Suffering frequent headache?

Based on a study in the Philippines, more than 60% of the population is experiencing headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you may be experiencing chronic daily headaches.The nature of chronic daily headaches makes them among the most disabling headaches. Chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more a month, for at least three months. True (primary) chronic daily headaches aren't caused by another condition.

There are short-lasting and long-lasting chronic daily headaches. Long-lasting last more than four hours. They include:

• Chronic migraine

• Chronic tension-type headache

• New daily persistent headache

• Hemicrania continua

The causes of many chronic daily headaches aren't well-understood. True (primary) chronic daily headaches don't have an identifiable underlying cause.Conditions that may cause non-primary chronic daily headaches include:

• Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain, including stroke

• Infections, such as meningitis

• Intracranial pressure that's either too high or too low

• Brain tumor

• Traumatic brain injury

Factors associated with developing frequent headaches include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Sleep disturbances

• Obesity

• Snoring

• Overuse of caffeine

• Overuse of headache medication

• Other chronic pain conditions

Taking care of yourself might help ease chronic daily headaches.

• Avoid headache triggers. Keeping a headache diary can help you determine what triggers your headaches so that you can avoid the triggers. Include details about every headache, such as when it started, what you were doing at the time and how long it lasted.

• Avoid medication overuse. Taking headache medications, including over-the-counter medications, more than twice a week can increase the severity and frequency of your headaches. Consult your doctor about how to wean yourself off the medication because there can be serious side effects if done improperly.

• Get enough sleep. The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep a night. It's best to go to bed and wake up at regular times, as well.

• Don't skip meals. Eat healthy meals at about the same times daily. Avoid food or drinks, such as those containing caffeine, that seem to trigger headaches. Lose weight if you're obese.

• Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic physical activity can improve your physical and mental well-being and reduce stress. With your doctor's OK, choose activities you enjoy — such as walking, swimming or cycling. To avoid injury, start slowly.

• Reduce stress. Stress is a common trigger of chronic headaches. Get organized. Simplify your schedule. Plan ahead. Stay positive. Try stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga, tai chi or meditation. #headache #migraine #pain #vertigo #dizziness #nausea #specialist #neurologist #neurologistinmanila #winnielimkhoo #docwinnie #manila #philippines #health #tips #advise