Migraine = News,Information,Migraine Coping Ideas: Chronic Pain Harms the = Brain

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Chronic=20 Pain Harms the Brain

Chronic Pain Harms the Brain
I=E2=80=99ve been talking for years = that someone=20 living with chronic pain needs a treatment plan that addresses more than = just=20 physical pain management. A report published in Science Daily by = Northwestern=20 University=E2=80=99s Feinberg School of Medicine (2008, February 6) = titled Chronic Pain=20 Harms The Brain validates my concerns. Please see an excerpt from this = report=20 below.

In a new study, investigators at Northwestern = University=E2=80=99s=20 Feinberg School of Medicine have identified a clue that may explain how=20 suffering long-term pain could trigger these other pain-related=20 symptoms.Researchers found that in a healthy brain all the regions exist = in a=20 state of equilibrium. When one region is active, the others quiet down. = But in=20 people with chronic pain, a front region of the cortex mostly associated = with=20 emotion =E2=80=9Cnever shuts up,=E2=80=9D said Dante Chialvo, lead = author and associate research=20 professor of physiology at the Feinberg School. =E2=80=9CThe areas that = are affected=20 fail to deactivate when they should.=E2=80=9D They are stuck on full = throttle, wearing=20 out neurons and altering their connections to each other.

People = with=20 unrelenting pain don=E2=80=99t only suffer from the non-stop sensation = of throbbing=20 pain; they also have trouble sleeping, are often depressed, anxious and = even=20 have difficulty making simple decisions. These people need treatment = that=20 addresses the whole person. This takes a multidisciplinary team that = includes=20 medical, psychological, and in some cases addiction team members. = I=E2=80=99ve also=20 found that a spiritual component added to the treatment plan can be of = great=20 benefit.Now that we=E2=80=99re learning about how pain impacts the brain = of chronic pain=20 patients, we need to develop interventions to treat and hopefully = prevent more=20 brain damage. The good news is that people who experience this = hyperactive brain=20 condition can learn simple tools to cope with the psychological and = emotional=20 components of chronic pain, including anticipatory pain. For more = information=20 please go to the articles page archives on the APM=E2=84=A2=20 website

source:http://www.addiction-free.com/blog/chronic-pain-har= ms-the-brain/

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=E2=96=BC 2008=20 (25)=20
- =E2=96=BC Febru= ary=20 (9)=20
  - Chronic=20 Pain Harms the Brain=20
  - Surgery=20 cures lucky headache victims=20
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  - The=20 FDA has analyzed reports of suicidality=20
  - Migraine=20 Triggers=20
  - Migraines,=20 Sleep Habits and Melatonin=20
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  - Migraine=20 News 1/28/08 New procedure may help sinus...=20
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=E2=96=BA 2007=20 (31)=20
- =E2=96=BA Decem= ber=20 (18)=20
  - The=20 Best New Pain Cures, With a Focus on Women=20
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  - Stomach=20 ulcer bug linked to migraines=20
  - In=20 Memoriam=20
  - Neck=20 jab reduces migraine symptoms=20
  - For= =20 the New Year=20
  - Foundation=20 funding research to end debilitating pa...=20
  - Aroma=20 Therapy and Migraine=20
  - Migraine=20 Mother Saved By Two Year Old=E2=80=99s 911 Call T...=20
  - Migraine=20 and suicide=20
  - Who=20 failed Lindsey Huggins?=20
  - Migraines=20 Push Woman To Lethal Overdose=20
  - Migraines=20 affect millions of Americans=20
  - What=20 have Love Me Tender and Alice in Wonderland g...=20
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- =E2=96=BA Novem= ber=20 (4)=20
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  - What=20 to do if you think you might have migraine?=20
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America's Migraine Hot Spots

America's Migraine Hot Spots
by=20 BestPlaces.net
More on this in Health & Fitness
Headaches & Migraines Message Board
Read More About Headaches
1 2=20 Next=20 >
Nearly everybody gets a headache now and then, but did you = know that=20 more than 29 million Americans suffer the worst form of head = pain=E2=80=94migraines?=20 A new study by Sperling's BestPlaces, which was sponsored by drug maker=20 Ortho-McNeil Neurologics Inc., spotlights those U.S. metropolitan areas = with the=20 highest prevalence of factors most commonly associated with migraines. = Coming in=20 as the worst of the worst is Cincinnati.
