Head Health Dictionary

Any injury to the head, whether associated with a skull fracture (see BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures) or not. Patients with head injuries should be assessed for signs of neurological damage, which may not develop at once. Patients who after a head injury are or have been UNCONSCIOUS or who are drowsy, vomiting, confused or have any focal neurological signs – for example, blurred vision or a motor or sensory malfunction – should be seen by a doctor. Particular care should be taken with individuals who have consumed alcohol and sustained a head injury in a ?ght, fall or vehicle accident. Symptoms indicative of a severe head injury may be attributed (wrongly) to the effects of alcohol, and crucial time thus lost in treating the injury.

In hospital the possible need for urgent action is monitored by use of the GLASGOW COMA SCALE.

People suffering the results of such injuries and their relatives can obtain help and advice from Headway – the brain injury association.... head injury

A very common condition which may vary considerably in severity, type, signi?cance and cause. At one extreme, headache may indicate the presence of a tumour or MENINGITIS, while at the other it may merely indicate a common cold or tiredness. Even so, persistent or recurrent headaches should always be taken seriously. Although the brain itself is insensitive to pain, the surrounding membranes – meninges – are very sensitive, and changes in intracranial arteries, or spasm of the neck or scalp muscles, which may occur for various reasons, may cause considerable pain. In most cases a clinical diagnosis should be possible; further investigations should only be necessary following head injury, if headaches recur, or if neurological signs such as drowsiness, vomiting, confusion, seizures or focal signs develop.

Stress and anxiety are probably the most common causes of headache and, where possible, the reasons – overwork, family problems, unemployment, ?nancial diffculties, etc. – should be tackled. An unpleasant environment such as tra?c pollution or badly ventilated or overcrowded working conditions may provoke headaches in some people, as may excessive smoking or ca?eine intake. MIGRAINE is a characteristic and often disabling type of headache; high blood pressure may cause the condition (see HYPERTENSION); and, occasionally, refractive errors of the eyes (see EYE, DISORDERS OF) are associated with headaches. SINUS infections are often characterised by frontal headaches. Rheumatism in the muscles of the neck and scalp produce headaches; fever is commonly accompanied by a headache; and sunstroke and HEAT STROKE customarily result in headaches. Finally, diseases in the brain such as meningitis, tumours and HAEMORRHAGE may ?rst manifest themselves as persistent or recurrent headaches.

Treatment Obtaining a reliable diagnosis – with the help of further investigations, including CT (see COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY) or MRI scanning when indicated – should always be the initial aim; treatment in most cases should then be aimed at the underlying condition. Particular concerns include headache that worsens at night or in the early morning; ever-increasing headaches; those associated with abnormal neurological signs on examination; or those associated with ?ts (see FIT).

Whether the cause is physical or stress-induced, used sensibly and for a limited period a low dose of aspirin or paracetamol may be helpful. In many cases of stress-induced headache, however, the most e?ective treatment is relaxation. There are many speci?c treatments for migraine and hypertension. Sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and sometimes by surgery.... headache

A type of MIGRAINE occurring in clusters – that is, a patient may have an attack daily for several days and then none for weeks or months. The pain is on one side of the head, often centred over the eye. The pain is excruciatingly severe and often associated with tearing, nasal discharge and production of thick saliva from the same side of the mouth. It is treated either with drugs such as SUMATRIPTAN or by breathing 100 per cent oxygen.... cluster headaches

The term describing the abnormally dilated veins that form around the umbilicus in CIRRHOSIS of the liver.... caput medusae (medusa’s head)

A headache of the neck and side of the head...a tension headache.... cervico-occipital headache

The most common type, resulting from autotoxicity or an excess of blood metabolites, such as from liver dysfunction or hangovers.... dural headaches

A headache around the eyes. There are supra-orbital headaches and suborbital headaches as well...the difference escapes me.... orbital headache

(ears). See: TINNITUS. ... noises in head

The persistent, rhythmic banging of the head against a wall or hard object. Head-banging is seen in some people with severe learning difficulties, particularly those who lack stimulation. It also occurs in some normal toddlers, often when they are frustrated or angry; most children grow out of the behaviour.... head-banging

The backward flopping of the head that occurs when an infant is placed in a sitting position.

