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What to Take for a Headache: Treatments and Tips to Stop It

The term cephalalgia refers to pain or discomfort localised in any part of the head. In reality, it is only a symptom that may be caused by a range of factors (constitutional, tension-related, tumorous, inflammatory, etc.).

In this article, we will focus on a specific type of headache that affects around ten per cent of the population: migraine headaches.

If you have experienced five or more headache attacks lasting between 4 and 72 hours, which have partially or totally restricted your planned activities and were accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and/or sound, then you may be considered a migraine sufferer. In other words, your neurons are genetically hypersensitive to external stimuli.

There are many types of migraine attacks: with or without aura, pulsating or pressing pain, accompanied by neurological dysfunction, and even migraines without headache

Migraine attacks can be triggered by certain events, which are known as precipitating factors

We classify the most common triggers into five categories:

1. Food-related

Certain foods are known to act as triggers, including cheese, alcohol, Chinese food, chocolate, citrus fruits, dairy products, smoked fish, cured meats containing nitrates (such as salami, hot dogs, and bacon), nuts, pickled herring, tomatoes, and wheat. Prolonged fasting is also a significant trigger in this category.

2. Hormonal

Migraines are far more common in women, as they can be triggered by hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle (ovulation and menstruation), and by menopause. Hormonal contraceptives can also worsen migraines in some individuals.

3. Physical

Triggers may include intense physical activity, weightlifting, strenuous exertion, or even simply bending over.

4. Emotional

Stress, depression, insomnia, and shock states can all act as migraine triggers.

5. Environmental

Exposure to very bright sunlight, sudden temperature or atmospheric pressure changes, strong winds, loud or high-pitched sounds, strong smells, cigarette smoke, or very hot baths can all act as environmental triggers.

Identifying and Avoiding Triggers Can Prevent Migraine Attacks

It’s important to know that not all migraine sufferers react to the same triggers, and exposure to a known factor does not necessarily lead to an attack.

Often, two or more triggers must occur simultaneously for an attack to be triggered.

Interestingly, some triggers can also provide relief. For example, caffeine: overuse can provoke migraines, but in small doses it may help stop them.

Maintaining a regular and healthy lifestyle can help reduce both the number and severity of migraine attacks: regular intake of natural foods, restorative sleep, and moderate physical exercise all contribute.

Once the cascade of symptoms has been triggered, a quiet and dimly lit environment can help alleviate discomfort. However, in many cases, individualised medical treatment will be essential.

Both acute and chronic pharmacological treatments aim to stabilise an electrochemically unstable brain. For this reason, consulting with experienced medical specialists is crucial.

If you suffer from persistent, progressive, or treatment-resistant headaches, seek help from a specialist centre to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment