Are Headaches Ruining Your Life?

Headaches occur when pain-sensitive nerve endings are activated in response to things that may bring on a headache such as stress, certain foods, odors, or medicines. Other parts of the brain may also be part of the process, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble concentrating, and other neurological symptoms. A headache is pain in the head, scalp or neck, and the severity and causes vary.

Join Dr. Bassel Kazkaz, neurologist and board certified headache medicine physician with Northwestern Medicine Neurosciences at Silver Cross Hospital, onTuesday, Nov. 8 for a wellness discussion about Understanding and Treating Headache. He will discuss the types, causes and new ways to treat severe headaches and migraines.

This program will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Register to attend at www.silvercross.org.

Why Headaches Hurt?

Not all headaches require a physician's attention.

“People who experience uncontrolled recurring headaches, however, should be seen by a doctor,” said Dr. Kazkaz. Most headaches are nonthreatening, but headaches can also signal a more serious disorder that requires prompt medical treatment.”

Immediately see a physician if you're experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Very sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by a stiff neck.
• Severe headache accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting that is not related to another illness.
• Headache occurring with a loss of sensation or weakness in any part of the body, which could be a sign of a stroke.
• Sudden "worst" headache, often accompanied by confusion, weakness, double vision, or loss of consciousness.
• Headache following a head injury.
• Headache that worsens over days or weeks or has changed in pattern or behavior.

Treating a Headache

For some people, finding a quick fix to a headache may not be realistic.

“When headaches occur three or more times a month, preventive treatment is usually recommended,” said Dr. Kazkaz. “New medications, combined with non-drug therapies such as regular exercise and relaxation training, can prevent or stop these intense headaches from occurring.

"Also, gaining more control over your headache, stress, and emotions will make you feel better and let you enjoy daily activities more."