Headache — Hope Through Research by Dan Mathiesen

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Headache — Hope Through Research

Why Does it Hurt?

What hurts when you have a headache? The bones of the skull and

tissues of the brain itself never hurt, because they lack

pain-sensitive nerve fibers. Several areas of the head can hurt,

including a network of nerves which extends over the scalp and

certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat.

A number of chemicals help transmit pain-related information to

the brain. Some of these chemicals are natural painkilling

proteins called endorphins, Greek for "the morphine within."

Not all headaches require medical attention. Some result from

missed meals or occasional muscle tension and are easily remedied.

But some types of headache are signals of more serious disorders,

and call for prompt medical care.

These include:

* Sudden, severe headache

* Sudden, severe headache associated with a stiff neck

* Headache associated with fever

* Headache associated with convulsions

* Headache accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness

* Headache following a blow on the head

* Headache associated with pain in the eye or ear

* Persistent headache in a person who was previously

headache free

* Recurring headache in children

* Headache which interferes with normal life

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Headache?

Patients may be asked: How often do you have headaches? Where

is the pain? How long do the headaches last? When did you

first develop headaches? The patient's sleep habits and family

and work situations may also be probed.

A complete and careful physical and neurological examination

will exclude many possibilities and the suspicion of aneurysm,

meningitis, or certain brain tumors. A blood test may be ordered

to screen for thyroid disease, anemia, or infections which might

cause a headache.

EEG's can indicate a malfunction in the brain, but they cannot

usually pinpoint a problem that might be causing a headache.

Headaches are diagnosed as

* Vascular

* Muscle contraction (tension)

* Traction

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BIO:

Dan Mathiesen is the Athor of the Article and the Owner and Editor of the 2u4health Newsletter.
Visit his site, subscribe to the Newsletter and increase your knowledge on Health.
http://www.2u4health.com

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