Headaches are an actual pain and headache related disorders are extremely widespread. In fact, a recent study that was published this morning in The Journal of Headache and Pain shows that headaches are a widespread issue that affects millions of people around the world.
In analyzing research from 357 prior studies that examined the frequency of disorders causing headaches The researchers discovered that over half of the population of the world (52 percent) suffers from one of the conditions mentioned above, which includes tension-type headaches and migraine. Additionally, they estimate that 16% of the population around the globe suffer from a headache at any time.
“Headaches are according to me, an under-reported epidemic,” the Dr. Gayatri Devi who is a professor of neurology and neurology, at Hofstra Northwell’s Zucker School of Medicine in Hofstra Northwell, told TODAY.
This is a major problem that is disproportionately affecting women. In particular, the latest study revealed that nearly two-thirds of women suffer from frequent headaches and migraines (15 or more days of headache each month) than men. However, as gruelling and debilitating as the symptoms of headache may be, there’s solutions to treat the signs.
What are the most common headache conditions?
Headaches are certainly uncomfortable and can disrupt your daily life. However, when it comes to headaches the pain is only beginning.
“A chronic headache is a condition that alters your function due to the recurring headaches that are recurring,” Devi said. Different conditions may come with their own unique set of symptoms.
“A migraine is the typical one-sided , pounding, painful throbbing sensation that’s painful,” Dr. Lauren Natbony director at Integrative Headache Medicine of New York and TODAY. This pain typically gets more severe when you attempt to move. It may also be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as vomiting or nausea, along with intermittent changes in your vision and difficulties speaking in The Mayo Clinic says. These symptoms can last several days or even weeks and can impact the lives of patients.
A headache of the type that is tension is what the majority of us refer to when we talk about having headaches is not as severe as migraine attacks, Natbony explained. “You can feel this knot of tightness all over the head of yours,” she said. “It’s moderate or mild and isn’t a major issue in functioning. It is possible to be sensitive to sound or light, however, there shouldn’t be any vomiting or nausea.”
Why are so many women suffer from headaches?
There are several reasons why headaches are more prevalent for women than men, Devi stated. The first is that hormonal changes play an important part in migraine attacks. Certain people suffer from migraines frequently during their menstrual cycle.
“Boys prior to puberty have more migraines that girls do,” Natbony explained. However, after puberty it is known that the risk of having migraines in girls is higher. “After menopausal menopausal levels fall, you’re left with stable hormones and the incidence actually drops,” she said.
Women may also have different posture problems which can cause shoulder and neck tension, Devi stated. “Your hip bone connects with the knee bone (and) the ankle bone. In essence, everything is transfered to the head of your neck,” she explained. “It results in discomfort in your neck and can trigger tension headaches. It could also trigger migraines.”
Stress and lack of sleep could cause the frequency of headaches Devi said. The likelihood of women being more likely suffer from either condition than men.
How can you deal with headaches?
If you are experiencing headaches that hinder your capacity to work or lead the life you want There are treatments that are available. If you’re feeling like doctors aren’t taking your concerns seriously, don’t hesitate to seek another opinion or consult a specialist to get their perspective.
- Track your headaches and identify possible triggers. The triggers you face could be things like insomnia hormone changes, weather or atmospheric pressure fluctuations and dehydration. You could also skip meals or a shoulder and neck tension coffee, alcohol, or stress.
- Make sure you are at ease when you’re suffering from headaches. It usually is helpful to keep loud noises and bright lighting to a minimum when trying to manage a migraine.
- Discuss with your doctor medicines that could helpbest prior tothings become severe the doctor advised Natbony. Certain treatments, such as Botox treatments or wearable technology, could be used to stop migraine headaches. The doctor may also recommend taking abortive medication to use when you first notice of a migraine to stop it from occurring.
- Certain lifestyle changes, such as engaging in regular physical exercise and incorporating more plant-based food in your diet, can help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
If you notice sudden “thunderclap” headaches, you should seek urgent medical assistance. The headaches that cause this type of pain, which typically occur quickly and are accompanied by serious symptoms, could be a sign of an injury or health emergency. Devi said.
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