Headaches
Headaches are a neurological disorder that is strongly age- and sex-related (Sanders et al., 2018) and are a common associated symptom in patients with FND. Almost half of the world's population is thought to suffer from active headache disorder (Stovner et al., 2007). There are different types of headache, which are caused by inflammation of different tissues of the head and neck. The most common types of headache are migraine and tension-type headache.
Migraine
Migraine is a common type of headache that is divided into two subtypes based on the IHS (International headache society, 2018):
Migraine without aura or common migraine (Recurrent unilateral headache, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Migraine worsens with physical activity, the average duration of an attack is 24 hours, while the overall range is from 4 hours to as long as three days.)
Migraine with aura or classic migraine (An aura refers to the feeling that something is about to happen. It can be visual or auditory and is different from déjà vu.)
Although migraine affects only 10% of the population, it causes a significantly higher morbidity and socio-economic burden on both the individual and society compared to tension-type headache. Migraines affect a higher proportion of the female sex compared to the male sex (18% vs. 6%).
Tension-type headache
Tension-type headache is a poorly defined and heterogeneous syndrome characterised by pain in the head region and diagnosed by the absence of symptoms characteristic of other types of headache, such as migraine. The exact mechanisms of the cause are not yet known.
Recommendations for coping with headaches
High omega-3 diet (1g EPA daily)
Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by our bodies alone, so we need to make sure we get them from our diet or supplements. Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) are long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which are found mainly in oily cold-water fish and supplements such as fish oil or seaweed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be beneficial mainly due to their anti-inflammatory properties, and a study by Sanders et al. (2018) found that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA) was associated with a lower prevalence of severe headaches and migraines.
Creatine
Creatine has been shown to be statistically significantly effective in reducing headaches resulting from traumatic brain injury. Creatine is an energy-rich amino acid that is produced by the body itself in the liver, kidneys and pancreas and helps to maintain optimal levels of ATP (the energy currency of the cell). Research also suggests that it is thought to reduce levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Curcumin
Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory effects and can lead to a reduction in the frequency and intensity of headaches. Curcumin is the active ingredient found in the herb KURKUMA LONGA (turmeric). The results of a randomised study by Rezaie et al. (2021) showed that eight weeks of turmeric consumption had positive effects on migraine symptoms (frequency and pain of attacks). However, further research is needed to identify more precise mechanisms and to further confirm the role of turmeric in the treatment of migraine.
A systematic review by Lopresti et al. (2020) also found a positive effect of coriander, chamomile and menthol, but stresses the importance of further qualitative research to draw more robust conclusions.
The above recommendations are not a substitute for appropriate medical treatment, so please consult your GP beforehand.
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Fumal, A., in Schoenen, J. (2008). Tension-type headache: current research and clinical management. The Lancet Neurology, 7(1), 70-83. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(07)70325-3
Göbel, H., Schmidt, G., and Soyka, D. (1994). Effect of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oil Preparations on Neurophysiological and Experimental Algesimetric Headache Parameters. Cephalalgia, 14(3), 228-234. doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.014003228.x
Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., and Drummond, P. D. (2020). Herbal treatments for migraine: A systematic review of randomised-controlled studies. Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.6701
Olesen, J., in Steiner, T. J. (2004). The International classification of headache disorders, 2nd edn (ICDH-II). Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 75(6), 808-811.
Sakellaris, G., Nasis, G., Kotsiou, M., Tamiolaki, M., Charissis, G., in Evangeliou, A. (2007). Prevention of traumatic headache, dizziness and fatigue with creatine administration. A pilot study. Acta Paediatrica, 97(1), 31-34. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00529.x
Sanders, A. E., Shaikh, S. R., and Slade, G. D. (2018). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and headache in the U.S. population. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 135, 47-53. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2018.06.008
Tassorelli, C., Diener, H. C., Dodick, D. W., Silberstein, S. D., Lipton, R. B., Ashina, M., ... (2018). Guidelines of the International Headache Society for controlled trials of preventive treatment of chronic migraine in adults. Cephalalgia, 38(5), 815-832.