Head lag is obvious in a newborn because the neck muscles are still weak, but by 4 months the baby can hold his or her head upright (see child development).... head lag

an orthoptic eye test used mainly to differentiate between a weakness of the superior oblique muscle and a weakness of the contralateral superior rectus muscle (see extrinsic muscle). [A. Bielschowsky (1871–1940), German ophthalmologist]... bielschowsky head tilt

a variant of *migraine more common in men than in women (ratio 9:1). The unilateral pain around one eye is very severe and lasts between 15 minutes and 3 hours. The attacks commonly occur in the early hours of the morning but may occur up to eight times a day. The pain is associated with drooping of the eyelid (*ptosis), a bloodshot eye, a small pupil, and/or excessive production of tears in the eye. The acute treatment is with high-flow inhaled oxygen in conjunction with antimigraine drugs (5HT1 agonists) and prophylaxis is with such drugs as verapamil, lithium, or methysergide.... cluster headache

Headaches are described as a powerful pain in the forehead area. It may be caused by a number of factors, such as noise, a powerful smell, pregnancy, stress, anxiety. Sometimes, headaches go as quickly as they come. However, when the pain is really high, you need to treat it. Since this is not a serious affection, herbalists recommend that you take a tea. How Tea for Headaches works A Tea for Headaches’ main goal is to make your body release the nutrients and enzymes necessary to make pain and stress go away. They also nourish your nervous system by stimulating your brain cells’ activity. In other words, the active constituents of these teas trigger a positive reaction from your body. No tea contains the necessary substances for your body to function one way or another. Their role is to provide your organism with enough energy to produce it itself. Efficient Tea for Headaches If you suffer from headaches, but you’re tired of traditional medicine, choose a tea that is both effective and safe and give it a try. If you don’t know which tea fits you best, here’s a list to choose from: - Green Tea – not only that it contains all the necessary substances capable to sustain life, but this particular Tea for Headaches has also a great effect on you in case you’re suffering from colds, flu, a sore throat or upset stomach. However, avoid it at all costs if you are pregnant or experiencing menstrual or menopausal pains. In high dosage, may cause miscarriage, nausea, upset stomach and vomiting. - Cinnamon Tea – is a rich in manganese, iron, fiber and calcium, making it one of the best headaches remedies. Do not drink more than 3 cups per day in order to avoid digestive tract complications, such as diarrhea, constipation or upset stomach. - Ginger Tea – nourishes your nervous system and gives your body a boost of energy. Pay attention to the amount of herb you’re using: too much can cause dried mouth, nausea and vomiting and you may experience a slight intolerance to acids foods and drinks. - Chamomile Tea – works magic on your mental and physical health. Helps out with menstrual and menopausal pains, colds, stress, anxiety and flu. It is also the safest Tea for Headaches and you can turn it into a daily habit if you’ve decided to give up coffee. Tea for Headaches Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, high dosage may lead to a number of problems such as constipation, vomiting and nausea. If you are experiencing any negative reactions, talk to your doctor as soon as possible and do not try to treat it at home! Do not take any herbal treatment without asking your doctor first in order to be informed and avoid complications. Once you have the green light, choose a Tea for Headaches that fits you best and enjoy its wonderful benefits!... tea for headaches

Explosive bomb-like sensation – ‘like a thunderclap’ – coming from the back of the head. Not a morning-after-the-night-before feeling or pain in the head, but an unexplained loud noise occurring during sleep. Sufferers are mostly women, middle-aged or elderly, with no other symptoms and usually in good health.

Described as “seems as if my head was bursting, with a flash of light”. Reaction is one of fear and violent heart beat. Attacks unrelated to alcohol or excitement of the previous evening. No circulatory changes in the brain or cerebrospinal fluid are known to cause such a symptom.

Treatment. Cup of one of the following teas at bedtime: Buckwheat, Yarrow, Hawthorn flowers, Skullcap, Oats. Morning and evening: one 500mg Evening Primrose capsule; one 400iu Vitamin E capsule.

Diet: low-salt. Cholesterol-rich foods should be kept to a minimum. ... exploding head synrome (ehs)

 Usually due to muscular tension. Where persistent the underlying cause should be treated. Causes are many and varied including fevers, infected sinus cavities, kidney disorders, dental problems, thrombosis, neuralgias, nasal congestion, arteritis, pressure within the eyes, spread of pain from bones, etc.

See separate entry for migraine.