Top 10 Migraine Hot=20 Spots
Cincinnati
Madison, Wis.
Little Rock-North Little Rock,=20 Ark.
Knoxville, Tenn.
St. Louis
Nashville, Tenn.
Johnson=20 City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn./Va.
Chattanooga,=20 Tenn.
Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, S.C.
Canton-Massillon,=20 Ohio
"Migraine is more prevalent than asthma and diabetes, yet = many=20 people who experience migraine symptoms still don=E2=80=99t seek medical = help," said=20 BestPlaces President Bert Sperling. "We hope this study helps increase = national=20 awareness of migraine."

What Types of Headaches Are There?

February 11, 2008
This material is = from the=20 Nueces County Medical Society
HEADACHES
Frequently Asked Questions = About=20 Headaches
1. What Types of Headaches Are There?
There are several = types of=20 headaches - 150 diagnostic headache categories have been = established!
Below=20 is a list of the most common types of headaches.
Tension = headaches:=20 Also called chronic daily headaches or chronic non-progressive = headaches,=20 tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults and = adolescents. These muscle contraction headaches cause mild to moderate = pain and=20 come and go over a prolonged period of time.
Migraines= : The=20 exact causes of migraines are unknown, although they are related to = blood vessel=20 contractions and other changes in the brain as well as inherited = abnormalities=20 in certain areas of the brain. Migraine pain is moderate to severe, = often=20 described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 = days and=20 usually occur 1 to 4 times per month. Migraines are associated with = symptoms=20 such as light sensitivity; noise or odors; nausea or vomiting; loss of = appetite;=20 and stomach upset or abdominal pain. When a child is having a migraine = they=20 often look pale, feel dizzy, have blurred vision, fever, stomach upset, = in=20 addition to having the above listed symptoms.
A small percentage of = pediatric=20 migraines include recurrent (cyclic) gastrointestinal symptoms, in which = vomiting is most common. Cyclic vomiting means that the symptoms occur = on a=20 regular basis -- about once a month. These types of migraines are = sometimes=20 called abdominal migraines.
Mixed = headache=20 syndrome: Also called transformed migraines, this is a combination = of=20 migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this = type of=20 headache.
Cluster = headaches:=20 The least common, although the most severe, type of primary = headache, the=20 pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a = burning=20 or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant. The pain is so severe = that=20 most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace = during an=20 attack. The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without = changing sides. The term "cluster headache" refers to headaches that = have a=20 characteristic grouping of attacks. Cluster headaches occur one to three = times=20 per day during a cluster period, which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. The = headaches may disappear completely (go into "remission") for months or = years,=20 only to recur.
Sinus = headaches:=20 Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the=20 cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies = with=20 sudden head movement or straining and usually occurs with other sinus = symptoms,=20 such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and = facial=20 swelling.
Acute headaches: Seen in children, these are headaches that = occur=20 suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a=20 relatively short period of time. Acute headaches most commonly result in = a visit=20 to the pediatrician's office and/or the emergency room. If there are no=20 neurological signs or symptoms, the most common cause for acute = headaches in=20 children and adolescents is a respiratory or sinus infection.
Hormone = headaches:=20 Headaches in women are often associated with changing hormone levels = that=20 occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Chemically induced = hormone=20 changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in = some=20 women.
Chronic progressive headaches: Also called traction or = inflammatory=20 headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often = over=20 time. These are the least common type of headache, accounting for less = than 5%=20 of all headaches in adults and less than 2% of all headaches in kids. = Chronic=20 progressive headaches may be the result of an illness or disorder of the = brain=20 or skull.
2. Are Headaches Hereditary?
Yes, headaches, especially = migraines= ,=20 have a tendency to run in families. Most children and adolescents (90%) = who have=20 migraines have other family members with migraines. When both parents = have a=20 history of migraines, there is a 70% chance that the child will also = develop=20 migraines. If only one parent has a history of migraines, the risk drops = to=20 25%-50%.
3. What Causes Headaches?
Headache pain results from = signals=20 interacting between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. = During a=20 headache, specific nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are = activated=20 and send pain signals to the brain. It's not clear, however, why these = signals=20 are activated in the first place.
