Question:

I suffer from really bad headaches and can't find medication that seems to relieve the pain. Do you have any suggestions on alternative ways of relieving the pain?

Answer:

A headache is one of the most frequent neurological symptoms encountered and yet is seldom associated with significant disease.

Nevertheless, patients suffering from severe headaches must be carefully examined to exclude the albeit infrequent pathology.

If a specific diagnosis is made, specific treatment can be provided.

If however, after careful clinical evaluation it seems as if the severe headache is atypical and does not respond to standard treatments, as in this case, the very least approach should include a healthy lifestyle, with frequent exercise, healthy diet, no smoking, avoidance of alcohol and caffeine and stress-free periods when a favourite hobby is practiced.

If all else fails, professional help/courses in muscle relaxation and stress management may help.