Think … How many times in the past year have you had a headache? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47% of the population responds “at least once” to this question. Proof, if one were needed, that headaches are very commonplace. It must be said that these can manifest themselves on very different occasions. An evening too drunk, a raging flu, taking certain medications, possibly in too large a quantity, or even exceptional fatigue. More serious, but fortunately much rarer, a stroke, a tumor or a meningitis can be involved.
According to the International Headhache Society (which published in 2013 the third edition of its International Classification of Headaches), there are four types of primary headaches: tension headaches, migraines, trigemino-autonomic headaches and a fourth category. which includes various headaches, much rarer, and often contextual: during physical exertion, when coughing or during sexual activity. “More anecdotal still, some of these headaches are caused by cold or during traction or pressure”, specifies Dr. Anne Donnet, neurologist at the hospital of Timone (Marseille) and president of the French Society study of migraines and headaches.
This is the most common headache
Although very common, tension headache is the poor relation of research. So that to explain it, we do not have certainties, only hypotheses. The first concerns occasional tension headaches. “As they are mainly caused by stress, it is believed that it causes tension in the pericranial muscles and that it is these tensions that induce headaches”, explains Dr. Anne Donnet.
When tension headaches are recurrent, on the other hand, “it is thought to be due to poorly functioning pain control systems, as is the case with other chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia“, adds the neurologist.
Distraction, relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques are effective
We can prevent tension headaches by adopting anti-stress strategies, such as relaxation, yoga, physical activity. To really benefit from them, these activities must be practiced regularly. Ideally, at least once a week.
The anti-inflammatory such as ibuproben or paracetamol are quite effective against tension headaches. Nevertheless, notes Dr Luigi Titomanlio, head of the migraine and pediatric neurovascular pathologies clinic at the Robert-Debré hospital (Paris), “when tension headaches are recurrent, there is a real risk of overconsumption of drugs. to the point that these can, in turn, lead to headaches. Therefore, we prefer to advise to avoid using them as much as possible “.
“The distraction technique is one of the most effective strategies for getting over the headache, especially in children: we choose to do an activity that we like in order to distract our attention from the pain”, specifies Dr Luigi Titomanlio. Physical activity and relaxation, by reducing muscle tension and stress, are also very effective. Learn to practice selfhypnosis can also be a good way to fight pain when it does occur.
Caffeine too, but beware of excess
Coffee and caffeinated drinks also show some efficacy against tension headaches. But here too, be careful! “Caffeine can reduce pain, but if you already drink a lot of it, it doesn’t work and induces a vicious cycle: you will need caffeine in order not to have a headache and, to be cured, you will have to wean yourself from it. caffeine, “warns Luigi Titomanlio. Not to mention that the excess of caffeine is not without consequence on the excitability.
When should you consult? When the headaches are recurring or they don’t go away. When they prevent you from leading a normal life for several days a month. When combined with other general signs (fever, fatigue).
And when the headache appears very suddenly, a bit like a thunderclap, it is necessary to consult urgently.
When the frequency or intensity of headaches increases over time, an MRI or CT scan is recommended.
But also in front of any unusual headache or when the headaches are associated with other neurological symptoms (epilepsy, partial paralysis, difficulty in speaking). Ditto when they appear in very specific situations (cough, physical exertion, sexual activity, etc.).
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