience headaches when the weather changes. This is because changes in atmospheric pressure affect the blood vessels in the brain, causing headaches. Sudden changes in temperature can also cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to headaches. Additionally, high humidity can aggravate allergy symptoms and cause headaches.

5. When should I see a doctor?

Not all headaches are worrisome, but they can become dangerous when they are sudden and very severe. This could be a sign of a brain hemorrhage, meningitis or other serious conditions; Headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms such as: dizziness, loss of balance, loss of vision, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, stiff neck...

Therefore, when the above symptoms appear or the pain increases in frequency and intensity, affecting daily life, the patient needs to see a specialist. The doctor will conduct a clinical examination, X-rays and tests to determine the cause and provide an appropriate treatment regimen.

6. Should I take painkillers for headaches?

Whether or not you should take pain medication for a headache depends on a number of factors. If your headache is not severe, caused by stress or the weather, pain medication can help relieve the symptoms.

Regarding painkillers, there are many different types of painkillers, each with different effects and side effects. Overuse of painkillers can cause serious side effects such as stomach pain, stomach ulcers, kidney failure. The best way is to see a doctor for advice on proper medication use.

Depending on the cause of the disease, there will be appropriate headache medication options. To use headache medication effectively and safely, avoiding side effects, patients should note not to use medication without a doctor's prescription. Strictly follow the medication instructions, avoid drug abuse. During the time of taking the medication, if there are any unusual symptoms, notify the doctor immediately for timely treatment.

7. How to care for someone with a headache

To relieve headaches, the patient should find a quiet, dark place and rest. Get enough sleep. Gently massage the temples, forehead and neck.

Adjust your diet, drink enough water, eat lots of green vegetables and fruits. Limit spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and stimulants. Minimize the use of alcohol, beer, coffee, and cigarettes because they can increase the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Regular exercise helps reduce stress and improve blood circulation. Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, etc.

8. Can oriental medicine cure headaches?

Oriental medicine can treat common headaches by using herbal remedies that have the effect of relieving pain, clearing the meridians, and regulating blood circulation; Acupuncture acts on acupuncture points on the body to regulate blood circulation and relieve pain; Massage helps relax muscles, reduce stress, and improve blood circulation; Combining methods such as foot baths and steam baths to relieve pain.

For safety and best treatment results, patients need to go to reputable hospitals and oriental medicine clinics for examination and appropriate prescription.

You should see a doctor if you have signs of prolonged, unusual headaches.

9. Where should I go to see a doctor when I have a headache?

Headache is a common symptom of many neurological diseases such as migraine, tension headache, sinus headache, brain tumor, stroke... Patients should go to large hospitals with many specialties such as Neurology, ENT, Cardiology...

When going to the doctor, the patient needs to inform the doctor specifically about the headache condition, medical history, medications being taken, etc. This will help the doctor diagnose and treat accurately.

10. Cost of examination and treatment of headaches

The cost of examination and treatment of headaches can vary greatly depending on factors including: severity of the disease, costs of tests, scans... Depending on the condition of the disease, the doctor will prescribe different tests. Different treatment methods will have their own costs.

If the patient has health insurance, part or all of the medical examination and treatment costs may be covered.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/10-cau-hoi-thuong-gap-lien-quan-den-dau-dau-172241111153922569.htm