Professional Advice

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

BY: IHS, National Headache Foundation, Steve Fiorillo, Cleveland Clinic.

  Headaches are the most common medical condition experienced by most people many times throughout their lives. Most headaches are not dangerous, but some can be a sign of a more serious condition. Headaches affect approximately 96% of people at least once in their lifetimes. Migraine is a neurological disease that affects a billion people worldwide. It is the leading cause of years of life with disability in people under 50 years of age. Migraines affect three times more women than men, but it can be equally disabling. Also, although migraines are more common in adults aged 20s-50s, it can also affect children and the elderly.

There are two categories for headaches, primary and secondary. Primary headaches are the most common and are caused by dysfunction or over-activity of pain sensitive features. Headaches can be triggered by lifestyle factors such as alcohol, certain foods, nicotine, sleep patterns, poor posture, strenuous physical activity, skipped meals, and exertions such as coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, etc. There is no cure for primary headaches, but you can prevent them by changing your lifestyle by eliminating the triggers for it (i.e. alcohol or eating on time).

Secondary headaches are caused by underlying medical conditions. Some secondary headaches aren’t dangerous and can be easily resolved if the underlying condition is treated such as dehydration, sinus, and medication overuse. Headaches can also be dangerous and even life-threatening such as spinal headaches and thunderclap headaches.

Seek immediate medical attention if your headaches come with other symptoms including sudden new and severe headaches, headache with fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck, and rash, headaches that occur after a head injury or accident, or getting a new type of headache after age 55. Some other symptoms that should be concerning are weakness, dizziness, sudden loss of balance or falling, numbness or tingling, paralysis, speech difficulties, mental confusion, seizures, personality changes or inappropriate behavior, and vision changes such as blurry vision, double vision or blind spots.

Headache and migraine are diseases often undertreated and undiagnosed. Only less than half of patients with headaches and migraines consult with a physician. Even physicians do not receive enough education regarding headache disorders during their training.

Headaches and migraines are found to be the second most frequently identified cause of short-term absence for non-manual employees and one of five leading causes for emergency department visits. Migraines and headaches often have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function normally and can affect their quality of life, therefore creating other psychological conditions such as stress.

Patients with headache and migraine diseases have an increased risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and insomnia. Comorbidities are medical conditions that coexist with a primary diagnosis and can worsen conditions.

If there is an underlying condition for your headaches or migraines, it's possible that they can be cured by dealing with the source of the symptoms. Otherwise, the headaches and migraines can be managed by over-the-counter medications or self-care treatments such as cold and hot packs, stretching exercises, massaging your head, neck or back, resting in a dark and quiet room, taking a walk, and avoiding triggering factors such as strong scents, poor posture, lack of sleep, etc.