Sometimes they are dull-pressing, then throbbing-pulsating: headache. Depending on which type of headache the sufferer suffers from, the pain is also experienced differently. But by no means all sufferers differentiate between tension headaches and migraines. And also the treatment often does not do justice to the different forms of headache.
Common causes of headache
Headaches have many causes. “In most cases, mental stress, muscle tension or poor posture are responsible for tension headaches,” says Otto Uhl, managing director of MigräneLiga e.V., Ginsheim.
But lack of fluids or working under time pressure and in poorly ventilated rooms can also cause headaches. “Triggers, so-called triggers, for migraines are, for example, hormonal factors or food,” Uhl continues. In many cases, headaches can be prevented by treating the causes.
Recognize triggers, avoid causes
“Stress-related headaches are best countered with rest, relaxation exercises or a walk in the fresh air,” advises Krause, head of the pain section in the DGK. Cool compresses from the pharmacy on the neck or forehead help against the pain. With migraine, known triggers should be avoided.
In recognizing the triggers, a headache diary can help, which is available free of charge at participating pharmacies.
Treat headaches, don’t endure them
Tips from friends and acquaintances are not always suitable to treat your own headache. That’s why specialist advice is important. In liver disease, for example, paracetamol is rather unsuitable.
The recommendations of the German Migraine and Headache Society (DMKG) are an important guide for choosing a painkiller. According to these, the active ingredient combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), paracetamol and caffeine as well as ibuprofen and ASA as individual substances are suitable for the self-treatment of tension headaches. Paracetamol is also recommended for migraine.
However, not all recommended substances are equally effective.
Analgesic agents: combinations help better
According to a study comparing all common active ingredients for headaches, the combination of ASA, acetaminophen, and caffeine is significantly more effective than single substances. To achieve comparable pain relief with the single active ingredients, sufferers would still have to take half a tablet more.
“The reason for this is probably the broader active profile, because the different substances attack the pain at different sites of action. As a result, pain relief occurs quickly and reliably,” says Dr. Jan-Peter Jansen of the Headache Foundation, Berlin.
By the way, despite the improved effect, the side effects of the triple combination are low. Ninety percent of the study participants treated with it described the tolerability as good and very good.
See a doctor with severe symptoms
Even if there is nothing to be said against self-medication for occasional headaches, the headache should still be understood as a warning signal. If you have put your body through too much, rest and relaxation are called for. In the case of infections, it is important to treat the cause.
That’s why Jansen advises, “Anyone who suffers from headaches several times a month, has severe discomfort or unexplained headaches should see a doctor.”
On the following page, you will find a test that will help you better classify your headaches and assess whether they are migraines or tension headaches.
