Headache and Migraine
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/neurological-conditions/headaches
Headaches are a very common health problem. They can be either chronic or episodic, depending on how often they occur. Most headaches are primary headaches, which means that they do not have an underlying cause. Secondary headaches are those that are caused by another health problem or by medication. (www.nice.org.uk/guidance/)
Headache is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations, in both general practice and neurology clinics.(Steiner 2007) Symptoms begin before the age of 10 years in 15% of people with chronic tension-type headache and prevalence declines with age.(Lance 1965)
The origin of tension-type headache is multi-factorial; however the actual cause is still unclear. There is a family history of some form of headache in 40% of people with chronic tension-type headache.(Russell 1999) British Acupuncture Council fact-sheet
Migraine is a primary headache disorder manifesting as recurring attacks, usually lasting for 4 to 72 hours and involving pain of moderate to severe intensity (IHS 2004). Typical characteristics of the headache are unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity and aggravation by routine physical activity. Sufferers may also experience auras, photo-phobia, nausea and vomiting. British Acupuncture Council fact-sheet
The organisations below can provide more information and support for people with chronic or migraine type headache.
You can also go to NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) for more information.
Headaches are a very common health problem. They can be either chronic or episodic, depending on how often they occur. Most headaches are primary headaches, which means that they do not have an underlying cause. Secondary headaches are those that are caused by another health problem or by medication. (www.nice.org.uk/guidance/)
Headache is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations, in both general practice and neurology clinics.(Steiner 2007) Symptoms begin before the age of 10 years in 15% of people with chronic tension-type headache and prevalence declines with age.(Lance 1965)
The origin of tension-type headache is multi-factorial; however the actual cause is still unclear. There is a family history of some form of headache in 40% of people with chronic tension-type headache.(Russell 1999) British Acupuncture Council fact-sheet
Migraine is a primary headache disorder manifesting as recurring attacks, usually lasting for 4 to 72 hours and involving pain of moderate to severe intensity (IHS 2004). Typical characteristics of the headache are unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity and aggravation by routine physical activity. Sufferers may also experience auras, photo-phobia, nausea and vomiting. British Acupuncture Council fact-sheet
The organisations below can provide more information and support for people with chronic or migraine type headache.
- Migraine Action, 0116 275 8317
www.migraine.org.uk - OUCH(UK), 01646 651 979
www.ouchuk.org - The Migraine Trust, 020 7361 6975
www.migrainetrust.org http://www.migrainetrust.org/factsheets
You can also go to NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) for more information.
The contents of this website are for information only and are not intended to be a substitute for taking medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner such as your GP especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication. This website is designed to be an information resource for those who are deciding whether or not acupuncture treatment is suitable for them. You will find links to relevant research articles wherever conditions are highlighted. The fact-sheet page contains the latest information and research available from the British Acupuncture Council. Information is continually updated so do check back regularly.
