Headaches - PLEASE help!

Lifestyle Relationships
1

i realize we have some medical students and/or professionals in this board. Your (and anyone else’s) advice and insight would be deeply deeply appreciated and my humble thanks in advance.

Issue is regarding headaches and migraines. When i was between 6-9, i used to have on average one migraine a week; mostly took Panadol for it which didn’t use to help it go away but, if i took it early enough (during the stage of the migraine), then i think it did prevent the migraine from becoming too strong later on. This was all in the UAE so Ammi and all believe that my migraines might have been a cause of the heat. Since coming to Canada, Alhamdulillah, the frequency of the migraines has decreased - but now and then i still get pretty massive ones, although maybe only once a month.

Are there certain individuals who are more prone to headaches and if so, what are the reasons? What can i do to prevent it? Lack of sleep is one main factor. Is diet another one? Although not always, generally i tend to stay away from excessively sugary foods; i don’t drink coke/pepsi nor any other soda; left them about two years ago. When i have a headache or a migraine, the pain is rather severe - the smallest sound or the smallest bit of light feels like a thousand hammers in my head. What other factors cause migraines and headaches? i am not too enthusiastic about taking pain-relief aspirins (although i did find that Excedrin seemed to help quite a bit) - i don’t want to feel as though i am dependent upon aspirin so mostly try to sleep my migraine off which takes about a day or so. Is this the right approach? Should i be taking aspirins?

i am rather desperate :frowning: If there is any constructive advice, i would GREATLY appreciate it. My thanks in advance. Muchas gracias,
nadia

2

I found this in a book I have, it maybe of help or not.

BISMILLA-HIL-KABEERA-AOOZO-BILLA-HIL-AZEEM MIN KULI IRQIN FA-3ARIN SOO MIN SHAR-RIN-NARI

Read this dua by holding the place of pain with your hand.

At first 5 times
then 7 times
then 11 times

at all times keep holding the place where it hurts and keep reciting it till the prescribed cycle of dua is done and remove your hand from the place of pain once the dua is over.

If the pain persists, hold the place of pain again and repeat the dua 3 times.

If yet it still persists, after 4 hours repeat the same cycle of dua again. Insha'Allah the pain will be at rest.

3

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by CocoNut: *

3ARIN

[/QUOTE]

how would this part be pronounced?

4

My ammi used to have this migraine around a decade ago, but now Alhamdulillah she is doing just fine. She was prescribed to take a pill called "Migril" (sp?) but I believe the main cause of her relief has been much higher intake of water. On an average she drinks around 15-20 glasses of water the whole day.

5

i second coconut’s suggestion nadia :~)

take care and hope u feel betta :flower1:

6

[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Ums: *

how would this part be pronounced?
[/QUOTE]

the letter AIN in arabic is 3 which makes it AARIN from your throat : )

7

Thank you everyone so much.

>>Bismilla-hil-Kabeera-Aoozo-Billa-hil-Azeem-min-kuli-Irqin fa-3arin soo min Shar-rin-nari<<
CoCoNut, thank you :flower1: i will definitely Insha’Allah try this.
(Sorry to bug you more, but by any chance do you have an Urdu or English approximate meaning of this as - while i am stating it i would like to be thinking of its meaning in my mind; if it’s not easily available it’s alright it’s not a big problem). Thank you so much, really appreciate that you took the time to type all that out.

Pumpkin, Sorry i can’t remember whether you live in Canada; is it available in Canada? …Water sounds like an awesome idea, to be honest i don’t drink that much water, maybe half of the recommended intake. So your idea sounds extremely helpful, thank you.

Irem, Thank you so much!!! :slight_smile: Really appreciate it. :flower1: :flower1: i pray you (or anyone else) never experience this type of headache. Thank you so much :slight_smile:

8

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by CocoNut: *
**I found this in a book I have, it maybe of help* or not.

BISMILLA-HIL-KABEERA-AOOZO-BILLA-HIL-AZEEM MIN KULI IRQIN FA-3ARIN SOO MIN SHAR-RIN-NARI

Read this dua by holding the place of pain with your hand.

