Physical Causes |
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In contrast to headaches of emotional
origin, a headache can warn that something is fundamentally wrong with
the brain. While it has been estimated that brain tumors account for
only one of every 200 deaths, early recognition of this condition is
imperative. Failure to distinguish the ominous headache from the
trivial may subsequently cost life. Thus, no chronic headache should be
dismissed without investigating the possibility of its having a serious
cause. Headaches due to eyestrain, for example, can
be corrected by using proper glasses. Still others are caused by
glaucoma, the condition that produces hardening of the eyeball.
Although migraine headaches are never fatal, they cause more discomfort
than many other diseases. Many migraine victims could become reasonably
comfortable if they would learn how to correct faulty ways of living.
Of paramount importance is regularity in living—regular habits, regular
meals, and regular hours of sleep. Excesses or overindulgence should be
cut down or, better yet, avoided. Each case of migraine has to be
studied by a physician to determine its underlying cause. Many migraine
victims can be taught to reduce attacks when the actual roots of their
difficulty are brought to light. Diseases of the nerves leading to the head and face,
as well as infections of the ear, nose, throat, and sinuses, can also
cause headaches. In addition, some headaches are caused by such
diseases as influenza, pneumonia, and measles; in these, cure of the
headaches depends upon the cure of the underlying infection. Finally,
acute infections of the nervous system—inflammation of the brain,
meningitis, or polio—are almost always accompanied by severe headaches. Recurring pain at the back of the head and the upper
part of the neck may result from contraction of the neck muscles and
scalp or from head injuries. Although headache is often associated with
high blood pressure, its severity is not necessarily related to the
height of the blood pressure reading. Happily, a number of excellent
drugs will reduce high blood pressure and the accompanying headache. In general, a person suffering from severe or
recurring headaches should consult a competent physician as soon as
possible. Prolonged self-treatment with headache pills or powders,
which many Americans purchase nonchalantly at the corner drugstore, is
unwise, for the promiscuous use of these drugs may give a false sense
of security and occasionally lead to serious trouble. Aspirin is a safe drug to use and probably one of
the most effective. For the average person afflicted by an average
headache, one or two tablets is all that is required for relief.
However, some persons with recurrent types of headache, especially
those without benefit of medical attention, will desperately turn from
one headache nostrum to another without securing relief. Do these concluding words on headache make your own head ache? They
shouldn't—if you will take intelligent advantage of the strides modern
medical science has made in relieving and curing headaches. |
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