It is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck. Nearly every human being suffers from headaches. The severity of headaches differs. It might occur daily or at times and the duration might be for several minutes or even for hours or for several days. The most common types of headaches: Tension headaches: This kind of headaches result from shoulders, neck, scalp and jaws muscle contraction. This results in tension, depression and anxiety. Migraines: It comes in the form of pounding or throbbing pain in a certain area of the head accompanied by other symptoms like sensitivity to light or nausea. Cluster headaches: It is a severe kind of headache that occurs several times a day for a period of one month. It disappears only to return during a similar period. Sinus headaches: It is pain in the front part of the head and face due to swelling of the sinuses behind the cheeks, nose and eyes. The pain is worst when bending forward and when waking up in the morning. Headaches concurrent with some diseases: Such headaches occur when the person is afflicted with influenza, fever or prior to menstruation or due to high blood pressure. It could be due to other organic reasons. Recurrent headaches: This occurs with the frequent use of pain killers, especially for people who take medicines for pain thrice per week regularly due to fear that this headache might develop. Causes of headaches: There are many causes of headaches, but serious causes of headaches are rare. Sometimes headaches are an indication of organic disorder. If a person is afflicted with sudden severe headache he must consult a doctor. The afflicted person must receive immediate medical care after receiving a strong blow on the head or if he has a headache along with a stiff neck, fever, blurred vision, unconsciousness or in pain in the eye and ear. Treatment: • Use of painkillers like Panadol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen, which are the medicine most commonly used for tension headaches. • Children should not be given Aspirin because of the hazard of Reye's syndrome. • Aspirin, Ibuprofen or any medicine for prevention of blood clot formation should not be used if the person is suffering from bleeding. He should see a doctor. • Painkillers should be taken only after a meal so as to prevent stomach ulcers. • If the woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, she should consult a doctor before taking any medicine. Prepared by female pharmacist Al-Bandari Al-Bishi Health Awareness Information Center
