First aid: Headache

Healthpind Staff
Medically Reviewed : Dr. Singh , J.P, MBBS, MD, DNB

Headache is a common symptom, and everyone may have, at one time, suffered from it. It is a passing pain and may be resolved with first aid. At times a severe underlying problem can be causing it. So, neglecting it isn’t always good. If you experience frequent headache episodes, seek medical help.

It is also tough to determine if young kids suffer from headaches because they cannot identify the ache and become very cranky. The child may look pale and vomit as well.

Causes

Blocked Sinuses
Migraine
Fever
Vision problems
Not enough sleep(change in sleep patterns)
Growth of a tumor
Sunburn (being dehydrated)
Infections like the flu, colds, meningitis, ear infections
Head injury
Certain medications (side effects)
Stress
Skipping meals
Allergies (in case of Hay fever)
Mensuration (change in the hormone levels)
Traveling in a car or bus
Loud music
Smoking
Strong smells
Intake of too much caffeine
Certain foods can cause headaches in some people

Not always; every cause gives a person a headache at once. Usually, one or two reasons combine to result in it. Each time, the headache appears for some time and may go away with first aid.

Certain people are sensitive to strong odors; inhaling them can give them splitting headaches. It can be fumes, the smell of paint, a petrol carpet or a new car, smoke, or even perfume. Certain foods can also cause head pain, such as cheese, MSG, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fried foods, yogurt, etc.

The change in hormone levels in women may cause pain in the head, stomach, legs, back, etc. You have to understand that people on certain prescribed medications may experience a specific type of head pain, as it may be one of the side effects.

People who have migraine have them in their families. Kids and teenagers commonly have headaches; certain kids have sensitivities and tend to get more headaches than others.

Sudden shooting pain and increase in intensity
Pain persisting for more than one day and worsening over the period
The person may lose consciousness or have mental confusion

There can be other symptoms with a headache that may need medical attention as well

The person has dizziness and seizures
Numbness in body parts along with paralysis
Having trouble speaking
Redness in the eyes
The person also gets a fever or rash along with stiffness of the neck
There can be blurring of vision, and the person sees halos around lights
Headache follows a respiratory infection or sore throat
Getting a headache after a head injury after a fall or bump
The headaches begin when you change the position of the head when coughing, sneezing, bending, or indulging in any physical activity
A headache that appears and disappears suddenly, and if you are above 50 years of age, headaches need medical help

Regular Headache Symptoms

The person can feel pain in the front, sides, and even at the back of the head
continuous mild pain in the head
Usually, there would be no vomiting or nausea
The person also feels pain in certain areas, such as the face, neck, and shoulder regions, when touched.

Drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated
Keeping a cold pack on the forehead, temples, back, or neck can help relieve the pain
Ask someone to massage your back and neck, which will help release muscle tension. You need to apply rotating pressure on the area of the head which is paining.
A warm bath and rest can help reduce the ache.

A pounding pain in the head that doesn’t stop and continues for a very long time. The pain may be on one side of the head or even both sides at times
A migraine pain can last from half an hour to several hours, sometimes even for a couple of days.
If the person is moving, the pain can worsen
The person feels dizzy and tired
Pain in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting.
His vision is blurry, and he sees spots and halos.
The person is sensitive to light, noise, and smells.

Take a rest in a cool dark room.
Applying a cold pack to the region where the pain originates can help
Massage your scalp
You may take a painkiller (if you have a history of heart, liver, and kidney ailments, consulting the doctor before giving pain medication is mandatory)

Get enough sleep
drink enough liquids
Limit screen time like a computer, mobile, TV, etc
Avoid bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells

Non-frequent pains can be cured with first aid. But those with a pattern of getting headaches must note when, how long, and so on. This way, you will know what triggers it, and by avoiding the reason, you can save yourself from a ‘headache.’

Reference