Exclusive ? 53 headache? Migraine A pulsating, one- sided headache lasting from four to 72 hours is typical of a migraine. Many people also feel sick and have a heightened sensitivity to light, noise and smells. The onset of a migraine can occur at any time of the day or night and causes both physical and emotional disruption to the life of the sufferer. The exact cause of a migraine is unknown but certain foods like cheese and chocolate, alcoholic drinks, stress and menstruation can trigger its onset. Studies have shown a relation between fluctuating hormone levels and migraines – equal numbers of boys and girls get migraines before puberty but once adult three quarters of sufferers are women. Treatment Depending on the severity, migraine management will probably require an integrated approach to treatment including medication from your doctor, being aware of what you eat so as not to consume trigger foods and making time to relax. A regular floatation at Nirvana Spa in the Celestial Pool will relax the body and the mind allowing the senses to switch off. Rebound headache The overuse of painkillers – antihistamines, decongestants, aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen and some prescriptive medicines – cause rebound Hangover The consumption of too much alcohol can have some unpleasant side effects including a headache, feeling sick, being sensitive to light and noise, feeling lethargic and thirsty which all add up to a hangover. The symptoms vary from person to person with some suffering with a hangover for up to three days while others – approximately 25 per cent of drinkers – are not afflicted at all. Treatment Drinking large amounts of water or a rehydration drink before going to bed will help to reduce many of the symptoms as it helps rid the body of the many chemicals that cause a hangover. Exercise, such as a light jog, will increase the speed at which toxins are broken down by getting the heart pumping, increasing the blood and oxygen flow around the body. Continued on page 54...

54 ? Exclusive headaches. They can be very painful and are a common reason for people suffering a chronic pounding head on a daily basis. Treatment Sufferers should always see their GP before abruptly discontinuing taking regular medication although over the counter medicines can usually be stopped without medical supervision. If stress is the underlying reason for overusing painkillers a regular visit to the Pulse 8 gym might be the answer. As well as preventing many major illnesses, physical activity strengthens bones and lowers blood pressure, and the endorphins released by the brain help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. Other types of headaches Red wine headache This headache is often accompanied by feeling sick and experiencing hot flushes. The syndrome can develop within 15 minutes of drinking a single glass of red wine but not after consuming white wine or other alcoholic drinks. The cause of red wine headaches is not known but one theory is that tannins, which come from grape skins, could be the culprit. Sexual headache A rare, severe headache that starts at the base of the skull moving forward to the front of the head that occurs during intercourse. The pain can last for a few minutes to a few hours. It is most common for men to first experience these headaches in their early 20s or between the ages of 35 to 44, although the reason for this is not known. Studies have shown that sufferers can reduce the likelihood of the problem reoccurring by increasing the amount of exercise they do. Cluster headache A very painful, piercing headache located behind the eye or in the temple that comes on rapidly lasting from 15 minutes to three hours. Cluster headaches often strike at the same time each day or night and have been referred to as ' alarm clock headaches'. They are more common in men and in those who live further away from the equator, towards the poles. Alcohol, chocolate and nicotine are recognised as common triggers for cluster headaches. Over the counter pain medication often has no effect but, in some cases, vigorous exercise has relieved and aborted an attack by increasing the levels of oxygen in the body. Brain freeze Brief head pain often felt when quickly consuming very cold foods or drinks – the trigger is something cold touching the top palate of the mouth. Many people experience brain freeze when they eat ice cream. When to go to a doctor with head pain If you suffer with any of the following symptoms contact your doctor immediately: ? Sudden, persistent severe headache with nausea and vomiting. ? Persistent, reoccurring headaches accompanied by memory problems, lack of concentration and tiredness. ? Headache with high fever and a stiff neck. ? Severe headache with persistent visual disturbances. ... continued from page 53