According to statistics, about 4% of the world’s population suffers from persistent chronic headaches, about 30% are all too familiar with migraines, and virtually everyone has experienced a headache at least once in their life
Today we’re talking about the most common types of headaches with Vladimir Bersenev, author of the book *Headache*, founder of the Institute of Pain, Candidate of Medical Sciences, and neurologist.
“Pressing on the temples,” “squeezing like a vise,” “throbbing,” “unable to shake my head,” “pounding in the back of the head,” “dull,” and so on—there are many ways people describe the symptoms of a headache. However, most women and men who suffer from this affliction rarely go to the doctor, contenting themselves with painkillers and a wet towel on their head.
And that is a huge mistake. Because headaches can be fundamentally different, and there are countless causes. And often, these causes lie outside the skull. That is why a one-size-fits-all treatment with an analgin or aspirin tablet may either have no effect at all or provide only temporary relief. What should be done? “Only a doctor who has received the most accurate information from the patient about the nature and location of the pain can prescribe effective treatment after certain examinations,” says Dr. Bersenev. “And often, you can get by without a large number of medications.”
To prevent headaches from disrupting your plans and worsening your quality of life, don’t suffer in silence—see a neurologist. An accurate diagnosis is the key to your recovery.
Migraine: The Ailment of Managers, Foodies, and Active People
The weather outside is beautiful, you have a ton of plans, but instead you’re lying in a dark room, curled up in a ball? About 30% of people on Earth are all too familiar with the word “migraine.” This condition often has a genetic component. Migraines have been known for a very long time; they were first described by ancient healers as early as 3000 BCE!
In addition, there is a clear link to a person’s dietary habits, which is why migraines are often called the “gourmet’s disease.”
Your doctor will prescribe the right treatment plan for you, but there are some things you can do without waiting for a clinic visit. Simply reduce or eliminate foods that trigger migraines from your diet. These include foods that cause sudden constriction and dilation of blood vessels.
So, keep in mind this list of foods that can trigger headaches. These include cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan, blue cheese, and mozzarella. Smoked meats, canned fish, sausages, hot dogs, fast food, and Chinese restaurant dishes. Alcohol (especially red wine and beer), carbonated drinks, and cola. Tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, nuts. Olives, sauerkraut. Raspberries, bananas, tomatoes, sea buckthorn, gooseberries, eggplants, cucumbers, avocados, pineapples, citrus fruits, corn, beans, mushrooms.
But there are foods your brain loves! These include magnesium-rich seaweed, broccoli, bell peppers, parsley, melon, buckwheat, and oatmeal. Unsaturated fatty acids are found in corn oil, olive oil, and almonds.
If you follow these simple dietary recommendations, you can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the number of migraine attacks without medication.
Tension-type headache (TTH): avoid stress, conflicts, and fatigue
This type of headache is easy to recognize if you notice that the pain periodically subsides, or even stops altogether on its own. Yes, this happens when a person is distracted or experiences positive emotions. For example, while spending time in nature, watching a comedy or a good show, interacting with pleasant people, or spending time with beloved pets.
In addition to headaches, patients suffering from GBN complain of insomnia, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity, and lethargy. The pain is described as a squeezing, throbbing sensation. Loud noises, bright lights, combing your hair, and even wearing a hat or cap can make the pain worse!
If a doctor confirms that you have GBN, first try
Adjust your lifestyle to include fewer stressors, overload, and conflicts, and more positivity and interesting activities. Psychotherapy sessions, relaxing massage, physical therapy, yoga, autogenic training, hot showers, therapeutic exercises, and neck massage can help.
Cluster headaches: stick to a routine
One-sided headaches that are more common in men than in women. They occur in attacks, appear in series, and can last for weeks or even months. Several attacks a day. They can also suddenly disappear on their own and not bother you for a long time. They often manifest as sharp pain around one eye and behind the eye, nasal congestion, redness of the eye, and tearing.
A distinctive feature of cluster headaches is that they are often seasonal in nature. They are also governed by circadian rhythms (the body’s internal clock), which are controlled by the hypothalamus. Therefore, even a minor disruption to one’s routine, a change in climate or time zone, sleep disturbances, overwork, or hormonal imbalances can trigger cluster headaches.
Cerebral Circulation Disorders: Headache—the First Warning Sign of Danger
The brain requires a constant supply of blood, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to it. The nourishment of each nerve cell (neuron) is provided by a multitude of large vessels and tiny capillaries from two arterial systems (the internal carotid artery basin and the vertebral arteries). This is an extremely complex, delicate structure, and even the slightest disruption can lead to serious consequences. If hypoxia occurs, the brain begins to gradually lose its functions.
The causes of circulatory disorders can be vascular (atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension or hypotension, diabetic angiopathy, etc.) and non-vascular. The most important non-vascular factor in the development of circulatory disorders in the vertebral artery basin is extravasal compression associated with spondylosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, herniated intervertebral discs, and displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
The criteria for the initial manifestations of chronic cerebral circulation disorders are the presence of two or more symptoms that recur at least once a week for at least 3 months: memory impairment, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, decreased work capacity, increased irritability, and sleep disturbances.
As the disease progresses, discirculatory encephalopathy develops. Over time, brain damage becomes more extensive, and the symptoms of the disease become more pronounced: headaches, impaired vision and cognitive abilities, unsteady gait, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, and more.
Treatment of chronic cerebral circulation disorders must be comprehensive, taking into account all possible causes and the stage of the condition. At the “Bersenov Medical Center,” we use a metameric treatment method aimed at normalizing cerebral blood flow, improving venous outflow, and improving the condition of the cervical spine.
Remember, pain in any part of the head is an alarm signal that the body sends us in case of danger. Therefore, by reassuring yourself that everyone gets headaches sometimes and taking painkillers, you are not eliminating the cause, but simply silencing the signal and delaying your visit to the doctor, thereby increasing the risk. Take care of yourself!
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