Vascular headaches are thought to involve abnormal function of the blood vessels of the brain. Types of vascular headache include toxic headaches and cluster headaches.
Cluster headaches are a rarer form of vascular headache. They usually strike several times in rapid succession. Cluster headaches are more common among men and can be extremely painful.
A toxic headache results from the fever that accompanies an acute illness. Some disorders known to cause toxic headaches include measles, mumps, pneumonia and tonsillitis. Toxic chemicals that are allowed to enter the body also can cause toxic headaches. Examples include lead, insecticides, chemical solvents, alcohol and some household cleaners. Treatment for a toxic headache is geared toward determining and treating or removing the cause of the headache.
Tension Headaches
Tension or muscle contraction headaches are the most common form of headache, and they are often associated with periods of increased stress. Emotional factors alone are not the only triggers for tension headaches. Certain postures that produce tension on the head and neck (such as straining to read or awkward positioning while talking on the phone) along with activities that require increased periods of eyestrain can result in tension headaches.
More serious disorders that can cause tension headaches include degenerative arthritis of the neck and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a disorder of the joint between the temporal bone and the lower jaw that results from poor biting and jaw clenching.
The pain associated with tension headaches is often steady and dull and can be felt in the forehead, temple area and back of the neck. People often describe tension headaches as feeling like a tight band is encircling their head. Although tension headaches can last for longer periods, they usually disappear after the stressful period is over. Tension headaches are usually not associated with other symptoms and there is no pre-headache syndrome as is often seen in migraine headaches. Tension headaches account for about 90 percent of all headaches.
Although the exact cause of tension headaches is not known, many scientists believe that the primary cause of the pain is sustained muscle tension. Other studies have suggested that restricted blood flow may cause or contribute to the pain.
Treating tension headaches
Nonprescription painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen most commonly relieve tension headaches. When severe muscle contraction is present, more powerful prescription drugs may be needed to get relief. Because these drugs may cause drowsiness and slow the reflexes, caution must be taken to avoid injury or accident when they are taken. Most physicians recommend only using prescription medications for short periods of time, usually no more than a few days. Your doctor may also treat you with preventive medication.
Other techniques that may be helpful in relieving tension headaches include heat application, warm showers, massage therapy and relaxation training. Of course, resolving the stressful event leading to the headache often will help in relieving a tension headache.
Source: healthatoz