There is a migraine "pain center" = or=20 generator in the mid-brain area. A migraine begins when hyperactive = nerve cells=20 send out impulses to the blood vessels, causing constriction, followed = by the=20 dilation of these vessels and the release of prostaglandins, serotonin, = and=20 other inflammatory substances that cause the pulsation to be painful. = Serotonin=20 is a naturally occurring chemical essential for certain body=20 processes.
Headaches that occur suddenly (acute-onset) are usually = due to an=20 illness, infection, cold or fever. Other conditions that can cause an = acute=20 headache include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), pharyngitis=20 (inflammation or infection of the throat) or otitis (ear infection or=20 inflammation).
In some cases, the headaches may be the result of a = blow to=20 the head (trauma) or rarely a sign of a more serious medical=20 condition.
Common causes of tension=20 headaches or chronic nonprogressive headaches include emotional = stress=20 related to family and friends, work or school; alcohol use; skipping = meals;=20 changes in sleep patterns; excessive medication use; tension and = depression.=20 Other causes of tension headaches include eyestrain and neck or back = strain due=20 to poor posture.
Headaches can also be triggered by specific = environmental=20 factors that are shared in a family's household, such as exposure to second-ha= nd=20 tobacco smoke strong odors from household chemicals or perfumes, = exposure to=20 certain allergens or eating certain foods= . Stress,=20 pollution, noise, lighting and weather changes are other environmental = factors=20 that can trigger headaches for some people.
Too much physical = activity can also trigger a migraine in both adults and = children.
Be sure=20 to consult a doctor to find out what is causing your headaches.
4. = How Are=20 Headaches Evaluated and Diagnosed?
The good news for headache = sufferers is=20 that once a correct headache diagnosis is made, an effective treatment = plan can=20 be started.
If you have headache symptoms, the first step is to go to = your=20 family doctor. He or she will perform a complete physical = examination and a headache evaluation. During the headache = evaluation, your=20 headache history and description of the headaches will be evaluated. You = will be=20 asked to describe your headache symptoms<= /A> and=20 characteristics as completely as possible.
A headache evaluation may = include=20 a CT = scan=20 or MRI = if a=20 structural disorder of the central nervous system is suspected. Both of = these=20 tests produce cross-sectional images of the brain that can reveal = abnormal areas=20 or problems. Skull X-rays are not helpful. An EEG=20 (electroencephalogram) is also unnecessary unless you have experienced a = loss of=20 consciousness with a headache. Sinus X-Ray - although the CT scan and = MRI=20 provide more details, your doctor may use this test if your symptoms = seem to=20 indicate sinus problems. Eye Exam - an eye pressure test performed by an = eye=20 doctor (ophthalmologist) will rule out glaucoma or pressure on the optic = nerve=20 as causes of headaches. Spinal=20 Tap - a spinal tap is the removal of spinal fluid from the spinal = canal=20 (located in the back). This procedure is performed to look for = conditions such=20 as infections of the brain or spinal cord. The test can itself cause a = temporary=20 headache. Blood Chemistry and Urinalysis. These tests may determine many = medical=20 conditions, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and infections, which = can=20 cause headaches.
If your headache symptoms become worse or become = more=20 frequent despite treatment, ask your doctor for a referral to a = specialist. Your=20 family doctor should be able to provide the names of headache = specialists. If=20 you need more information, contact one of the organizations in the resource = list=20 for a list of member doctors in your state.
5. How Are Headaches=20 Treated?
Your doctor may recommend different types of treatment to = try or he=20 or she may recommend further testing, or refer you to a headache = specialist. You=20 should establish a reasonable time frame with your family doctor to = evaluate=20 your headache symptoms.
The proper treatment will depend on several = factors,=20 including the type and frequency of the headache and its cause. Not all=20 headaches require medical attention. Treatment may include education,=20 counseling, stress=20 management, biofeedba= ck=20 and medication= s.=20 The treatment prescribed for you will be tailored to meet your specific=20 needs.
