Headache

Fact Sheet No.11 Headache
This fact sheet will help you determine what is considered ‘normal’ when it comes to
developing a headache. It also provides information about when to be concerned and when to
seek advice from a healthcare professional (HCP).
Useful facts
What are the different types of headaches and their symptoms?
•
Tension headaches tend to be mildly to moderately severe and affect both sides
of the head – it usually feels like added pressure on the head and as a rule they
don’t keep you from performing your routine daily activities.
•
A migraine is a moderate or severe throbbing headache that affects one or both
sides of the head and is made worse by routine daily activities. Migraines have
many triggers, such as hunger, tiredness or stress.
•
Menstrual migraines are triggered by changing hormone levels in women during
menstruation, pregnancy or when taking birth control pills.
•
Sinus headaches are caused by an infection in the sinuses.
•
Cluster headaches, which cause severe, recurring pain around and above the
eyes, are triggered by overusing painkillers, inflamed blood vessels or raised
pressure inside the head. The exact cause is not known but there may be a
genetic component.
How common are headaches?
Eight out of 10 people suffer from the occasional tension headache, and about two out of
10 people suffer from migraines.
Produced by SMASA www.smasa.cc. Last revised on 15 July 2015.
Please contact Margie Dreyer on 012 803 5955 or email smasa.cc@gmail.com with comments or suggestions.
Fact Sheet No.11 Development of a headache
• Severity: Headaches can severely affect your life but are rarely serious or lifethreatening. Most headaches clear up on their own accord and can last from 30
minutes to about 24 hours.
• Tests: You won’t usually need further scans or blood tests when suffering a
headache. If headache symptoms persist or worsen even after taking medication,
seek professional medical advice from your GP or pharmacist.
Treatment and prevention
•
Lifestyle: Try to get enough sleep at night – at least eight hours if possible.
•
Diet: Eat regular meals and drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Avoid
alcohol over-consumption.
•
Painkillers: Various over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are available for treating a
headache. When choosing an OTC medicine, take into account any other medical
conditions that you might have as well as the risk of potential side effects. Avoid
taking painkillers to treat headaches for more than 10 to 15 consecutive days per
month.
•
Diary: Keep a record of how often you get headaches, how long they last as well as
their severity. This will be helpful in determining whether your headaches follow a
specific pattern and how they respond to treatment. This will also be useful for when
you discuss your headaches with a healthcare professional (HCP).
Produced by SMASA www.smasa.cc. Last revised on 15 July 2015.
Please contact Margie Dreyer on 012 803 5955 or email smasa.cc@gmail.com with comments or suggestions.
Fact Sheet No.11 When to seek medical help
Contact your GP or pharmacist for advice if:
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Your headaches become more and more frequent.
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You throw-up for no reason, feel drowsy, develop a high fever or a stiff neck.
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You suffer from persistent headaches after a head injury.
•
Your headache prevents you from getting any sleep or wakes you up during the night.
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Your headache is worse when coughing, bending, laughing or lying flat.
•
You develop weakness, numbness, or feel unsteady on your feet.
•
Your eyes feel uncomfortable when looking at bright light.
•
You have muscle pains, such as pain when chewing, or a tender scalp.
Produced by SMASA www.smasa.cc. Last revised on 15 July 2015.
Please contact Margie Dreyer on 012 803 5955 or email smasa.cc@gmail.com with comments or suggestions.