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Other Problems in General

There are many other miscellaneous factors which can contribute to headaches and migraines; and the mechanisms of how each might bring on an attack of head-pain are not always fully understood.

Listed below are some other commonly reported factors which can bring on attacks of migraine and headaches; and remember that it is always recommended that your problems be fully investigated and diagnosed before dismissing any other potential causes. Remember too; that most headache and migraine sufferers do actually have a combination of factors interacting to produce their attacks, not just one isolated problem.

DE-HYDRATION:

This is thought to have an effect on blood pressure, and is often reported as a trigger by sufferers.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:

Hyper tension induced headaches are a well known phenomenon. Cases in which blood pressure problems are suspected should be addressed immediately, as the blood pressure itself needs to be addressed to prevent more serious long term complications.

HEAT:

Especially radiant heat (ie:through direct sunlight) is thought to have a dilating effect on the blood vessels of the head and neck regions.

COLD:

This will also have an effect on blood vessels, but can also serve as a trigger in cases of 'neuralgia' & cluster migraines by having a direct effect on sensitive nerves.

SMELLS:

Some smells have been reported as common triggers for various sufferers. Perfumes, deodorants, pollution, cooking smells, and various odours have been reported as triggers; amongst others.

NOISE:

Especially loud noises, have been reported as provoking attacks of headaches and migraines in sound 'sensitive' individuals.

OVER-SLEEPING / TOO LITTLE SLEEP:

A number of possible mechanisms could explain how oversleeping may bring on attacks of head-pain; certainly a drop in blood sugar levels may result due to a delay in eating. Fatigue is also a common trigger for head-pain.

There are many other poorly understood, but well documented 'miscellaneous' causes of Headaches and Migraines. For more information on these, consult your family doctor.

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Hormonal Problems

MIGRAINE IN WOMEN

Menstrual Migraine:

Approximately half of all women who suffer migraines report a relation between their headaches and their menstrual cycle, with attacks usually occurring in the few days prior to or following the onset of menstruation. At this time the blood levels of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen are at their lowest. Some women also report suffering migraines mid-cycle (ovulation) which also corresponds with a drop in oestrogen levels. The exact mechanism how oestrogen levels affect migraines is still unclear. Whether it is due to the hormone's affect on the central nervous system, increasing susceptibility to attacks, or whether it is due to indirect effects such as causing food cravings leading to dietary problems is yet to be determined. In many of these cases, the hormonal fluctuations would appear to be an aggravating factor for Headaches and Migraines and not the main cause; hence it is important to look for other potential causes which may combine to make the sufferer more susceptible at certain times in the menstrual cycle.

Migraine and Menopause:

Many women believe that their migraines will cease with menopause, however this unfortunately is often not the case. Due to hormonal changes at that time, a temporary worsening of headaches and migraine is commonly experienced.

Hormone Replacement Therapy(HRT):

Even though the idea of HRT is to maintain stable oestrogen levels, some fluctuation does still occur, which as discussed above can be a trigger factor for migraines.

In some cases, HRT has been known to worsen some people's migraines. It is very important to discuss any experienced changes with your doctor so that any necessary changes to your Hormone Therapy regimen can be made.

Migraine and Pregnancy:

Migraines will often change in nature during pregnancy, due to changes in hormone activity, however, will tend to return to the normal pattern following childbirth.

Migraines may worsen in the first trimester of pregnancy however the majority of women experience an improvement in their condition in the second and third trimesters.

Migraine and Oral Contraceptives:

Use of the oral contraceptive pill can either improve or worsen women's migraines. Usually it is difficult to determine which will be the case, however certain circumstances would suggest it's use be re-evaluated;

1. If you suffer your first migraine on commencement of using the pill.
2. If you suffer a severe increase in the number or severity of migraines.
3. If the nature of the migraines changes dramatically

Quite often a change in the brand or dose of the pill used will improve a patient's condition.

These potential scenarios highlight the need to consult your family doctor

for advice in this area, and to let them know about your head-pain, so that the right oral contraceptive advice can be given, and any other potential problems can also be addressed.

Hormonal problems may contribute to Headaches and Migraines, so it is important to have them professionally addressed. It is also important to investigate for other potential causes, as many cases of Headaches and Migraines have more than one ingredient.

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Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis is an inflammatory condition that involves any large or medium-sized artery. The cause of this condition is unknown. Those affected are usually over 50 years of age. The person may feel generally unwell along with a low-grade fever, muscle stiffness, weight and appetite loss.

Due to tenderness of the temporal artery, there may be an associated severe and throbbing headache particularly around the temples. Jaw pain may be experienced with chewing. Constant or momentary double vision, blurring, flashing lights and colour disturbances may occur.

Damage to the blood vessels of the optic nerve (responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain) may cause permanent visual loss. Urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary in cases such as these, and this is a good example of why all headaches and migraines need to be properly diagnosed before any treatment is undertaken.

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Medication "Misuse" Headaches

Certain medications are known to affect and possibly cause headaches and migraines. It is important that you inform your Doctor if you believe this is the case, as sometimes a different drug or dose may be more appropriate.