6. What Medications Can Treat Headaches?
Aspirin
Sinus = relief=20 medications
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Non-steroidal = anti-inflammatory=20 medications (Aleve)
Sedatives for sleep
Codeine and prescription=20 narcotics
Over-the-counter combination headache remedies containing = caffeine=20 (such as Anacin, Excedrin, Bayer Select)
Ergotamine preparations = (such as=20 Cafergot, Migergot, Ergomar, Bellergal-S, Bel-Phen-Ergot S, Phenerbel-S, = Ercaf,=20 Wigraine and Cafatine PB)
Butalbital combination pain-relievers = (Goody's=20 Headache Powder, Supac, Excedrin)
7. What Are Rebound Headaches? = While small=20 amounts of these medications per week may be safe (and effective) -- at = some=20 point, the continued medication use can lead to the development of low = grade=20 headaches that just will not go away.
8. What Food Triggers = Headaches? Some=20 of the most common food, beverages, and additives associated with = headaches=20 include:
Aged cheese, red wine, alcoholic beverages, and some = processed=20 meats.
Food preservatives (or additives) contained in certain foods = can=20 trigger headaches. The additives, nitrates and nitrites, dilate blood = vessels,=20 causing headaches in some people.
Cold foods: Cold food, like ice = cream, can=20 cause headaches in some people. It's more likely to occur if you are = over-heated=20 from exercise or hot temperatures. Pain, which is felt in the forehead, = peaks 25=20 to 60 seconds and lasts from several seconds to one or two minutes. More = than=20 90% of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and cold=20 substances.
9. Is Caffeine a Headache Treatment or a Headache=20 Trigger?
Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for a headache = sufferer.=20 Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and = over-the-counter=20 headache medications. Caffeine additives make pain-relievers 40% more = effective=20 in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache = medications=20 more quickly, bringing faster relief.
While caffeine-containing = medications=20 can be beneficial, these medications, combined with consuming too much = caffeine=20 (coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate) from other sources, may make you = more=20 vulnerable to getting rebound=20 headaches.
10. What Are Abortive Medications?
Abortive = medications,=20 when used at the first sign of a migraine<= /A>, can=20 stop the process that causes the headache pain. By stopping the headache = process, abortive medications help prevent the symptoms of migraines = including=20 pain, nausea, and sound and light sensitivity. Some medications should = not be=20 used during a migraine aura; please follow the instructions of your=20 doctor.
11. Do Children Outgrow Headaches?
Headaches may get = better as=20 your child gets older. The headaches may disappear and then return later = in=20 life. By junior high school, many boys who have migraines outgrow them, = but in=20 girls, migraine frequency increases because of hormone changes. = Migraines are=20 three times more likely to occur in adolescent girls than in = boys.
12. Can=20 Headaches Be Prevented?
Headaches can cause untold pain and = suffering. But,=20 you don't have to resign yourself to be a headache sufferer. There are = steps you=20 can take to prevent headaches. Here are just a few ways to keep = headaches at=20 bay.
o Follow your treatment plan. Avoid taking medications that have = not=20 been ordered by your doctor.
o Reduce emotional stress. Take time to = relax=20 and take time away from stressful situations. Learn relaxatio= n=20 skills, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle = relaxation.
o Reduce = physical=20 stress. Proper rest and sleep will allow you to deeply relax so you = can face=20 the stressors of the new day. When sitting for prolonged periods, get up = and=20 stretch periodically. Relax your jaw, neck and shoulders.
o Exercise=20 regularly. Get at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week. But, = don't=20 over do it!
o Keep a regular routine. Eat meals and snacks at about = the same=20 times every day, and get enough sleep at night.
o Quit smoking. Smoking can=20 trigger headaches and make any headache, especially cluster=20 headaches, worse. Ask your doctor for information about smoking = cessation=20 programs in your community.
o Seek help when you are unable to cope. = Talk to=20 a friend, family member, religious or health care professional if your = problems=20 are getting to you.
o Know your headache triggers. Keep a headache = diary=20 to keep track of what triggers your headaches and avoid these triggers = in the=20 future.
o Preventive therapy. Women who often get headaches around = their=20 menstrual period can take preventive= =20 therapy when they know their period is coming.
Additional = information=20 about migranes and headaches
Are Migraines Hereditary?
Yes, = migraines have=20 a tendency to run in families. Four out of 5 migraine sufferers have a = family=20 history of migraines. If one parent has a history of migraines, the = child has a=20 50% chance of developing migraines, and if both parents have a history = of=20 migraines, the risk jumps to 75%.
Can Migraines Be Prevented?
Yes. = You can=20 reduce the frequency of your migraine attacks by identifying and then = avoiding=20 migraine triggers. You can keep track of your headache patterns and = identify=20 headache triggers by using a headache diary.