At first 5 times
then 7 times
then 11 times

at all times keep holding the place where it hurts and keep reciting it till the prescribed cycle of dua is done and remove your hand from the place of pain once the dua is over.

If the pain persists, hold the place of pain again and repeat the dua 3 times.

If yet it still persists, after 4 hours repeat the same cycle of dua again. Insha'Allah the pain will be at rest.
[/QUOTE]

Which book is it? Whose the author?.......Thanks.

9

Go see a doctor. Some migraines can only be relieved with the proper medicine.

10

Dear Nadia
I shall post a reply to your question soon. Right now I am in a hurry. (Also would you please tell me if you were able to contact that person's family? thanks)

11

Nadia, I happen to know someone
who used to suffer from quite a severe form
of migraine headache as well until
some time ago.

The treatment which really eased her pain
a bit and almost eliminated the headaches
altogether was exercising regularly, which
was recommended by her physician.

She was told that a leading cause of
migraine sometimes is the lack of
oxygen intake in your brain. Exercising
on a regular basis helps out with that
issue.

Also when you pray, try praying on
uncarpeted, solid, bare hard floor/ground
and when prostrating (in the sajda position)
inflict pressure
on your forehead, and prolong your sajdas.

Hope both of these
work for you as well as they worked for
her.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

12

Also, if you wish to do a self-study
in search of better understanding the
distressing condition caused by migraine,
then I highly recommend this book which was
also used by my relative who suffered
from the migraine.

Revised and Updated
Freedom From Headaches

by Joel R. Saper, M.D., and Kenneth R. Magee, M.D.

It covers pretty much everything from
= Pain and its treatment
= The different headache genres - migraines,
tension, cluster, sinus
= Headaches that are symptoms of other medical
conditions - hypertension, infection, hangover
= The relationship between diet and headaches
= The emotional aspects of pain and their role in the
headache problem
= How to find the best doctor for you

13

and for the longest time i have been thinking that 3 is a much frequented typo :smack:

14

Dear Nadia,
(The post by Aalhan covers all the topics relating to migraines that one should know about and i think you should get the book they have recommended)

I also suffer from 'headaches' every now and then which were wrongly diagnosed as 'sinus related' headaches in my childhood for which i was treated with all kinds of anti biotics and pain killers. Years later I was seen by a leading neurologist who confirmed it was migraine.
Point being that there are differnet kinds of headcahes which are most often misdiagnosed. (sinusitis related, cluster headaches, 'tension' headaches, migraines etc There are categories within Migraines as well with many variant types) Generally, each type of headache has a specific therapy.
You seem to suffer from migraines. They're commoner in females. In non technical terms, migraines are caused by the fluctuations in blood flow to certain parts of the head. Any stressful event which raises adrenaline in the blood can trigger a migraine in a susceptible person (yes it may be genetic. Also seen more in anxious or aggressive personality types) The adrenaline works by constricting the blood vessels. When the effect has worn off the blood vessels get dilated again --> sudden increased blood flow to that part of brain--> headaches! Typically, of a throbbing nature on one side. you may have noticed that migraines are preceded by a stressful event. At times one can almost predict when they will have an attack.

(Personally, i get headcahes after extensive exercise. i have to stop after 30 minutes of running because if i go over this limit then i am setting myself up at risk. also events like a 'presentation' or a rough ride in traffic can trigger my headaches. also certain foods like say if i have cheese in very large amounts)

There are also associated symtoms with migraines, some people experience visual, some hearing and in certain people even smells. Blurring of vision is common - seeing flashes. and the more you look at the light the more it seems to make it worse like you describe (photo-phobia) (sounds: phono phobia) some people experience profound nausea with headcahes, some induce vomiting (like binge eaters) because it relieves their misery for them.

