Understanding your headache: Myths and facts

Headache is a common problem in day to day life. More than 90% people experience atleast one headache in his life time. Any pain located above the eye brows upto the nape of neck is a headache. Dr. Kapil

Agarwal answers some of the frequently asked question.

Why do we get headaches ?

It is a very common misconception that headache is because of gastric trouble like gas, bloating, acidity etc. There is no scientific reason for gastric trouble to cause headache, it is mostly that both headache and acidity are linked to improper meal timings. The most common cause for headaches is migraine and tension type headache, which accounts for more than 90% of all headaches. Apart from this there are certain uncommon causes of headaches, that are more serious, for example – Brain tumors, brain hemorrhage, blockage in blood vessel in the brain and brain infection, among other some other ailments.

Why do migraine and tension headaches oocur?

Mostly migraines and tension headaches happen because of leading the wrong life style. There are other less common factors like exposure to excessive heat and cold and eating chocolates, cheese, fermented foods, wines can also precipitate migraines.

When should a neurologist be consulted?

One or two episodes of headache which get better with sleep and after taking meals are usually normal. But, if a person requires pain killers for headache more than once a month, or if you have any of the following problems, immediately consult a neurologist: Unusually severe headache Headache which becomes very severe in just a few minutes Early morning headaches Headaches associated with any of the following symptoms like unconsciousness, fever , vomitings, visual disturbance, numbness, weakness and incoordination of muscles, change in behaviour, mood Change in pattern or severity headaches Difficulty in working when you have a headache

Can headaches be caused due to eye problems?

It is unlikely to have a headache due to eye problems. Eye problems mostly cause pain which are localised to the eyes.

Can headaches be because of sinus problems?

Pain due to sinus problems occur mostly when there is ongoing white or yellow, green discharge from nose and throat infection. That pain is mostly localised between the eye brows, over the cheek bones or behind the eyes. If you don’t have running nose or throat infection, headache are not likely because of sinus problems.

How does a neurologist manage headaches?

Headache treatment needs a detailed understanding of pattern, timings, frequency of headaches. Neurologist may ask for MRI of brain to look for other causes of headache like infection, clotting or tumors inside the brain. He may ask you to take a regular medication if headache frequency is high, and advice a change in lifestyle.