Headache
A headache, a pain in the head or tissues surrounding the upper neck, has varied causes and consequences. The consequences range from uncomfortable to debilitating. Some of the latter can be a symptom of life-threatening abnormality or an illness.
While the symptoms and triggers of headaches are known the exact molecular basis of these ailments is as yet unclear. It has been suggested that the abnormal release in the brain of a chemical called seratonin shifts the flow of blood from the arteries to the veins. This causes changes in the nerves and nerve centers in the brain, which may induce a headache.
An excruciating type of headache is caused by an aneurysm, the swelling of a blood vessel in the brain. The headache appears suddenly and with great intensity. Prompt medical attention, including surgical repair, is usually necessary to avoid a stroke or death.
Another type of "urgent" headache results from bacterial meningitis, the infection of the meninges, the connective tissue that is envelopes nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This type of headache can also be accompanied by an intensely uncomfortable reaction to light. Prompt therapy with the administration of antibiotics for the bacterial infection is essential to reduce the bacterial infection and consequent inflammation associated with the infection.
Other causes of headaches include a brain tumor, stuffed sinuses, tension, and eyestrain. A now common cause of headaches in the workplace is eyestrain due to the prolonged use of the eyes for computer work.
Migraines are a fairly commonly, severe form of headache. About 25% of men and 8% of women suffer from nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity induced by a migraine at some time in their lives. For some people, migraines can be a much more frequent malady. For some, a migraine is preceded by an aura, a disruption in taste, smell, and vision. The visual symptoms include flashing lights, sharp-edged shapes and quivering forms. As the symptoms diminish the migraine headache begins. Other migraines can strike without warning.
The precise cause of migraines is unknown. However, they likely are related to chemical changes of the blood vessels in the brain. The vessels may narrow and become wider. In some people, diet plays a role in migraines. For example, chocolate or red wine (especially red wines with high tannin content) can trigger a migraine. How these foodstuffs act at the molecular level in the brain is still unclear. But, it is known that the elimination of the problematic food or drink helps ease the frequency and intensity of the headache.
This is the complete article, containing 418 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