Experience must have taught you what foods to avoid, and what sortta situations can trigger an attack. it varies from person to person and if you interview 10 people they will tell you 10 different things, however as a rule situations that increase stress hormone (adrenaline) levels, such as extreme cold, stressful situations, hunger, fatigue, excess or lack of sleep, too much exercise, periods, bright lights, alcohol, clubs, loud music etc etc and Foods :, caffiene containing (too much cofffee, sodas etc) chinese food 'aginomoto' Moreover, chocolates, Red wine, cheese etc these foods contain tyramine.. an amino acid which is a precursor or raw form of adrenaline and gets converted to adrenaline and related compunds in the body once ingested.

When you get an attack:
Lying down in a quiet, dark room helps. Take any over the counter pain killer..tynolol (panadol) asprin or ibuprofen whatever suits you. Many forms of therapies work, even alternative ones. (If you have ever had your head ache relieved by massaging then you have experienced it) :)There are (thankfully) numerous preventive therapies available as well, which requires one to take a tablet (for e.g inderal) everyday. These are safe. however they're all prescription medicines, meaning your doc will have to order them for you. The best doctor to consult regarding a recurring sortta headache would be a NEUROLOGIST who could prescribe a medicine which is tailor made to your needs. Very rarely, an unexplained headache could be the first symtom of a brain tumor God forbid but thats not the case very often. majority of headaches have harmless causes which can be avoided by living a sensible lifestyle. The key is to understand what the mechanism is. So keep researching and goodluck and i hope you find relief :) If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them.

15

Masha’Allah you all are awesome :flower1: i don’t know how to express it, but thank you, thank you, thank you. Most sincerely.
:flower1: Aalhan and StrayCatsStrut, you addressed all the issues i raised as well as a few extra ones. Thank you so much, i truly appreciate all the time both of you took to express your replies. Thank you.

Aalhan, i will definitely try to get that book you mentioned. Thank you so much for all of the advice in your post. :flower1:

StrayCatsStrut, no unfortunately i have not yet heard back from that family but i am certain it is because they are more engrossed with the situation they are in hence unable to send a reply. Maybe they have not even checked their account yet. i haven’t sent another one, i am hopeful they will reply even by January Insha’Allah. Please, if possible, please do keep me updated regarding any news you hear about that particular family member. My Ammi and i truly appreciate all of your help.

You are right, most often it is a throbbing nature on one side of the head. In childhood it felt as though it was more spread out all over, but i think in the last few years that pattern has modified. It’s a bit more concentrated towards specific areas of the head. You are so right, i can usually predict when i will have a headache. About a little less than a week ago i knew i was going to have a headache pretty soon, but for various reasons i still did not force myself to get some sleep or take an aspirin soon enough; sure enough, i had a pretty persistent headache the next day almost for the entire day. i took an aspirin but by then it was too late.

You mentioned that some individuals induce vomiting because it relieves their misery; again, i think that is rather accurate - i have noticed that right after one throws up, the headache usually increases in a significant way but only for about 15, max. 20, minutes. After that, there is a gradual decreasing in the throbbing level, which feels soooo good after experiencing a major migraine for an entire day. So, as gross as it may sound, i think throwing up does help.

>>Lying down in a quiet, dark room helps.<<
i find, for myself, this is the ONLY near-guaranteed solution to relieving headaches/migraines. You mentioned the aspect of lights in your post; i don’t mind smells as much as i do lights and sounds. It’s awful; the smallest sound is so painfully loud. Ever since i was young, everyone in my family has known that when ‘Nadia has a headache’, they have to tiptoe around the house, etc.; if they need something from my room, they have to walk in without turning the lights on, etc. It’s not only painful for me, but migraines make life painful for others as well particularly my family:-(

i am not certain whether or not this is genetic - Alhamdulillah, by the Grace of Allah, Ammi and Abbu RARELY suffer from headaches. None of my siblings do in the same frequency as myself. i think it’s more a product of my environment and lifestyle - i.e., stress and lack of sleep. You mentioned Inderal in your post - sorry, only if you do not mind my asking, does that have any side-effects? Do you think, in your opinion, i should be worried about taking too many aspirins – i don’t want to get addicted to them. Is that likely to occur or am i worrying for nothing?

