Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Throbbing, uncomfortable, and distracting pain.

This is how you would normally describe a headache.

According to neurosurgeon Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, headaches can vary according to their type, and there are actually a lot.

How many? More than 300, in fact.

He said, “Headache is a manifestation o result ng mga event na nangyayari sa ulo. That is only the end product at hindi isang phenomenon ang headache.

“Ang headache is a result of the stimulation o pagka-apekto ng receptors sa structure ng brain, skull, o scalp. Kahit saan doon ay pwedeng mag-trigger ng headache.”

The most common examples of headaches are tension headaches and migraines.

Tension Headaches happen when you feel an aching sensation all over your head and there's a sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, and shoulder.

This type of headache is normally triggered by stress and can often be relieved by any over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Dr. Legaspi adds, “Ang tension headache ay karaniwang nararamdaman kung saan may bulk ng muscles o kung saan may maraming muscles.

"Kung mahahawakan mo 'yung ulo mo may makapal na muscle dyan. Kapag nahawakan mo 'yung muscles mo sa likod o sa leeg, mayroon 'din dyan.

“Ang causes nito ay pang-araw araw ay stressful conditions like lack of sleep o emotional situations whenever a patient is undergoing stressful conditions.

“Usually pahinga ka or pain medications, kaya na ito. Yung iba naman nagre-relax lang. Pero may iba who go for yoga or other chiropractic solutions.”

On the other hand, migraine is an intense pulsing from within one's head that can last for days.

The headache is significantly painful, causing a limitation to one's ability to carry out a daily routine.

Dr. Legaspi notes, “Ang migraine is nag-i-increase 'yung dugo sa brain. This increased volume increases the pressure in the brain.

“Ang maaring ma-trigger ng migraine is tsokolate, kape, ilaw, ingay, or pagkain tulad ng mani or beans.”

He adds, “Kung 'di magwo-work ang pain relievers, meron mga triptans [drugs that decrease inflammation] na nag-act directly sa arteries ng brain para 'di lumaki, or meron din naman tayong oxygen therapy. “

In most cases, headaches will go away within 48 hours.

However, if you have a headache that lasts more than two days or increases in intensity, you should see a doctor for assistance.

Remember, headaches can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, and some do require treatment beyond over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

Watch the full segment below from Pinoy MD below:

For more tips on health and wellness, make sure to check out GMA Network's Lifestyle Page.