NR 508 GRAND ROUNDS HEADACHE CASE STUDY: Chamberlain College Of Nursing

HEADACHE  Brain tissue does not experience sensations of pain.  Pain occurs in several locations: • The tissues covering the brain • The attaching structures at the base of the brain • Muscles and blood vessels around the scalp, face, and neck  The source of a headache is normally caused by muscle tension, or vascular problems.  The International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for classification of headache:  Primary classifications: Tension-type, Migraine, Cluster  Bilateral, band-like feeling of pressure around the head with a constant, squeezing and tightness  Most common type of headache is the Tension Headache  Classified into four types: • Frequent episodic tension-type headache • Infrequent episodic tension-type headache • Chronic tension-type headache • Probable tension-type headache (ICHD-3 The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition, n.d.).TENSION HEADACHES • According to research, tension headaches occur because of pain sensitivity, perception, and neurotransmitters. • Genetics are thought to be involved in chronic tension headache. • Environmental factors (stress) are involved in the physiologic processes experienced with episodic tension headache. • Abnormalities in the central nervous system, cause sensitivity to pain experienced in tension headaches. • Connective tissue and muscles in the neck and shoulders cause a tension headache by forming knots in the muscles. • Neurotransmitters cause the brain to experience pain when stimulated such as serotonin and nitric oxide. • Medication and Substance abuse cause about one third of all headaches. Causes: Poor Posture, Work Conditions, Fatigue, Eyestrain, Physical Activity, Food, Stress Pharmacologic agents, Dental Problems, Physical Trauma, Hormonal Changes. • Symptoms of a tension headache: Constant, dull pain above the eyes and across the back of the head Head pain that gets worse as the day progresses Pain that may spread over your entire head and to your shoulders and neck Muscles that are tight in the neck or shoulder area Head pain that is made worse by bright lights or loud noises