As indicated: relaxants, antispasmodics, hepatics (liver agents), laxatives. BHP (1983) recommends: Betony, Hops, St John’s Wort, Yerba Mate, Catmint, Passion flower, Jamaican Dogwood, Pulsatilla, Rosemary. A diuretic may release excess body fluid and surprisingly relieve headache as in pre-menstrual tension.

Frontal headache: Agnus Castus.

From eyestrain: Rue, Witch Hazel.

After heavy physical work: Ginseng.

Neuralgia of the skull: Gelsemium.

Low blood pressure: Gentian.

High blood pressure: Lime flowers.

Depressive conditions: Cola.

Pain, back of the head: Oats, Ladyslipper.

Pre-menstrual: Cramp bark, Agnus Castus.

Excess mental exertion: Rosemary.

Following anger: Sumbul.

In children: see CHILDREN’S COMPLAINTS.

Pain, top of head: Pulsatilla, Cactus.

Throbbing headache: Chamomile.

Sick headache: Blue Flag.

Tension headache: Skullcap, Betony, Passion flower.

Cluster headache, associated with shingles: Vervain, Skullcap.

Menstrual headache: see entry: MENSTRUAL HEADACHE.

Alternatives. Tea. Combine equal parts: Skullcap, Betony, Chamomile. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup when necessary.

Decoction. Combine equal parts: Valerian, Blue Flag, Barberry bark. 1 teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup whens necessary.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Valerian, Chamomile, Passion flower.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Skullcap, Rosemary, Valerian. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) when necessary.

Tinctures. Combine equal parts: Mistletoe, Valerian, Skullcap. One to two teaspoons in water every 3 hours as necessary.

Tincture Rosemary. 15-30 drops in water as necessary.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium 5 drops to 100ml water (half cup) – 1 teaspoon hourly.

Traditional combination: Skullcap, Valerian, Mistletoe.

Topical. Hot footbaths. Cold compress to head.

Aromatherapy. Anoint forehead with few drops: Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, Mint, Balm, or Tiger Balm essential oils.

Diet. Low fat. Low salt. Avoid meats preserved in sodium nitrite (bacon, ham, red meats, etc). Supplementation. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6 (50mg), B12, C (up to 1 gram), E (up to 1000iu). Magnesium, Zinc. ... headache, common

(EHS, episodic cranial sensory shock) an auditory *hallucination, characterized by the perception of a sudden loud noise in the head or ears, that is experienced during a transition between sleep stages. The cause is not currently known.... exploding head syndrome

Menstrual migraine. Headache with lowering mood, muddled thinking, sluggish dopey feeling preceded by visual or sensory aura, dizziness, pain around eyes, persistent tiredness. These suggest underlying hypothalamic disturbance – a nerve-cause which, together with progesterone deficiency may trigger menstrual migraine.

Treatment. Uterine restoratives, nerve relaxants. Formula. Tea. Equal parts: Raspberry leaves; Skullcap; Agnus Castus. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; drink freely. Alternative formula. Agnus Castus 2; Black Cohosh 1. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures:

2-3 teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Feverfew: good results reported.

Evening Primrose oil capsules. 500mg thrice daily.

Sleep. One in two patients find relief in ‘sleeping it off’ any time of the day or night. Hot bath. Passion flower tea or tablets.

Diet. High fibre, low fat, low salt. Hot soup. A cooked meal but not with rich fatty or spicy foods. Oatmeal porridge.

Supplements. Vitamin B6, 50mg daily. Magnesium, Zinc.

Preventative: Raspberry leaf tea 3 days before periods. ... menstrual headache

a manoeuvre for opening the airway of an unconscious patient. With the patient lying on his or her back, the neck is extended and the chin simultaneously pulled gently upwards to pull the tongue away from the back of the pharynx. This method is often used when mouth-to-mouth ventilation is to be given and is an alternative to the *jaw thrust manoeuvre.... head tilt, chin lift

an increasingly recognized type of persistent headache in a patient with no history of headaches. Features include headache that is worse on standing and resolves on lying flat. It may be associated with other symptoms, such as dizziness, tinnitus, and (rarely) *diplopia. The commonest cause is a complication of lumbar puncture, but it may occur spontaneously (spontaneous intracranial hypotension) after a dural tear resulting in a leak of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment is with bed rest and increased intake of fluids; caffeine orally or intravenously is also used. In cases that do not resolve, an epidural blood patch procedure is performed, in which a small quantity of the patient’s blood is slowly injected into the *epidural space to seal the leak.... intracranial hypotension headache