Headaches
Overview
Headaches may occur
for any number of reasons including: sinus conditions,
hypertension, allergies, tumors, hormonal changes, and most
frequently, stress. They are not usually associated with
problems related to the eyes.
Migraine headaches
Migraine, a type of
headache that is often hereditary, usually first surfaces between
the ages of 15 and 30. They are most common among women and
are thought to be related to stress and some foods.
Migraine headaches may
cause visual symptoms such as light flashes,
temporary blind spots, and blurred vision. Migraines are
thought to be caused by the dilation and constriction of arteries in
the head. These headaches can be extremely painful. The
pain is often limited to one side of the head, and may be
accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
In many cases,
migraines are believed to be brought on by stress. This
"Friday night" headache often follows the stress relief of a
frenetic week during which the blood vessels in the head relax and
constrict. Certain foods and additives such as chocolate,
alcohol, dairy, and MSG are also attributed to migraines. However,
for many, the cause is variable and extremely difficult to
pinpoint.
Eye-related
headaches
Eye-related headaches
typically occur after extended periods of reading, watching
television, computer work,
or other close work that requires intense concentration. This
type of headache usually disappears after a period of rest. In
some cases, headaches may be caused by eyestrain related to
eyeglasses. A tendency for the eyes to cross or drift outward
may also bring on headaches.
One eye problem known
to cause an intense headache is angle-closure
glaucoma. With this type of glaucoma, the headache is only
part of the problem. Patients suffering from an angle-closure
attack also may experience nausea, intense pain around the eye,
blurred vision, and haloes around lights.
Headaches caused by
eye disease are unique in their symptoms and types of pain. It
is important to make detailed notes of your symptoms, type of pain,
lifestyle and what you were doing when the headache began.
This information is very helpful to the physician to diagnose the
type and cause of the headache you are experiencing.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms from
headaches can be extremely variable and depend on the underlying
problem. Because of the scope of the various types and causes
is so immense, the following the headaches are described with the
typical symptoms as they relate to the eye.
Headaches related to
eye fatigue:
-
Headaches that begin
after an extended period of reading, computer use, watching
television, or close work
-
Burning eyes
-
Fatigue
Migraines
-
Throbbing pain
-
Sensitivity to light
and sound
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Visual "aura"
including: light flashes, jagged lights, missing areas of
vision
Acute angle-closure
glaucoma
Detection and Diagnosis
Your doctor will
routinely obtain a complete history and perform a thorough physical
exam to rule out systemic causes of the headache. Your
ophthalmologist will verify that no eye-related problems are brining
on the headache.
Treatment
Stress relief, control
of blood pressure, or medication to maintain appropriate hormonal
levels may be necessary. New glasses or different work
lighting may be prescribed by your doctor.
If you have persistent
headaches, it is important to consult your medical doctor about them
for a medical evaluation.
St. Luke's Cataract & Laser
Institute provides this on-line information for educational and
communication purposes only and it should not be construed as
personal medical advice. Information published on this St.
Luke's website is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a
consultation with an eye care professional regarding the
viewer/user's own medical care. St. Luke's disclaims any and
all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use
of the information obtained from this site.
|
