An assortment of headache types

Nutrition Health Review, Summer, 1994

Ninety-five percent of all headaches can be lumped together as migraine, cluster and tension-type headaches. Only 5 percent account for less common types of headaches.

Heading the list is chronic daily headache, usually brought on by an "addition" to taking pain killers in the form of over-the-counter drugs (and sometimes prescription drugs) which cause a rebound effect.

The monosodium glutamate (MSG) headache ranges from mild to severe. More than ever, store-bought foods contain MSG, a flavor enhancer. The public has little protection because the Food and Drug Administration continues to consider its inclusion safe. The headache is usually a migraine-like pain with throbbing of the temples and forehead, tightness and pressure in the face.

Carbon monoxide headaches are caused by exposure to carbon monoxide (CO). They produce throbbing pain, nausea, and dizziness. CO builds up in the bloodstream. Some obvious sources are motor vehicular traffic, poorly ventilated cars, or a defective auto exhaust system.

Exertion headaches are sometimes symptoms of a tumor, aneurysm, or blood vessel malformation. They are brief throbbing headaches. More than likely, exertion headaches occur only during exercise, spasms of coughing, or sexual activity.

Eyestrain headaches occur in the forehead and are linked to poor lighting while reading, working at a computer overtime, or needing a new prescription. Too many people prescribe for themselves by selecting reading glasses at a retail store without proper medical examination.

Hunger headaches are characterized by head pain. They often occur among people who experience dips in blood glucose levels. Although most people experiencing these headaches are not hypoglycemic, they have the same reactions and should not delay meals.

Muscle-tension headaches subside within a few hours if a person lies down and closes one's eyes for a few minutes. The body will take this respite to unwind taut muscles. This interlude may also change the individual's perception of pain. After reflection, crises often diminish into minor events.

Some people cannot tolerate any situation that requires relaxation and literally cry out for "fast, fast, fast" relief. A mild over-the-counter analgesic may provide some temporary relief.

Analgesic drugs do not really transform muscle tension into muscle relaxation by direct action; they simply buy time by reducing the sensation of pain. After a few hours, when the drug's effects diminish, the underlying causes of the headache have not been resolved and the pain surfaces again.

Gentle massage of the shoulder, neck and head muscles can be an effective adjunct measure. Heat treatment or warmth applied to taut muscles can make them more pliable. A heating pad, hot moist compresses, or a not-too-hot water bottle placed at the back of the neck can be beneficial. A moderately hot bath can be most helpful.

The jaw headache (temporomandibular joint syndrome) is a matter of dispute between some physicians and dentists; dentists argue that many headaches can be attributed to jaw misalignment, but medical doctors frequently disagree.

Jaw misalignment is a condition that usually can be corrected and will yield infinite benefits. Symptoms consist of pain and soreness in jaw joints; grating-clicking-popping sounds in the ear when chewing; difficulty in moving jaw from side to side or front to back; pain in the jaw joints; difficulty in chewing; missing back teeth, and temporary bridges; the dentist checks whether the jaw deviates to the left or right when the mouth is opened wide. Many dentists believe that the strain of jaw misalignment may contribute to a general decrease in vitality and physical strength.

Hangover headaches occur after drinking too much alcohol the night before. They are probably caused by toxin overload or the effect of alcohol withdrawal.

Caffeine-withdrawal headaches occur when a heavy, daily coffee drinker skips the morning brew or sleeps late on weekends. The pain sometimes disappears after a drink containing caffeine.

Warning signal headaches that cannot be attributed to any known cause should be taken seriously if they consist of sudden, severe head pain; head pain following an injury to the head; fever accompanying head pain; head pain with mental confusion; headache problems that did not occur until middle age; and daily headaches.