Recalling what you ate = prior to=20 an attack may help you identify chemical triggers.
Stress management = and=20 coping techniques, along with relaxation training, can help prevent or = reduce=20 the severity of the migraine attacks.
Women who often get migraines = around=20 their menstrual period can take preventive therapy when they know their = period=20 is coming.
Migraine sufferers seem to have fewer attacks when they = eat on a=20 regular schedule and get adequate rest.
Regular exercise -- in = moderation --=20 can also help prevent migraines.
Can Allergies Cause Headaches?
It = is a=20 misconception that allergies cause headaches. However, allergies can = cause sinus=20 congestion, which can lead to headache pain. If you have allergies, the=20 treatment for your allergy will not relieve your headache pain. The two=20 conditions generally must be treated separately. See your doctor to = ensure=20 proper treatment.
What Are Some Techniques I Can Use to = Relax?
Below are a=20 few relaxation exercises. But first, be sure that you have a quiet = location that=20 is free of distractions, a comfortable body position, and a good state = of mind.=20 Try to block out worries and distracting thoughts.
o Rhythmic = breathing: If=20 your breathing is short and hurried, slow it down by taking long, slow = breaths.=20 Inhale slowly then exhale slowly. Count slowly to five as you inhale, = and then=20 count slowly to five as you exhale. As you exhale slowly, pay attention = to how=20 your body naturally relaxes. Recognizing this change will help you to = relax even=20 more.
o Deep breathing: Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe = into=20 that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the = abdomen=20 up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow = exhalation,=20 you should feel more relaxed.
o Visualized breathing: Find a = comfortable=20 place where you can close your eyes, and combine slowed breathing with = your=20 imagination. Picture relaxation entering your body and tension leaving = your=20 body. Breathe deeply, but in a natural rhythm. Visualize your breath = coming into=20 your nostrils, going into your lungs and expanding your chest and = abdomen. Then,=20 visualize your breath going out the same way. Continue breathing, but = each time=20 you inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more relaxation. Each time = you=20 exhale imagine that you are getting rid of a little more tension.
o=20 Progressive muscle relaxation: Switch your thoughts to yourself and your = breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly. Mentally scan your = body.=20 Notice areas that feel tense or cramped. Quickly loosen up these areas. = Let go=20 of as much tension as you can. Rotate your head in a smooth, circular = motion=20 once or twice. (Stop any movements that cause pain!) Roll your shoulders = forward=20 and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. = Recall a=20 pleasant thought for a few seconds. Take another deep breath and exhale = slowly.=20 You should feel relaxed.
o Relaxing to music: Combine relaxation = exercises=20 with your favorite music in the background. Select the type of music = that lifts=20 your mood or that you find soothing or calming. Some people find it = easier to=20 relax while listening to specially designed relaxation audio tapes, = which=20 provide music and relaxation instructions.
o Mental imagery = relaxation:=20 Mental imagery relaxation, or guided imagery, is a proven form of = focused=20 relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. Guided = imagery=20 coaches you in creating calm, peaceful images in your mind -- a "mental = escape."=20 Identify your self-talk, that is, what you are saying to yourself about = what is=20 going on with your illness. It is important to identify negative = self-talk and=20 develop healthy, positive self-talk. By making affirmations, you can = counteract=20 negative thoughts and emotions. Here are some positive statements you = can=20 practice.
o Let go of things I cannot control.
o I am healthy, = vital, and=20 strong.
o There is nothing in the world I cannot handle.
o All my = needs=20 are met.
o I am completely and utterly safe.
o Every day in every = way I am=20 getting stronger
Bottom of Medical Information from the Cleveland = Clinic:=20 Migraines and Headaches: Making the Diagnosis: Doctor's Exam
In order = to=20 receive proper treatment, a correct diagnosis of your headaches must be = made. To=20 properly diagnose the cause(s) of the headaches, your doctor will first = take a=20 headache history.
Headache History
The most important part of your = doctor's evaluation of your headaches is what's called the headache = history. It=20 is important to describe your headache symptoms and characteristics as=20 completely as possible. Your headaches can be better diagnosed if you = tell your=20 doctor:
=C2=B7 How old you were when the headaches started
=C2=B7 = How long you have=20 been experiencing them
=C2=B7 If you experience a single type of = headache or=20 multiple types of headaches
=C2=B7 How often the headaches = occur
=C2=B7 What causes=20 the headaches, if known (for example, do certain situations, foods or=20 medications trigger the headaches?)
