Headaches

Health and Social Care

Unit 6

Headaches

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How the pain arises

A headache usually arises from the meninges and the scalp and it blood vessels and muscles. Headaches can be triggered  by a number of conditions for example stress, hangover or certain foods. Can be misdiagnosed as similar symptoms are found when you have meningitis and brain tumours.

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Causes of Headaches

  • Stress - causes the muscles in the face scalp and neck to become more tense, which is called a tension headache.
  • Dehydration - Not having enough water in the body to replace the amount being lost
  • Hangover - Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
  • Travel - Long prolonged travel
  • Stuffy Atmosphere - Lack of ventilation
  • Food and Hunger - Some foods such as burgers and chocolate can trigger headaches. A lack of food can also cause this problem
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Types of Headaches

  • Cluster Headache - a series of short headaches, sometimes can have several in a day or a few over a period of a few days or weeks. Usually only one side of the head, sometimes the eye on this side is sore too.
  • Migraine Headache - Painful throbbing headaches that can last a few hours to a few days. Usually start on one side of the head and can be accompanied by visual effects, flashing lights, nausea and vomiting. Women have migraines more than men. can be triggered by circumstances and certain foods.
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