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There is hardly a person who is completely unfamiliar with a headache. Neurologists are no exception. How do they cope with this condition and can we use their example?
“In itself, a headache is such a voluminous concept that you can devote more than one article or even a book to it,” explains Robert Kanyeki, director of a specialized medical center in Pittsburgh. — Allocate, for example, primary headaches — those caused by changes in the brain. These include migraine, tension headache, and cluster headache.
Migraine is often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sounds, fatigue, and a number of other symptoms. Many also experience a secondary headache that is a manifestation of some other disease.”
Although headache is one of the most common complaints to doctors and one of the main causes of disability, we tend to treat it rather dismissively. How do doctors deal with this condition?
1. Find a quiet place
“When my head starts to hurt, I go to the bedroom if I’m at home, or I just look for a secluded place and try to lie down,” says neurologist and neuroscientist Faye Begeti. “Those who have migraines will understand me: usually lying down in silence and darkness really helps.”
2. Trying to get distracted
To lie down and even more so to sleep is an option that is far from always possible. Anesthesiologist and neuroscientist Rami Bershtein tries to find something quiet to do when he has a headache, such as reading or taking a walk. This, if not alleviates the pain, at least relieves it.
3. Deal with triggers
By understanding what exactly causes a headache, you can learn not only to deal with it in the moment, but also to prevent it. “Migraine attacks happen to me in two cases: either with excessive visual stimulation, or when I am worried about some difficult situation,” says neurologist Ian Lewis Brandes. “The abuse of red wine can also cause an attack, so I try to control myself.”
What else could be a trigger? Sleep problems. And not only lack of sleep, but also a violation of the usual mode of sleep and wakefulness. “It’s a pity that I didn’t know this when I was a student: then a headache haunted me every Saturday after a wild party on Friday night,” recalls Begeti.
4. Drink water
Trite, but true: if you have a headache, water is your first and main lifesaver. Christina Lopez, a lecturer at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University and a headache specialist, says she personally gets headaches when she’s dehydrated.
At the same time, according to her, scientists have not yet come to a consensus on why this is happening. But the fact remains: drinking water is the most affordable means of preventing and treating headaches.
5. And some coffee
This measure seems paradoxical, but caffeine in small amounts can indeed play the role of a headache cure. It causes blood vessels to constrict, which slows down blood circulation and reduces pain. The main thing is not to overdo it. Regular consumption of caffeine can backfire if you suddenly decide to give up your usual daily cup of tea or coffee.
6. Eat more often, but less
Since low sugar levels can cause headaches, Robert Kanyeki advises eating more often: 5-6 times a day. During main meals, he recommends reducing portions, but scheduling additional snacks throughout the day.
7. Take painkillers if needed.
The main thing here, again, is not to get carried away. Faye Begeti advises keeping a record of the medications you take, as taking too many medications can also cause headaches. And, of course, if pain attacks often recur, you should consult a doctor for a prescription correction.
8. Reminding ourselves that there are things we can’t control.
The pain may return again, despite all the efforts made — for example, due to genetic characteristics. “Among my patients there are representatives of several generations of the same families. Everyone complains of a headache,” Begeti comments. “It happens, and sometimes you just have to deal with it.”
If a headache overtakes you more or less regularly, it is important not to neglect the help of doctors: an experienced specialist will help you understand its causes and choose a treatment. But you can try all the tips above for yourself and find the combination that works specifically for you.
“It is very important to listen to your body and respond to its signals,” reminds Begeti. “Sometimes this is enough to improve your condition on your own.”