Tension headache, how to treat headache?
"I have a headache". Headache is a common disorder. For what is this? How can it be prevented? One of the most common headaches are tension headaches, which are normally related to stress. The AEP includes a series of symptoms to react to and initiate a treatment to counteract the tension headache.
What is tension headache and why is it produced?
The AEP defines tension headache as a type of headache caused by stress very común among school children. The children who suffer from it always define it as a sensation of bilateral pressure that resembles the pain that would be caused by the scratching of a helmet. Usually manifested at the end of the day and sometimes throughout the day, and with the sunset this discomfort is compounded. Often its intensity is mild, however there are times when this pain may worsen and interfere with the child's activities.
The tension headache It usually increases in times of fatigue or emotional conflicts where the child's stress reaches its highest peaks. In terms of duration this can range from short periods of time that would reach 30 minutes to extend over several days. Tension headache is not usually accompanied by other symptoms typical of other headaches such as paleness or vomiting, however it can accompany discomfort and contracture in the muscles located in the neck.
What is the diagnosis of tension headache and its treatment?
If the mentioned symptoms are noticed: bilateral headache, discomfort and contracture in the neck; It is advisable to go to the pediatrician so that you can make a clinical diagnosis through the history of the patient, a physical and neurological examination. This test is recommended primarily to rule out major ailments that may require further medical attention.
Without finally detected this tension headache, the treatment to alleviate it is quite simple. It will be necessary to administer analgesics of the paracetamol or ibuprofen type, since these products will help to reduce the sensation of pain, as well as the muscular problems. In most cases this treatment is used to end this type of headache.
However, if it is observed that a sudden onset headache does not subside after the application of drugs and in cases where the headache causes the child to wake up in the middle of the night, it is recommended to go back to the specialist. This second visit will consist of a more complete examination that will check whether this tension headache has not been aggravated by other illnesses or its symptoms are more aggressive in this case, so the medications to be applied should be others.
Prevention measures against tension headache
The most positive reading of the headache is that it can be easily prevented and thus avoid a pain that despite having a simple treatment, is quite annoying when it comes to lead a quiet life. The main thing in these cases is to maintain good sleep hygiene and sleep the recommended hours on a regular basis while maintaining a fixed time to go to bed, especially during the week. Drinking fluids also helps prevent tension headache, as well as regular exercise.
As pointed out, this headache can be related to stress or the personal life of the child. Therefore, in these cases it is best to create an atmosphere of relaxation at home and try to help organize in school life so that this does not cause anxiety for children. The AEP also recommends targeting minors to courses to learn relaxation techniques, either as a measure of prevention or as a treatment for tension headache.
Damián Montero
