What's causing your headaches? Doctors tell you more

Migraines and chronic headaches arenrsquot just ldquoin your headrdquo mdash theyrsquore real debilitating and often profoundly misunderstoodWhile stress and excessive screen time are commonly blamed millions suffer due to a wide range of underlying reasons However with a bit of selfawareness consistent lifestyle habits and medical support they can be managedEvery year Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is observed in June While there are many misconceptions about it letrsquos shift the conversation from stigma to strategyMedical dissect migraines to help you identify the type of your headache and aid better management with evidencebased lifestyle modifications Decoding your headache could be the first step to reclaiming your peace of mind mdash and your life Common triggers for headachesAlong with stress and screen time there are several other factors responsible for headaches Dr Pradyumna J Oak director of neurology at Centre for Neurosciences Nanavati Max Hospital Mumbai outlines commonly recognised triggers for different types of headaches including migraines1 Poor postureThis is common particularly in the case of desk jobs that require one to maintain your head in a forward position for extended periods or straining neck muscles can lead to tensiontype headaches2 Blue light from devicesSome studies also indicate that blue light emitted from digital devices can disturb the sleep by reducing melatonin levelsmdashour natural sleep hormone These disrupted sleep patterns have been linked to migraines and tension headaches3 Flashing lightsFor some individuals extreme visuals may act as triggers Bright or flashing lights high contrast patterns have the potential to overstimulate certain areas of the brain in those prone to migraines4 Extended use of screens in proximityActivities that involve prolonged focusing at a close distance such as detailed reading or extended computer tasks or even overuse of smart phones can cause strain on the eyes resulting in headaches and eye discomfortDifferentiating between tension headaches migraines and other typesThe most important way of managing headaches is to recognise its type Tension headaches typically involve a steady dull pain on both sides of the head often described as a feeling of pressure or tightness similar to something wrapped tightly around your forehead These usually are not triggered by nausea or sensitivity to light or soundMigraines are usually more intense causing throbbing or pulsating pain These are often concentrated on one side of the head Migraine sufferers often experience nausea vomiting and heightened sensitivity to lights and noises and their symptoms often worsen with physical activityCervicogenic headaches originate from neck problems Located to one side and worsening with specific neck movements or postures theyre often accompanied by neck stiffness or limited neck motionTracking your headache for diagnosis and managementMany people who experience frequent headaches often try to pinpoint their triggers This can involve avoiding certain foods minimising exposure to bright or flickering lights or even adjusting their posture while workingldquoIf you happen to have multiple episodes of headaches try to maintain a diary specifying date time and duration of the episode This can help the doctor come to an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatmentsrdquo recommends Oak He also suggests keeping a track of the specifics such as where it occurs on your head the kind of sensationmdashwhether throbbing sharp or a dull pressuremdashand its severityIts also important to learn strategies for managing stress levels and coping with changes in routine ldquoPay close attention to additional symptoms such as nausea heightened sensitivity to light or sound or any visual disturbances Furthermore diligently record the treatment method you used for each headache episode and its efficacy this detailed information will significantly assist your neurologist in pinpointing the most effective course of action for your conditionrdquo he concludesEvidencebased strategies for headache prevention beyond screen time and stress managementManaging headaches and migraines usually requires a multifaceted approach integrating significant lifestyle adjustments alongside professional medical consultation In addition to managing stress and minimising time spent in front of the screen Dr Aditya Kulkarni consultant of neurology at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road shares evidencebased strategies that can reduce head pain frequency and intensity1 Maintain adequate hydration Dehydration isenspa known precipitant for migraines especially in the warmer seasons Drinking water all day is very important to warding offenspheadache from dehydration2 Establish consistent routines Disruptions to the bodyrsquos internal rhythmmdashdue to haphazard sleep schedules missed meals and erratic daily routinesmdashmay trigger headaches Keeping a routine of regular sleep and consistent daily habits canensphelp maintain synchronisation of biological rhythms minimising those triggers3 Identify and avoid dietary triggers There are certain foods that can contribute to migraines such as aged cheese processed meats caffeine alcohol and artificial sweeteners for some individuals Keeping a food journal may identifyenspspecific dietary culprits4 Limit exposure to heat and sunlight Overexposure to heat and sun is one of the most common environmental triggers Taking proper sun protection and staying indoors during the peak heat of the day can be preventive5 Engage in regular physical activity Moderate and consistent exercising mdash such as walking stretching or yoga mdash can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines However strenuous activity at the time of or near a migraine onset should be avoided6 Review medication with a healthcare provider People who have frequent orenspsevere migraines may benefit from preventive medications These are eitherenspbetablockers antiepileptics or one of the newer antimigraine specific drugs Patients should consult with a physician regarding any change inensptherapyWhen should you see a doctorWhile most headaches are selflimited and benign some can be warning signals of more serious disorders Kulkarni recommends consulting a medical professional if you experience any of the following warning signs1 A sudden severe headache that reaches peak intensity within seconds to minutes often described as a lsquothunderclaprsquo headache2 Newonset headache in individuals over the age of 50 or a noticeable change in headache pattern3 Headache with associated neurologic symptoms eg confusion vision loss weakness numbness or problems with speech4 Headache not improving with overthecounter medications5 Headaches that occur with fever stiff neck rash or in association with recent trauma to the head6 Headaches that frequently awaken from sleep or cause disability even the day afterldquoIn these instances it is important to obtain immediate medical care to rule out more serious health issues including bleeding into the brain infection or neurologic diseaserdquo he cautions