HOW IS A COMMON HEADACHE (or Tension Headache) TREATED?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Acetaminophen * (Tylenol) as needed. Provided the person does not have any liver problems.
2. Ibuprofen * (Motrin or Advil) Provided the patient has no stomach or kidney problems and is not in the third term of pregnancy.
3. Naproxen* Provided a patient does not have a stomach or kidney problem.
4. Aspirin* Provided a patient does not have a stomach or kidney problem or BLEEDING DISORDER.
5. Tizanidine * muscle relaxer
6. Elavil *
7. Doxepin *
8. Venlafaxin * (Effexor)
9. Mirtazapine * (Remoron)
10. Caffeine * 

CAUTION:

1. Sometimes a headache can be an emergency. An emergency head has some of the following symptoms.
A. A headache that comes on suddenly and is very severe
B. A headache that feels sharp and severe, which a person has never felt before.
C. A headache accompanied by a stiff neck and fever.
D. A headache with a high fever (102 to 104°F).
E. A headache with nausea and vomiting.
F. A headache with a nosebleed.
G. A headache with fainting.
H. A headache with dizziness or loss of balance.
2. Make sure it is not better diagnosed as a Migraine.

(For Intense One-Sided Headache see Migraine )

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A "COMMON HEADACHE?"

Usually a common headache comes on slow and it hurts equally on both sides of the head.Slow onset. The pain is usually dull but it sometimes feels like a band around the head. Usually the pain involves the back part of the head or neck. And usually describe the pain as moderate—not severe.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF A COMMON HEADACHE?

The exact cause of a common headache unknown. What is known is that a headache occurs from a complex interaction between nerves and blood vessels. This complex interaction can be started by a variety of factors. These factors include the following: stress, lack of sleep, fatigue, hunger, certain foods and drinks (such as chocolate), caffeine withdrawal, abrupt cessation of medications that contain caffeine, and alcohol withdrawal.

HOW IS A HEADACHE DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis of headache can be made by a careful history and a brief physical exam.

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SYMPTOMS OF A "MIGRAINE?"

1. Migraine headache pain is severe throbbing or pulsing pain.
2. The migraine headache is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting,
3. Migraine headaches pain is usually accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light or sound.
4. Migraine headaches usually last from 4 to 72 hours
5. Migraine headaches are usually made worse by activity, bright lights, and loud noises.