Home :: Headache

Headache - Symptoms of Migraine Headache

Headaches afflict almost at some time or the other. Most headaches are functional, caused by temporary upsets and are not related to any organic changes in the brain. A headache is often nature's warning that something is wrong somewhere in the body. The actual pain, however, arises from irritation to nerve endings in the shoulder, neck and scalp muscles and also in the smooth muscles encircling the blood vessels which serve these areas.

Many people suffer headache, and so often, that one wonders whether to treat it with over the counter medicines, which may or may not give relief, or just ignore it, hoping it will go away.

Information on the Cause of Migraine headache - Causes of Headache.

A headache can be a symptom of an acute illness, such as infectious fevers or common cold. A headache can also persist following a cold, if the sinuses have been infected. But, if this is the cause of the problem, there will be other signs and symptoms such as a blocked nose or tenderness over the sinuses. A headache that becomes worse, or is associated with vomiting, during the course of the infective illness must always receive prompt medical attention. It is possible that the infection could have spread to the outer coverings of the brain, causing meningitis or encephalitis.

Some children also suffer from migraine headaches. But there is a possibility of wrong diagnosis, as stress may be the true cause. Classically, migraine is a severe one-sided headache associated with nausea or vomiting, specific visual symptoms and giddiness. Symptoms vary from person to person but, before a diagnosis is made, one or more of the classic symptoms should be present Migraine often runs in families.

Consuming too much caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, etc., can also alter the blood flow to the brain and cause a headache. Strong perfumes can bring about a headache too.

Symptoms of Headache

The main symptoms of Headache are following:-

• Pain in full or part of head.
• Irritation and anger.
• Allergy to certain foods.
• Excitement or depression.
• Feeling of mental fatigue.

Natural Home Remedies for the treatment of Headache.

• A paste of 10-12 cloves and a few small crystals of normal salt with milk can also be applied on the forehead to relieve a headache.
• Very cold weather, or being exposed to a blast of cold wind, can be the cause of a headache, a precursor to a cold. The application of a paste of cinnamon and warm water on the temples and forehead induces a feeling of warmth and aborts a headache. However, it should be done early enough before the cold takes hold.
• Aloe grows wild in most places with sandy soil in India . Its leaves have many medicinal properties. Dried leaves can be powdered and stored. Take two pinches or one-fourth of a teaspoon of this powder, mixed with an equal amount of turmeric, dissolved in half a cup of water, and drink it. It is especially good for headache complaints associated with menstruation.
• A headache caused by a cold coming on is relieved by a herbal tea made from an infusion of holy basil leaves, and if the throat feels sore, alternate it with a warm herbal mixture made with a level teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with a spoonful of honey in hot water, thrice a day. Another effective remedy is a level teaspoon of ground long pepper, with jaggery to sweeten the taste, thrice a day with warm or hot water.
• Headache associated with cold benefits from inhalation of a rosemary- leaf infusion.
• For headache associated with constipation, a level teaspoonful of terminalia chebula powder with hot milk effectively clears a loaded colon.
• A headache caused by indigestion, overeating, dyspepsia, will get well by sipping a tea made with a spoonful of cummin seeds added to a cupful of water. This can be had hot or cold, but acts better if it is warm, bordering on hot. Mint or thyme acts just as well.
• Apples are valuable in treating all types of headaches. A ripe apple, after removing the upper rind the inner hard portion, should be taken with little salt every morning for about a week.

Headache Prevention.

To avoid tension headaches, keep regular hours- eat in time and never eat in a hurry.

• Get enough sleep.
• Do not bring 'work' tension home.
• Regular exercise (walking, jogging, swimming) will helps in relieving stress and tension.
• Avoid drinking too much tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid perfume and perfumed products.

Note :- If the Headache persists then you should be taken treatment in the supervision of a competent physician.

Back to general ailments section