=C2=B7 Who else in your family = has=20 headaches
=C2=B7 What symptoms, if any, occur between = headaches
=C2=B7 If your=20 school or work performance has been affected by the headaches
It is = also=20 important to tell your doctor how you feel when you get a headache and = what=20 happens when you get a headache, such as:
=C2=B7 Where the pain is = located
=C2=B7=20 What it feels like
=C2=B7 How severe the headache pain is, using a = scale from 1=20 (mild) to 10 (severe)
=C2=B7 How long the headache lasts
=C2=B7 If = the headaches=20 appear suddenly without warning or with accompanying symptoms
=C2=B7 = What time of=20 day the headache usually occurs
=C2=B7 If there is an aura (changes = in vision,=20 blind spots or bright lights) before the headache
=C2=B7 What other = symptoms or=20 warning signs occur with a headache (such as weakness, nausea, = sensitivity to=20 light or noise, appetite changes, changes in attitude or = behavior)
=C2=B7 How=20 frequent you get headaches
You should also tell your doctor if you've = been=20 treated in the past for headaches and what medications (both prescribed = and=20 over-the-counter) you have taken in the past and what medications are = currently=20 being taken. Don't hesitate to list them, bring the bottles, or ask your = pharmacist for a printout.
Studies performed by other doctors who may = have=20 evaluated your headaches in the past, including X-rays and other imaging = tests=20 are also very important -- you should bring these to your appointment as = well.=20 This may save time and repetition of tests.
Physical and Neurological = Examinations
After completing the headache history portion of the = evaluation,=20 the doctor will perform a complete physical and neurological = examination. The=20 doctor will look for signs and symptoms of an illness that may be = causing the=20 headaches, such as:
=C2=B7 Fever or abnormalities in breathing, = pulse, or blood=20 pressure
=C2=B7 Infection
=C2=B7 Nausea, vomiting
=C2=B7 = Changes in personality,=20 inappropriate behavior
=C2=B7 Mental confusion
=C2=B7 = Seizures
=C2=B7 Loss of=20 consciousness
=C2=B7 Excessive fatigue, wanting to sleep all of the = time
=C2=B7 High=20 blood pressure
=C2=B7 Muscle weakness, numbness or tingling
=C2=B7 = Speech=20 difficulties
=C2=B7 Balance problems, falling
=C2=B7 = Dizziness
=C2=B7 Vision changes=20 (blurry vision, double vision, blind spots)
Neurological tests focus = on=20 ruling out diseases of the brain or nerves that may also cause = headaches, such=20 as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. Some of the tests may also look for a = physical or structural abnormality in the brain that may cause your = headache,=20 such as:
=C2=B7 Tumor
=C2=B7 Abscess (an infection of the = brain)
=C2=B7 Hemorrhage=20 (bleeding within the brain)
=C2=B7 Bacterial or viral meningitis (an = infection or=20 inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal = cord)
=C2=B7=20 Pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure)
=C2=B7 = Hydrocephalus=20 (abnormal build-up of fluid in the brain)
=C2=B7 Infection of the = brain such as=20 meningitis or Lyme disease
=C2=B7 Encephalitis (inflammation and = swelling of the=20 brain)
=C2=B7 Blood clots
=C2=B7 Head trauma
=C2=B7 Sinus = blockage or disease
=C2=B7=20 Blood vessel abnormalities
=C2=B7 Injuries
=C2=B7 Aneurysm (an = outpouching of the=20 wall of a blood vessel that can leak or rupture)
Psychological=20 Evaluation
An interview with a psychologist is not a routine part of = a=20 headache evaluation, but may be done to identify stress factors = triggering your=20 headaches. You may be asked to complete a computerized questionnaire to = provide=20 more in-depth information to the doctor.
After evaluating the results = of the=20 headache history, physical examination, neurological, and psychological=20 examination, your doctor should be able to determine the type of = headache you=20 have, whether a serious problem is present, and whether additional tests = are=20 needed. Possible additional tests you may be given include diagnostic=20 tests.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Chronic=20 Pain Harms the Brain

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