Headaches are defined as pain that occurs in the head and upper neck region of the body. It affects the entire head but sometimes only affects specific regions such as eyes or the temples. Accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as light sensitivity and/or nausea, the pain caused by headaches can either be extremely sharp or dull. Whatever the specifics, one thing is for certain – headaches are extremely common. In this issue of Care for Life, we look into pain managements methods in dealing with a more severe, chronic type of headache; the ultimate pain in the neck – migraines.
Are You Having Migraines?
A migraine is a severe, painful headache which is a result of a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels. It is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days. The symptoms of a migraine can present itself at any time before the headache occurs, during and even after the fact. Although not all migraines are alike, some of the more regular symptoms include moderate-severe pain confined to one side of the head, pulsing and throbbing pain in the head, increased pain during physical activity, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
There are many triggers of a migraine headache. Some of the more popular causes of migraines are allergies and allergic reactions, bright lights, loud noises and certain strong odors or perfumes. Physical and emotional stresses as well as frequent changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep have also been listed as precursors to a migraine bout. For certain individuals, consuming alcohol, smoking or exposure to smoke can trigger a bout of migraine. For women, menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills and hormone fluctuations during menopause onset can also cause severe migraines. Other than that, foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates can also be triggers of migraines. Other “trigger-foods” include chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocados, bananas and fermented or pickled foods. If any of these symptoms and triggers sounds familiar to you, chances are you too are suffering from migraines.
 |
Migraines affect specific regions such as temples
|
Dealing with the Pain
There are three main aspects of treatment: trigger avoidance, acute symptomatic control, and pharmacological prevention. Individuals who experience several moderate or severe migraine headaches should consider modifications of their lifestyle (trigger avoidance) which include practicing a regular sleep cycle, exercise regularly, avoid skipping meals/fasting, limit stress and employ relaxation techniques. You should also limit your caffeine consumption and begin to identify and avoid which foods usually trigger your migraine episodes. Keep a diary of this and share it with your doctor.
 |
Regular exercise can help alleviate migraines
|
A number of analgesics are effective for treating migraines which include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). An example would be Ibuprofen, which provides effective pain relief in about half of people. Also, a 1000 mg dose of aspirin could relieve moderate to severe migraine pain. Paracetamol/acetaminophen is also known to be effective for migraines. Simple analgesics combined with caffeine may help. Despite the fact that migraine sufferers are generally advised to limit their caffeine intake, it can be useful during an attack.
Prophylactic medications are a type of medication taken daily to reduce the regularity and length of migraine headaches. They are not supposed to be taken once a headache has begun. One example of prophylactic medication is beta blockers, which are class of drugs that block the effects of beta-adrenergic substances produced by the body such as adrenaline (epinephrine). By blocking the effects of adrenaline, beta-blockers relieve stress on the heart by decelerating the rate at which the heart beats. Although prophylactic medication may reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches, it will not eliminate migraine headaches completely.
Alternatively, Acupuncture is effective in the management of migraines. It appears to be more effective than routine care, with a smaller amount of adverse effects than prophylactic drug treatment. Chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, massage and relaxation might be useful for the prevention of migraine headaches.]
Being the first healthcare group to launch Pain Management Services in 2008, KPJ Healthcare (particularly KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital) has invested heavily in the field of pain management for the benefit of its patients. The dedication to pain management is yet another example of KPJ's commitment towards providing comprehensive healthcare services for its patients.
Written for AMG International, contract publishers of Care for Life
