Headache

A headache is localized or radiating pain in one or more regions of your head. The frequency may be occasional and of short duration, or chronic, which may require medical attention.

Some of the common causes of a headache include:

• Migraine
• Tension or stress
• Certain medications
• Sinus cavity inflammation
• Head injury
• Specific types of exercise
• Hormonal imbalance
• Various diseases
• Certain medical procedures such as a spinal tap
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Excess caffeine
• Sleep disturbances
• Eye defects
• Unknown genetic factors

The symptoms vary as do the triggers that cause your headache. Symptoms may include:

• Localized or radiating pain at one or both sides of the head
• “Heaviness" of the head
• Teary and red eyes
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting

Some important headache management methods include one or more of the following:

It is important to know what triggers the pain so you can prevent it from occurring. For better management, maintain a record of the following factors when you get a headache

• The specific start time of the headache
• The trigger(s) experienced
• If it occurs during menses in women
• If it directly follows another symptom

Dr. Vengurlekar can prescribe certain medications to relieve your headache. These medications can be combined with other treatment options such as:

• Proper sleep
• Massage therapy
• Use of cold or hot compresses

Alternative therapies can include:

• Osteopathy or Chiropractic sessions
• Stress management techniques
• Yoga
• Acupuncture
• Hypnosis
• Botox injections
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Reducing the intake of caffeine
• Managing stress
• Eating healthier food
• Quitting alcohol consumption or smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Losing weight, if obese
• Managing blood pressure or diabetes
• Getting sufficient sleep in a dark environment
• Regularly following up with Dr. Vengurlekar