Back to Topics


Student Health 101 General Health
A Reference Guide to Student Health

Headaches

Tension Headaches

Migraine Headaches

Headache is one of the most common reasons patients seek help from their physicians. However, most headaches are not serious and can be safely treated at home. Some common causes include eyestrain, infections, allergy, head and neck injury, hormonal changes, and high blood pressure.

For any headache, seek immediate medical attention for any of the following:

  • A very sudden pain that you might describe as “the worst headache of your life”
  • A headache that occurs with:
  • Fever, confusion, and stiff neck
  • Weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, seizures, or confusion
  • Recent trauma to the head, such as a fall
  • Physical exertion, such as exercise or sexual activity
  • A severe headache that does not respond to home therapy
  • A headache that awakens you from a sound sleep

Two common classifications of headaches are tension headaches and migraine headaches.


Tension Headaches
More than 90% of all headaches are tension headaches (also called stress headaches). Patients often describe them as a dull, constant ache on both sides of the head. Others also experience a squeezing sensation, as if the head were in a vice. Other symptoms may include tightness and pain in the neck and shoulders. The pain can range from mild to severe.

TREATMENT

  • Use a nonprescription pain reliever, such as Tylenol® or Advil®. However, to avoid “rebound headaches” (headaches that come back when the pain reliever wears off), do not use these medications too frequently.
  • Lie down in a dark room with a cool cloth on your forehead and relax your head and neck muscles.
  • Have someone lightly massage your neck muscles.

PREVENTION

  • Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Cut down slowly to avoid increasing headache frequency.
  • Practice proper posture. Often, poor posture, or excessive bending or twisting of the neck to reach poorly placed items, contribute to tension headaches.
  • Reduce emotional stress. Relaxation techniques and exercise often help.

Back to top

Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches are severe, often throbbing headaches that usually occur on one side of the head and can last anywhere from a few hours to days. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to loud sounds and bright lights. Warning signs, called auras, may occur 15 to 30 minutes prior to the onset of head pain. Auras can include blurred vision with bright spots, numbness or tingling of the face or arms, weakness, or even strange smells. Although migraines can occur in men and women and at any age, they are more common in females between the ages of 15 and 40.

TREATMENT

  • Rest in a dark, quiet place.  Try to sleep, as this can sometimes resolve migraines.
  • Use a nonprescription medication, such as Tylenol® or Advil®, or a medicine your physician has prescribed. Take the medication as soon as the pain starts or even before you experience pain if you have warning signs.
  • Apply a cool washcloth or cold pack to your forehead.

PREVENTION
It is not known exactly what causes migraine headaches, but try to avoid possible triggers.

Some common triggers include:

  • Bright lights
  • Loud noises
  • Tiredness
  • Hormonal changes (such as during menstruation)
  • Stress
  • Foods such as chocolate, red wine, hard cheese, and caffeine

Back to top