Headache Blog Part IV

"A Holistic Approach to Optimum Health"

                               Cluster Headaches

This week’s focus is on cluster headaches and their signs and symptoms. Cluster headaches are classified as neurovascular headaches, meaning that both the expansion of certain blood vessels in the brain and specific nerves in the brain cause this type of headache.  Cluster headaches are common in middle aged men and usually happen later in the evening and account for about 1-5% of all primary headaches.  Like migraine headaches, cluster headaches also have some triggers such as smoking and alcohol consumption.  Cluster headaches can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2+ hours, and come be experienced multiple times a day. 

Signs and Symptoms 

- Pain is usually located behind one eye
- Are extremely painful
- Associated with increased tear production, conjunctivitis, runny nose, nasal congestion, constricted pupils, upper eyelid drooping or swelling, and facial orforehead swelling

Treatment
- Chiropractic Care
- Acupuncture
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain Medications prescribed by a primary care physcian

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Headache Blog Part III: Migraine Headaches

Headache Blog III: Migraine Headaches

This week’s focus is on migraine headaches, the symptoms, and treatments. Migraines account for about 10-15% of all headaches and are classified into two types, migraines with auras and without auras.  An aura is an event that causes the person to experience a visual disturbance such as seeing zigzag lines, flickering lights, or minor visual loss.  Those who experience an aura tend to look for dark quiet areas for relief from the pain.

Both types of migraines are known to have similar triggers, such as certain foods (chocolate, caffeine, cheese, wine), bright flashing lights, certain smells, change in weather, increased stress, and change in sleeping patterns. 
However, there are some differences too:

Migraine with Aura (AKA Classic Migraine):

Typically classic migraines are unilateral, throbbing headaches and are more common with women with (but not always) a family history.

In order for a headache to be diagnosed as a classic migraine, you have to have at least 2 attacks AND 3 of the following:

–                    1 or more headaches with an aura

–                    1 aura that builds up over 5-10 minutes and that lasts for 1 hour; or 2 or more headaches with auras

–                    Aura lasts for 1 hour

–                    Headache begins just prior to/at same time as aura, or immediately after aura

Migraine without Aura (AKA Common Migraine):

Common migraines are unilateral, pulsating headaches that can range from moderate to severe intensity and are more common with women.  Unlike a classic migraine there are NO Auras, but there is photo-phobia (an intolerance to light).A person suffering from a common migraine will look for dark quiet areas. 

For a migraine to be diagnosed as a common migraine, the following criteria must be met:

–                    Must have 5 attacks lasting 4-72 hours

–                    Must experience 2 of these3 symptoms: be unilateral have pulsating pain, and/or be moderate to severe intensity

–                    Must experience either nausea or photo-phobia

Treatment Options For Classic and Common Migraines:

–                    Chiropractic Care

–                    Acupuncture

–                    Supplements: omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin

–                    Medication

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