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HeadWay, Issue #101 -- Finding Treatment for a Constant Headache
November 24, 2012
Hi!


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In this month's issue:

Finding Treatment for a Constant Headache

Migraine Research - You Can Help!

Say what?!  Hemicrania simplex


Congratulations to Jackie, who was the first to respond last month with ideas for HeadWay!  Jackie received a $20 amazon gift certificate.  Congratulations also to the winners of the LipiGesic-M giveaway - if you haven't sent me your address yet, do it now to claim your prize.

Remember, we'll still be giving away a migraine cookbook to someone who shares their recipe here.  And there are more giveaways on the way!

Finding Treatment for a Constant Headache

So you basically have headache all the time.  How in the world do you find good treatment for a condition like that?

First, you need to know that there are many different conditions in which patients have a headache more or less all the time.  Each condition calls for a very different treatment.  For example, there's new daily persistent headache, and so-called rebound headache or medication overuse headache.  There's also chronic migraine.  Be sure you see a specialist - don't just assume it's "normal" or just something you "have to live with".

Just because you have a headache all the time doesn't mean it's always the same.  It's very important to use a headache diary when you have constant headache.

Dr. George Nissan gives some suggestions (in a video recently posted) regarding how to keep a headache diary with constant headache.  Here are some of his ideas with embellishments of my own:
  • Pay attention to changes in pain throughout the day.  When is pain the worst?  Using a scale of 1 to 10, how high on the scale does the pain get?  Seeing patterns over the course of several months can give clues about what is triggering the pain.
  • Remember that headache usually comes with other symptoms.  Note if you feel nauseous, have body pain, stomach pain, stiff neck, numbness, etc.
  • Overall, what time of day (during a specific day) did you feel the worst?  When did you feel best?
  • Did anything unusual happen on a given day that may have triggered the symptoms?  What about a thunderstorm?  Something you ate?
  • Women need to note their cycle on the headache diary.  Hormones may not explain the headaches, but they may have a significant impact.
Remember, write down anything you think of that may be related.  As Dr. Nissan said, doctors cannot read your mind.  If they ignore the information you give them, that's their fault (start looking for a new doctor!).  But if you don't give them the information, you can't blame them for not making use of it in your treatment.

Finally, keep an open mind when it comes to treating constant headache.  Treatments may include lifestyle changes, vitamin supplements, drugs, physiotherapy, and more.  Sometimes you'll have to lessen the symptoms before they go away completely.  Take the time to investigate your symptoms and the available treatments.



Migraine Research - You Can Help!

Do you want to help with migraine research?  Did you know that there are ways you can help the Migraine Research Foundation (MRF) - without spending a dime?

That's right!  As you do your shopping this year, check out some of these options:
  • Shop through GivingPal!  Just shop at your favourite stores, and a portion of your purchase will go to the MRF - no extra charge!
  • Giving an experience this year?  Perhaps some Broadway tickets?  Well, you can buy them online here.  Get a discount, and support the MRF!
  • Getting rid of some stuff via eBay?  You can automatically donate to the cause!  Or, you can buy from others who are supporting the MRF!  Check out this page for the details.
Still want to give more?  Headache and Migraine News now has its very own page where you can donate to the MRF!  Why not give a few dollars to fight this disability around the world?  Fight Migraine with the MRF

Say what?!  Hemicrania simplex

Hemecrania simplex is an outdated term that was once used to describe migraine without aura.  Migraine without aura is migraine that does not include as a symptom aura symptoms.  Symptoms do include a headache that lasts from several hours to several days.  It's often a one sided pulsating pain, accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light or noise.
Thanks for reading!  Remember, if you have feedback or ideas for future issues, visit the HeadWay MailRoom.  Your password is nomoache.
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