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Headaches with Natasha Turner and Dr. Atzema

 Dr. Clare Atzema and Natasha Turner discuss the types of headaches and how to cure them.

Migraine Symptoms:

Cluster:        
       
  • Behind or around one eye only
  • Single eye tearing, pupil changes
  • Single nostril runny
 
Tension / Bilateral: both temples, across the forehead, sometimes both sides of the back of the head
 
Migraine:  

  • Often one side of the head (anywhere, often on top), but can be both sides
  • Nausea or vomiting, photophobia or phonephobia (sensitivity to sound)
  • Moderate to severe in nature
  • Worsens with basic daily activities (like walking) pulsating/throbbing quality

 Headache Prevention:

 
  • Know your triggers and keep a migraine diary
  • Reduce daily stressors
  • Work on stress management techniques
  • See a family doctor about migraines and stroke risk
  • check for food allergies
  • balance your hormones
  • maintain healthy digestion
 
Try this “ER cocktail” as soon as your headache starts:
 
Drink 1L water over 15-20 minutes
Next chase back 400-600 mg ibuprofen
Also take 1000 mg acetaminophen
Either with a cup of coffee, or if you don’t drink coffee you can purchase acetaminophen that contains caffeine.

Monday, April 4, 2011