HEADACHE PREVENTION QUIZ

How much do you know about headaches? Try taking the following true-or-false quiz. You may be surprised at how much you already know.

#1. There are only two types of headaches.

False. There are many types of headaches, including: cluster headaches, headaches due to infection or tumors, and headaches, which may be caused by medications or too much alcohol. The two most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraine headaches.

#2. Tension headaches can be prevented.

True. Muscle aches and muscle tension are associated with tension headaches. Moderate exercise, good posture, and relaxation can help relieve muscle tension, which, in turn, can help prevent tension headaches. Identify the things that cause your stress. Then learn some relaxation techniques you can do to help yourself relax. In addition, medication and biofeedback have proven valuable in the prevention of tension headaches.

#3. Migraine headaches are best treated with narcotics.

False. While narcotics play a role in treating severe pain, their use in recurrent headaches is limited. They are addictive, and may cause a person to end up with a worse type of headache, called a rebound headache. Talk to your healthcare provider about non-narcotic medication treatments recommended for migraine headache prevention and control.

#4. Migraine headaches can be prevented.

True. There are many ways to prevent migraines, from changing your diet, to getting enough sleep. In addition, many medications are available from your healthcare provider to prevent migraines. Many of these medicines have few, if any, side effects and are safe to take for long periods of time. If you have frequent headaches, these medicines may help you.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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