MEDICATION MISUSE HEADACHE (MMH)

This type of headache may occur when Aspirin or prescriptive pain-killers are used more than three times a week as treatment for chronic headache. Commonly, the person using the medication will experience a headache as the analgesic effects of the drugs wears off, which prompts the sufferer to take more medication, leading to a cycle of abuse.

DRUG INDUCED HYPO-GLYCAEMIA ( LOW BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS)

Certain drugs affect blood sugar levels, which as discussed in the diet section can trigger headaches and migraines.

CHEMICAL NAME:

bishydroxycoumarin- anticoagulant

chlorpromazine - psychiatric

oxytetracycline - antibiotic

phenylbutazone -anti-inflammatory

propoxyphene-painkiller

salicylates -painkiller/anti-inflammatory

sulfisoxazole-antimicrobial

sulfonylureas - diabetes treatment

phenformin - diabetes treatment

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND HRT

Both can aggravate pre-existing migraines particularly if history shows a relation to hormonal fluctuations.(See our section on Hormone related headaches)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MEDICATION RELATED HEADACHES, SEE YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR.

Problems with medications may contribute to Headaches and Migraines, so it is important to have them professionally addressed. It is also important to investigate for other potential causes, as many cases of Headaches and Migraines have more than one ingredient.

Key Words: heat, cold, thermal headaches, dehydration and headaches, smells, odours, noise, sleeping, hormonal migraines, hormonal headaches, temporal arteritis, stress headaches, stress induced headaches, medication misuse headacahes, rebound headaches, withdrawal headaches, psychologist, gp, doctor, medical doctor, health professionals, health experts, headache expert, migraine expert

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Headache and Stress

Many people cite stress as an important headache trigger. Studies also show that people who are prone to stress as well as anxiety and depression are more likely to suffer from frequent headaches. Women are more at risk than men.

A tension headache is caused by a tightening of the muscles in the upper back, neck and head, and is the most common of all the various headache types. Many people cite stress as an important headache trigger. Feelings of stress or anxiety instruct the nervous system to initiate the 'fight or flight' response, which is characterised by shallow breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and increased muscle tension. Women are more prone to anxiety and depression than men. These emotional states are amongst some of the known triggers for tension headaches.

Anxiety, depression and the link to headache

Studies show that people who are prone to the effects of stress as well as anxiety and depression are more likely to suffer from frequent headaches. Anxiety can make tension headaches worse by:

Increasing muscle tension.

Flooding the body with stress chemicals, such as adrenaline.

Reducing the amount of 'relaxation' chemicals in the body, such as endorphins.

Reducing emotional tolerance to stressors and strains.

Reducing the pain threshold.

Counteracting the effects of painkilling medication.

Women are at greater risk

Research has found that small, everyday irritations are much more likely to bring on a headache than major upheavals such as marriage, divorce or job loss. Significantly more women than men suffer from anxiety and tension headache, and women are three times more likely to experience depression. Current thinking suggests that women may be experiencing greater stress because of the demands of the typical Western lifestyle, including:

Financial pressure - women typically earn less money than men, which means dealing with a lower standard of living and reduced recreational opportunities.

Parenthood - women are generally the primary caregivers in the home, and parenting is a 24 hour responsibility with little respite.

'Role-juggling' - trying to meet the various and often competing demands of work and family.

Short term treatment options to provide pain relief:

• Painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol.
• Microcurrent (TENS) and Magnetic therapy
• Heat treatment, such as a long soak in a hot bath.
• Ice packs to the face.
• A scalp, neck and shoulder massage.
• Relaxation, Meditation, Hypnosis etc
• Exercise
• Entertaining distractions, such as a good book or movie.

Long term treatment options to address stress and its effects (including tension headaches)

Research has found that regular exercise can alleviate muscle tension and help alleviate stress related symptoms such as tension headaches, anxiety, depression and some other mood disorders. Different ways to reduce the effects of stress in the long term and help to decrease the incidence of tension headache include:

Aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming or walking.

Relaxation techniques, such as yoga,meditation and hypnosis

Consultation with a Psychologist to improve stress management.

Addressing the musculo-skeletal tension with Chiropractic or Physiotherapy

Reducing stress in your life

Regular tension headaches could be a warning sign that your life is out of balance. It is important to address the various sources of stress in your life and make realistic changes. Chronic stress is also a contributing factor to more serious illnesses, such as heart disease.

Where to get help

Your doctor

Complementary therapy practitioner: Psychologists, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists

Things to remember

There may be number of ingredients which contribute to the onset of tension headaches-stress is one of the more common reported ingredients.

People who are prone to anxiety and depression are more likely to suffer from tension headaches.

Women may be experiencing greater stress because of their demanding lifestyles.

Short term treatment options for tension headache include massage, relaxation, exercise and painkillers.

In some cases of anxiety and depression- Psychotropic medications may also be useful

Key Words: heat, cold, thermal headaches, dehydration and headaches, smells, odours, noise, sleeping, hormonal migraines, hormonal headaches, temporal arteritis, stress headaches, stress induced headaches, medication misuse headacahes, rebound headaches, withdrawal headaches, psychologist, gp, doctor, medical doctor, health professionals, health experts, headache expert, migraine expert

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Acknowledgements:

This section was produced in conjunction with the Victorian governments betterhealth channel [see link to this site on homepage] and www.headache.com.au

Author:

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