Headache
Headache refers to pain that is felt on the head or the upper part of the neck. It is one of the most common pains and has varied causes. Owing to multiple causes of headache, The International Headache Society came up with a system of classification so as to simplify diagnosis and ensure effective diagnosis. Thus, headache is classified into three broad categories, namely; primary headaches, secondary headaches, cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches (Sheth, 2010). Tension-type is by far the most common accounting for approximately 90% of headaches in adults and is more prevalent in females (Sheth, 2010). Migraine is the second most common and also is more common in adult females. Generally, primary headaches have no underlying cause. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying defect either on the neck or head. Trauma to these areas is the leading cause of secondary headaches. Other causes include disorders of cerebral vasculature (Sheth, 2010).
Signs and Symptoms
Headache has varied symptoms depending on the type. Tension headache may present as pain beginning at the back of the neck, pressure that encircles the head especially above the eyebrows, mild pain that is bilateral and sporadic. Migraine may present with pulsating pain felt on one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea. The pain may be severe and lasts for between a few hours to three days. Secondary headaches are brought about by defects to other body parts. Diagnosis is based on careful history taking and imaging. Most headaches respond to painkillers for example paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Acupuncture can be used in management of chronic headache.
References
Sheth, K. (2010). Tension headache. Web.