Headaches are one of the most common ailments; people experience it at least once in their life. A headache may come as a sharp pain, a throbbing sensation or a dull ache. Most headaches are attributed to stress, hunger or lack of sleep, and are often treated quickly with over-the-counter pain relievers, or left untreated until the symptoms go away on their own.
But while headaches aren’t considered by most people as a medical emergency, it can actually be a symptom of a much more serious ailment. So how do you know if that throbbing in your head needs a more serious check-up? Makati Medical Center, the Philippines’ premier healthcare institution, discusses the headaches you should watch out for.
According to Regina Macalintal-Canlas, MD, president of the Philippine Headache Society, head of the Headache Council of the Philippine Neurological Association, and chairperson of the MakatiMed Department of Neurological Sciences, most headaches are tension-type headaches. People who have tension-type headaches describe the pain as a “cap-like” tightness over the head that can radiate to the nape and shoulders. “These headaches are usually mild to moderate, and are easily treated with over-the-counter medications.”
She continues, “More severe headaches can be classified as migraines, which feel like pounding or throbbing on one side or both sides of the head. They can last for four to 72 hours, with photophobia and phonophobia, or sensitivity to light and sound, respectively.”
The most severe pains come from cluster headaches, with pain localized in the eye region. “Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last from two weeks to three months,” says Dr. Macalintal-Canlas. Treatments of tension, migraine and cluster headaches include bed rest and anti-seizure medications, among others.
Then there are other headaches that require further investigation. In these scenarios, the headaches are merely symptoms for underlying conditions, and are best checked by a specialist.
Costen’s Syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a painful condition which affects the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. “It can be caused by overuse or misuse of muscles in the face and neck, such as too much yawning, poor posture, and grinding of teeth. But it can also be from an abnormal structure of the joint, present at birth or caused by joint diseases,” she explains. One of its symptoms is headaches, which can be treated by treating the joints themselves.
Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache is caused by an internal spinal fluid leak. Its main symptom is pain at the back of the head, and may be accompanied by some neck discomfort and nausea. Dr. Macalintal-Canlas says, “When the pressure of the spinal fluid, wherein the brain rests is too low, the brain may stretch the meninges, or its tissue layers, and the nerves lining the brain, which causes pain. Treatment starts with bed rest and increased fluid intake. Caffeine is also given to induce vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels. Invasive treatment may be needed in some cases, when doctors need to seal the hole from where the spinal fluid leaks.”
Headaches coupled with scalp tenderness and jaw pain merit a trip to your doctor. These are symptoms of temporal arteritis, which can lead to stroke or blindness. “Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the lining of your arteries in the temples. While the causes of the condition are relatively unknown, it’s best to ensure your health with a checkup when the symptoms start to show.”
If the headaches come with pain in one eye, along with decreased and painful eye movements, it could be a symptom of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome or THS. THS is a rare syndrome known to be associated with inflammation of certain areas behind the eye. If left untreated, THS can lead to blindness.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve which carries sensation from your face to your brain. “Sometimes, merely brushing your teeth or chewing your food can send jolts of excruciating pain to your head,” points out Dr. Macalintal-Canlas. Treatment will involve medications that will lessen or block the pain signals sent to your brain.
A general problem such as a headache isn’t a sure sign of a worse condition. But Dr. Macalintal-Canlas concludes, “It’s good to pay close attention to what other symptoms you may be experiencing alongside the headaches. If the pain persists, or if it’s coupled with confusion or trouble understanding speech, fainting, or very high fever, which are red flags, it’s best to visit your doctor.”
For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at (02) 888-8999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.