The first day of summer isn’t the only most anticipated thing happening in June! The first day of this month marks National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to highlight these maladies, especially since the kids are out of school (and may contribute to causing them)!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headaches are the most common disorder of the nervous system, and most people have them at some point in their life. A headache can occur in any part of the head or on both sides of the head. Headaches can last from less than an hour up to several days. The International Headache Society (IHS) indicates that primary headaches are not caused by another condition, and secondary headaches occur when there is a further underlying cause.

There are several types of primary headaches:

• Cluster headaches may cause intense pain, often in or around one eye, and usually happen around a particular time of year.
• Migraine headaches may cause severe throbbing pain, usually in the front or side of the head. It may be accompanied by light-headedness, light sensitivity, and nausea.
• Tension headaches may cause mild to moderate pain to both sides of the head. They can feel like a band around the head.

Several types of secondary headaches are:

• Rebound headaches are cause by an excessive use of medication to treat headache symptoms. Neck pain, restlessness and a feeling of nasal congestion may result.
• Thunderclap headaches are sudden, severe headaches that can reach maximum intensity within one minute. People who experience this type of headache should seek medical attention immediately.

It is imperative to see a doctor if headaches become more severe, regular, or persistent. The most common methods of treating headaches are rest and pain relief medication. Home remedies include applying a heat pack or ice pack to your head or neck, avoiding stressors, eating regular meals, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep.

Whether your doctor prescribes preventative medication or you need generic over the counter (OTC) pain relief medication, Carmichael’s pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana can meet your needs. Our compounding pharmacy in the same location also prepares medicines customized to meet the specific needs of the individual patient.