Insha’Allah i will try to pick up that book by Aalhan.. and maybe i will have to schedule an appointment with a neurologist. Thanks SOOO much for your help, SCS, i truly appreciate it. :flower1: i am so glad i wrote up this thread and received so many wonderfully helpful replies. Thank you. :flower1:

16

I think everyone's headaches are slightly different. As such, it's always helpful if you can work out what triggers your headache so that you can understand (and avoid!) them better.

For me, they're caused by bright sunlight, missing a meal, fatty food and dehydration.

Generally, any medication that thins the blood, calms you down or makes you sleepy can help to relieve the tension that aggrevates headaches i.e. coedine, paracetamol, ibuprofen etc. Lieing down in a darkened room should always be the next step.

If your headache gets so bad, that you find it hard to lie down and relax, I find that applying some heat works wonders. The best way is to take a hot shower and let the watter run over your head. Usingn a heater or even a hair dryer works really well too. The heat works to sooothe the pain.

Hope this works for you as well as it does for me.

17

[QUOTE]
Originally posted by StrayCatsStrut: *
I also suffer from 'headaches' every now and then which were wrongly diagnosed as 'sinus related' headaches in my childhood for which i was treated with all kinds of anti biotics and pain killers. Years later I was seen by a leading neurologist who confirmed it was migraine.
Point being that there are differnet kinds of headcahes which are most often misdiagnosed. (sinusitis related, cluster headaches, 'tension' headaches, migraines etc There are categories within Migraines as well with many variant types) Generally, each type of headache has a specific therapy.
You seem to suffer from migraines. They're commoner in females. In non technical terms, migraines are caused by the fluctuations in blood flow to certain parts of the head. Any stressful event which raises **adrenaline* in the blood can trigger a migraine in a susceptible person (yes it may be genetic. Also seen more in anxious or aggressive personality types) The adrenaline works by constricting the blood vessels. When the effect has worn off the blood vessels get dilated again --> sudden increased blood flow to that part of brain--> headaches! Typically, of a throbbing nature on one side. you may have noticed that migraines are preceded by a stressful event. At times one can almost predict when they will have an attack.

[/QUOTE]

this quote pretty much covers it, just one addition: it's NOT the adrenaline cuasing the increased blood flow, but recent research has shown that it's a related hormone: Serotonine, (5-HT)..........here at the pharmacology department they have a new medicine against migraine which has already replaced all previous ones (like aspirin and ibuporfen), namely Sumatriptan.........it's effectiveness has been proven in medical research and it is widely used here already, don't know how the situation isd in US though....i guess they will shift to this drug soon too.....(it doesn't have the side-effects related to aspirin, namely bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers etc)

18

Nadia, nobody gets addicted to common over the counter pain killers like brufen, panadol asprin etc however avoid taking them on an empty stomach and consult your doctor if you have peptic ulcer disease.

Drugs like Codiene etc which someone mentioned above are addictive and one should avoid taking too many.
There are many types of drugs available and most are safe. When you go to see your neurologist you can discuss all your fears. I am sure they can suggest a drug that will meet your needs. Good ol Panadol works for me anytime. will PM you later about the other issue. keep checking.

Nescio, thanks for highliting serotonin's role. I avoided mentioning 5-ht and epi-nor because not everyone on GS is a doctor. Moreover, if you go through 'The Washington Maual of medical therapeutics 29th edit', you will come across a LONG list of medicines currently in use. Majority of them are prescription medicines including sumatriptan which you mentioned. they have been in use in the US for the last 7 or 9 years.

19

Everyone's given you a lot of information, so i'm not going to add anything major:) But, especially in 'this' region there's a lot of ppl who's migraines are triggered by the climate, ours with all those chinooks is really bad for that....I suffer headaches/migraines almost constantly it seems, and I guess i've just gotten used to it, cause it doesn't seem like there's anything that really 'works' for me. But I'd say try talking to a doctor, they have a lot of good advice to give - when they have time to give it rueful smile