Migraine

The other most common type of headache is the migraine, this is classically one sided and throbbing in nature, with or without flashing lights, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling and in extreme case even temporary paralysis or blindness. These headaches are due to a disturbance in brain activity due in part to spasm of the arteries in the brain and the brains wiring getting a short circuit as a result. There can be various triggers, which many sufferers are aware of such as red wine, chocolate and cheese.

Although these headaches are of a more central origin (ie from the brain), treatment of the joints and muscles can reduce the body’s sensitivity to stimuli that build up to trigger an attack.

There are other more serious types of headache, which can signal a serious condition such as a tumor or leaking blood vessel. Things to watch out for are a severe headache that gets progressively worse over the course of days despite all efforts to ease it, is not related to movement, is associated with nausea, vomiting, visual change, speech change, unsteadyness, double vision, watering eyes (in conjunction with the other signs), odd sensations, general feeling of being off colour.

If you have these symptoms consult your GP or Accident and Emergency as soon as possible for further evaluation.

Or alternatively call the clinic and I’ll chat over your symptoms to advise you whether it is worth coming in for our free initial consultation or calling your GP.

You may also be surprised to know that prolonged or regular use of pain killing medication can actually cause headaches too!!