People who are busy with work and are stressed at the end of the year should try to get enough sleep and can take medication or be treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation as prescribed by a doctor.
Tension headaches are a common condition that can occur at any age. Symptoms are different for each person, typically a dull pain or a feeling of squeezing on both sides of the head, localized headaches in the forehead, temples, middle of the top of the head or back of the neck, intermittent pain or pain. throbbing for a few minutes, possibly lasting several hours.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Trang, Neurology Unit, Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, said headaches caused by tension can often go away on their own. However, if not adjusted or remedied early, prolonged tension headaches will negatively affect sleep and health. People with headaches due to stress should not be subjective. Symptoms to be careful about include severe, prolonged, repetitive headaches with increasing intensity, sudden onset, worsening in a short period of time, or headaches that appear with symptoms such as fever, stiff neck. , convulsions, confusion, fainting, coma, numbness in limbs…
Doctor Trang instructs some ways to reduce tension headaches as follows:
Control stress
This is an important measure, helping to solve the cause of tension headaches. Patients should maintain relaxation habits and avoid stress by balancing work, going for walks, reading books, and listening to music to bring physical and mental health benefits. Yoga exercises, meditation, massage, sauna, hot foot baths… support relaxation and reduce stress.
The doctor examines the patient’s neuromuscular reflexes. Illustration photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep, insomnia, and sleep disorders can potentially lead to tension headaches. Adults should sleep 7-8 hours a day, ensuring good sleep quality and deep sleep throughout the night.
Take medication as directed
Some common over-the-counter pain relievers are effective in controlling headache symptoms. However, patients should only use the medicine for a short time and as prescribed by the doctor, and should not abuse or arbitrarily use pain relievers for a long time.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
This treatment method is non-invasive by creating a strong and short-term magnetic field that can penetrate the skin and skull. This technique helps create changes in electrical waves and nerve network function, thereby promoting recovery or adjusting nerve activity, controlling tension headaches.
The technician determines the appropriate transcranial magnetic stimulation point for the patient. Image: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7
Scientific nutrition
Daily meals should balance important nutrient groups including carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Supplement foods rich in vitamins A, C, groups B, E, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, antioxidants, which help reduce headaches. Drink 2-2.5 liters of water every day to avoid dehydration. Limit or avoid the use of alcohol, nerve stimulants, foods high in sugar, salt and preservatives.
Exercise moderately
Exercises suitable to each person’s preferences such as walking, cycling, soccer, volleyball… support mental relaxation, promote metabolism, and blood circulation. Thanks to that, practitioners can increase their resistance and overall health, contributing to preventing headaches.
Based on the results of a clinical examination and medical history, a neurologist can diagnose tension headaches. In case the patient has other unusual symptoms, the doctor can prescribe appropriate tests and scans such as CT scan of 1975 slices or 768 slices, MRI scan of 1.5-3 Tesla, fluid testing. cerebrospinal fluid, electroencephalography, electromyography, polysomnography… From there, the doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment methods and regimens.
According to Dr. Trang, people with tension headaches can supplement natural active ingredients from blueberry and ginkgo biloba to help regulate brain blood and increase nutrients to the brain to prevent headaches.