Most people are familiar with headaches. They can last just a few minutes or even days. Severe episodes of headache are also possible. There are many different causes of headaches. Rest or various home remedies often help, but you should consult a doctor if you have chronic headaches. Here you will find further information and selected headache specialists and centers.
Headaches, medically known as cephalgia , are very common.
The pain can affect almost any region of the head. Some forms of headache occur more frequently in the temples or around the eyes. Others tend to occur in the upper area or at the back of the head.
There are pain-sensitive organs in the area of the head, such as
which can be irritated by headaches. Those affected then experience this pain as mild or severe pain.
Most people have already suffered from headaches © goodluz | AdobeStock
There are many different causes of headaches.
In the case of stress-related headaches, restlessness or constant tension - both at work and at home - is the cause.
Eye fatigue can certainly affect the head and its nerves. For example, some people experience headaches when they spend too much time working in front of a computer screen.
Another typical cause of headaches is muscle tension. They occur, for example, when the neck muscles are affected or there is a blockage of the vertebrae in this area. The lack of blood supply or compressed nerves then trigger the symptoms.
Stress is a common cause of headaches © WavebreakmediaMicro | AdobeStock
Other causes of headaches are
However, headaches can also be caused by more serious problems, such as a brain tumor. Severe migraines are also often accompanied by severe headaches.
The possible causes of headaches summarized:
To eliminate headaches, the cause of the discomfort must be identified and removed.
The following often help with stress-related headaches
If tension in the neck or back muscles is the cause, special stretching exercises can quickly bring relief.
Those affected should also always make sure they drink enough. At least two liters of water a day is recommended. If the cause of your headache could be a lack of fluids, drink water - this can often help.
Always drink enough, because a lack of fluids can cause headaches © alter_photo | AdobeStock
Home remedies that often help against headaches are
Drinks containing caffeine can also relieve the pain as they dilate the blood vessels. However, they are no substitute for water!
In many cases, patients resort to painkillers such as
These headache remedies are freely available in pharmacies. After taking them, the symptoms can actually subside or even disappear completely.
However, painkillers only combat the symptoms and not the cause. To really eliminate the headache, the cause must be treated. Otherwise, painkillers can lead to a vicious circle in which those affected become overly dependent on medication.
If the headache has deeper causes, the medication will not help in the long term. If the pain is severe, over-the-counter preparations also quickly reach their limits. Especially in the case of migraine attacks or cluster headaches, such remedies are only of limited help.
Possible remedies for headaches:
Cluster headaches often occur on one side in the area around the eye. They occur in episodes that can last up to several hours. Cluster headaches often occur a few hours after falling asleep, after getting up or at lunchtime. Cluster headaches are described as stabbing, drilling and burning.
What distinguishes cluster headaches from migraine attacks: While migraine sufferers often seek rest and retreat to bed, cluster headache sufferers experience an increased urge to move.
However, symptoms that occur with migraines can also be noticeable with cluster headaches. These include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Other possible symptoms of cluster headaches are
The causes of cluster headaches are not known. However, there are some known "triggers" that can trigger this condition:
Certain medications can be given as a preventative measure. In acute cases, inhalations or special nasal sprays have proven effective.
A visit to the doctor is recommended for
If there is a serious illness, the doctor can initiate appropriate treatment. Self-therapy in the form of taking painkillers could prove fatal in such a case.
Chronic headaches usually occur when those affected
have complaints.
Important: If the headache is actually chronic, the sufferer must see a doctor!
As a rule, the first port of call for headaches is the family doctor. The doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms, their severity and frequency.
Mild cases can also be treated by a GP without any problems.
In more severe cases, however, further treatment by another doctor is required, such as a
