Treatment Options

Helping Yourself

Individuals who experience sudden, abnormally severe, or steadily worsening headaches need to be seen as soon as possible by a doctor. Headaches like these may be symptoms of serious illnesses that could be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly.

For less severe headaches, keeping a daily record of activities, foods and beverages, non-prescription and prescription medications, environmental and physical factors, stressful situations, and sleeping patterns may help to identify headache triggers. This information may help individuals avoid the specific things that bring on their headaches. It may also help a doctor diagnose the type of headache, so treatment can be individualized. Because so many possible treatments exist for each type of headache, several different treatments or treatment combinations may have to be tried before the best option is found.

Before beginning medications, simple lifestyle changes may be recommended. For example, tension headaches resulting from poor posture may be relieved by sitting straighter and realigning computer screens at eye level. Migraine headaches that are triggered by stress may be prevented or treated by exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods that seem to trigger migraines may also help to keep migraines from occurring or to reduce their duration, frequency, or severity if they do occur. If emotional conflicts or depression cause headaches, counseling from a therapist may resolve the problems.

<< Back

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.