Headache Triggers and Diagnostic Tools
Non-invasive vs. Invasive Techniques
Pain Relievers
Vasoconstrictors
Endorphin-like Drugs
Neurotransmitter Agents
Gene Therapy

The first step to battling a headache is to avoid triggers which may lead to the onset of a headache. Many of these triggers work by serving directly as a vasodilator, or by causing something like serotonin or a chemical like tryamine to dilate the vessels.

Triggers

• Foods: ages cheese, alcohol, caffeine, high is salt, MSG, nitrites (preservative), additives.
• Low blood sugar. Especially during period of long sleep or after missing meals.
• Stress (not a cause, but may aggravate).
• Poor sleep habits.

It is also important obtain an accurate diagnosis of headache. Especially in order to rule out other possible neurological disorders.

Diagnostic Tools

• EEG - Measuring brain activity may locate malfunctioning areas.
• Computed tomography - Viewing density of structures can differentiate between swollen vessels vs. brain tumors.
• MRI - Provides information about the structure and biochemistry of the brain.
• PET - Proper blood flow may be analyzed.
• Eye exam - Evaluates the functioning of eye muscles and their associated cranial nerves. Many rule out aneurysm.
• Thermography - Compares skin temperatures.

Non-invasive Techniques

• Relaxation techniques - relaxing the body and its muscles
• Biofeedback - voluntary control of visceral functions

Invasive Techniques

• Surgery - e.g. nerve removal

Drugs

Pain Relievers

This type of drug acts upon the receptor site sensing the pain. These drugs stop the sensation of pain by preventing the mediator release of substances like prostaglandin and Substance P.

• Aspirin and OTC's
• Steroidal pain inhibitors

Vasoconstictors

This type of drug changes the structure causing the problem, i.e. peripheral arteries and blood vessels.

• Ergotamines
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Serotonergic drugs may also be classified here

Endorphin-like Drugs

These drugs mimic the effects of endorphins. Higher levels of endorphins have been associated with diminished sensation of pain.

• Morphine
• Codeine

Neurotransmitter Agents

These drugs excite or suppress neurotransmitter systems associated with headache pain, particularly serotonin.

• MAO inhibitors
• Tricyclic anti-depressants
• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors

Gene therapy

This type of treatment is still being developed. It will involve the expression of the necessary proteins in headache suffering patients by giving them the proper genetic sequence information (mRNA, etc.) The problem right now is not knowing what proteins are needed, but being able to express them in human tissue.

Back to the top.