Headaches are one of the most common health discomforts, with “displeasure” being an understatement in some cases. Headaches are also most often treated with a tablet such as paracetamol or a similar product. Successfully or not. But when is more than just paracetamol needed?

Different types of headaches

To begin with, you cannot speak generally about headaches and then lump everything under this heading, including solutions. There are different types of headaches, with different backgrounds and different solutions.

Migraine

To discuss the most famous one directly, it is now plausible that migraine has a hereditary factor. Nearly 60% of people who have migraines also have a family member who suffers from them. However, it has not yet been scientifically proven. In total, about 20% (= almost 3.5 million) of the Dutch population suffer from migraine to a greater or lesser extent, with the ratio being that women suffer from migraine much more often than men (1: 3).

Characteristics

Migraines are characterized, to a greater or lesser extent, by hypersensitivity to bright light and loud sounds. It is a one-sided and throbbing pain, sometimes even pounding. In severe cases, consciousness can sometimes be compromised. The duration varies and while some people may find themselves deeply buried under the covers for a few hours, others will avoid daylight for several days and everything in between.

Solutions

Paracetamol is usually not a solution for such a headache. Avoiding all stimuli that could have an influence is a start. A dark, low-noise room is then the basis. But not everything can be prevented. However, for some people, avoiding coffee can help. But avoiding stress and over-tiredness can also have a positive effect. However, this certainly does not apply to everyone. It is therefore important to find out what causes your migraine. Maxaltcan also be used, which has a constricting effect on the blood vessels, but combats the symptoms and does not offer a definitive solution.

Cluster headache

This form is less common, one in ten thousand people in the Netherlands, and can have an enormous impact on your functioning. Especially when it sometimes just pops up for seemingly no reason. Unfortunately, not much is known about the cause.

Characteristics

Cluster headaches can come on unexpectedly in a specific part of the head (often near the temples). Depending on where it is located, it can lead to strange expressions. If it is near the ear, it can put pressure there and reduce hearing. In the eye, it can cause it to water, constrict your pupil and/or give you a runny nose. Your body temperature may rise and your muscles may tense. The duration of an attack varies from fifteen minutes to more than three hours and can occur several times a day.

Solutions

Pure oxygen is often administered, which has an attack-inhibiting effect. This only works if it is administered in the early stages of the attack. At a later stage the effect is significantly less. Maxalt can also be used, which has a constricting effect on the blood vessels.

Finally

Chocolate or wine fact or fable? Some people dismiss it as a fable, while others can immediately conclude that a headache is coming after a heavy intake of chocolate. In any case, the fact is that listening to your body is essential.