There are many different types of headaches, and many of them can be recurring. My first thought when I read your post was a migraine headache, because of the sensitivity to light and noise.
We have a plethora of information on headaches. I think the best thing is to read a few brief articles about headaches, and see what information resonates with you. Then, we can narrow it down together and talk about possible treatments (you can also read about triggers, prevention, causes and treatment options).
Causes & Triggers for Migraine Headaches may include:
The precise cause is unknown. Among the suspected causes are:
* Environmental triggers
* Genetic predisposition
* Dietary triggers
* Physiologic (menstruation, puberty)
A trigger sets the process in motion. It is possible that the nervous system reacts to the trigger by conducting electrical activity. This spreads across the brain. It leads to the release of brain chemicals. These make blood vessels swell. It may be this inflammation that causes pain and other symptoms.
Risk Factors
The risk of having a migraine over a lifetime is up to 20%-25%.
Factors that increase your chance for migraines may include:
* Sex: adult females, but more common in male children than female
* Family members with migraines
* Youth (90% occur by age 40)
* Medications including:
o Hormone replacement therapy
o Drugs to dilate blood vessels
* Menstruation
* Fatigue
* Lack of sleep or changing sleep patterns
* Stress or relief from stress
* Skipping meals
* Alcohol, especially red wine
* Altitude or weather changes
* Time zone changes
* Exertion that is sustained
* Glaring or flashing light
* Perfumes or other odors
* Eating foods known to trigger migraines
* Epilepsy
There are many, many more articles from experts as well as women who are suffering with these types of headaches and discuss treatments that have worked for them.
Please read to see if your symptoms do sound like they are more typical of a migraine headache (compared to Cluster or Tension headaches, for example). That is my guess. Then, there are treatment options and it is a good idea to contact your doctor as well. One of the articles talks about keeping a "headache diary" that is helpful.
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There are many different types of headaches, and many of them can be recurring. My first thought when I read your post was a migraine headache, because of the sensitivity to light and noise.
We have a plethora of information on headaches. I think the best thing is to read a few brief articles about headaches, and see what information resonates with you. Then, we can narrow it down together and talk about possible treatments (you can also read about triggers, prevention, causes and treatment options).
Causes & Triggers for Migraine Headaches may include:
The precise cause is unknown. Among the suspected causes are:
* Environmental triggers
* Genetic predisposition
* Dietary triggers
* Physiologic (menstruation, puberty)
A trigger sets the process in motion. It is possible that the nervous system reacts to the trigger by conducting electrical activity. This spreads across the brain. It leads to the release of brain chemicals. These make blood vessels swell. It may be this inflammation that causes pain and other symptoms.
Risk Factors
The risk of having a migraine over a lifetime is up to 20%-25%.
Factors that increase your chance for migraines may include:
* Sex: adult females, but more common in male children than female
* Family members with migraines
* Youth (90% occur by age 40)
* Medications including:
o Hormone replacement therapy
o Drugs to dilate blood vessels
* Menstruation
* Fatigue
* Lack of sleep or changing sleep patterns
* Stress or relief from stress
* Skipping meals
* Alcohol, especially red wine
* Altitude or weather changes
* Time zone changes
* Exertion that is sustained
* Glaring or flashing light
* Perfumes or other odors
* Eating foods known to trigger migraines
* Epilepsy
Here are some great first-articles for your review:
- EmpowHER: Migraine Headache Overview
- Migraines: Types, Prevention, Treatment
- Migraines: Preventing the Pain
- EmpowHER: Tension Headache (just for comparison)
There are many, many more articles from experts as well as women who are suffering with these types of headaches and discuss treatments that have worked for them.
Please read to see if your symptoms do sound like they are more typical of a migraine headache (compared to Cluster or Tension headaches, for example). That is my guess. Then, there are treatment options and it is a good idea to contact your doctor as well. One of the articles talks about keeping a "headache diary" that is helpful.
August 31, 2010 - 1:03pmThis Comment
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