First Aid for Headaches

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The most common type of pain complaint relates to headaches. Headaches are often minor and can be treated with pain relieving medications, however, care should be taken if an unexplained headache occurs or is accompanied by other conditions as it may be an underlying cause of another disorder.

Causes

  • Stress and overwork
  • Tension
  • Straining the eyes for many hours
  • Dehydration
  • Having something cold
  • Loud sounds such as thunder
  • Sex
  • Drug or caffeine withdrawal
  • Brain related disorders or complications: head trauma, tumors, aneurysms, meningitis, encephalitis

Types of headaches

1. Vascular headache (common in women): Fever headaches, migraines, high blood pressure

  • Stomach upset
  • Pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Visual difficulties

2. Muscular headache: headache due to tension

  • Tightening on the face or neck muscles
  • Headache radiates to the forehead

3. Cervicogenic headache: Spondylitis

4. Headache due to inflammation: Sinusitis

Treatment

If you are having a headache due to overwork or stress, an over-the-counter painkiller such as aspirin or acetaminophen will alleviate the pain. Do NOT give aspirin to children and teenagers who are suffering from flu-like symptoms, viral infections or chicken pox. Consult your doctor for further guidance.

  • In case of a tension headache, you can get rid of the pain by lowering your body temperature; this can be done by taking a cool shower.
  • If headaches are prolonged or recurrent, maintain a journal and keep track of your headaches. This will help the doctor to find out the underlying cause of the headache and provide you with the necessary treatments.

Continuous or misuse of painkillers may result in rebound headaches, therefore, take medications only when necessary.

When to seek medical attention

Visit your doctor if any of the following complications develop:

  • A severe headache takes place suddenly without any reason.
  • The headache is followed by a respiratory or sore throat infection.
  • The headache is accompanied with:
  • A stiff neck
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Mental confusion or delirium
  • Convulsions
  • Visual impairment
  • Visual changes such as blurred vision or seeing lights
  • Paralysis
  • Weakness
  • Loss of balance
  • Difficulties in breathing and/or speaking
  • Red eye
  • Numbness or tingly feeling
  • If headache gets worse after head trauma
  • If you are above 50 years of age or if you are suffering from an unusual type of headache
  • Headache is recurrent and becomes worse every time it takes place.s

Where to Learn more First Aid

To learn about severe medical emergencies such as concussions and other head related injuries enrol into St Mark James training classes. Comprehensive courses such as standard and standard childcare first aid cover a wide range of head and spinal injuries.

Related Video to Headaches

 

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