Contact Information Scan the QR code to learn Neurology Department more about other NNI@TTSH Neuroscience conditions Tan Tock Seng Hospital, NNI Block, Neuroscience Clinic 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433 Main Tel: (65) 6357 7153 Appt. Tel: (65) 6330 6363 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nni.com.sg Scan QR code for NNI@SGH directions Singapore General Hospital, Block 3, Clinic L The National Neuroscience Institute operates out of Outram Road, Singapore 169608 two main campuses (TTSH, SGH) and Main Tel: (65) 6222 3322 four partner hospitals (CGH, KKH, KTPH, SKH). Appt. Tel: (65) 6321 4377 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nni.com.sg NNI @ KTPH NNI @ SKH NNI@CGH NNI@KKH NNI @ TTSH NNI @ CGH Changi General Hospital KK Women’s and NNI @ KKH 2 Simei Street 3 Children’s Hospital Singapore 529889 100 Bukit Timah Road NNI @ SGH Appt. Tel: (65) 6850 3333 Singapore 229899 Appt. Tel: (65) 6294 4050 NNI@KTPH NNI@SKH Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Sengkang General Hospital 90 Yishun Central 110 Sengkang East Way Singapore 768828 Singapore 544886 Headaches Appt. Tel: (65) 6555 8828 Appt. Tel: (65) 6930 6000 Brochure content serves as a guide only Seek the advice of your doctor for more details Information correct as of April 2020 • Tension Headache Preventing Headaches Most headaches have a genetic basis. Some may also be Feels like a tight band pressing sensitive to certain triggers that can lead to a headache. around the head Understanding Headaches Lessen the impact of a headache by identifying triggers and avoiding them: Headaches are common medical complaints. For most, a headache is an annoyance that comes and goes. But • External environment i.e. changes in weather, bright when they start to occur regularly, studies, work, family º Pain is usually dull, steady and not throbbing lights, smells and loud sounds and social activities can be aected. It can also cause º No nausea or vomiting • Emotion, mood and stress signicant concern and anxiety. • Cluster Headache • Diet e.g. alcohol, cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), citrus fruits Fortunately, most headaches are not an indication of a • Hormonal changes due to menstruation, menopause, serious medical condition and can be treated. However, oral contraception, hormone replacement therapy medical attention should be sought for frequent or Pain always occurs on the same side of the head, usually over one eye severe headaches. Keeping a headache diary can help identify factors that may contribute to the headache and the pattern of the Types of Headaches headache. • Migraine º There may be redness and tearing of the aected eye Living with Headaches Other side of the head is unaected º There are two types of treatment: Pain begins or stays on one side of the head Diagnosing Headaches • Symptomatic treatments relieve the symptoms of pain and nausea Consult your doctor if you experience these: • Prophylactic treatments prevent headaches from • Frequent headaches that occur once or more a week occurring. These are taken on a regular basis, usually • Taking painkillers more than once a week daily and may be in the form of oral medication or º Throbbing pain of moderate to severe intensity • Change in the pattern of a regular headache injection therapies. º Physical activities make headaches worse • Sti neck or fever with headache º Sensitivity to light, sound and smell A healthy lifestyle is also important: • Headaches with dizziness, unsteady gait, slurred º Nausea or vomiting speech, weakness or numbness º May be preceded by ashing lights • Get adequate sleep • Confusion and drowsiness º Other symptoms, e.g. seeing zigzag lines and tingling • Eat at regular meal times or numbness of limbs • Headache that begins and persists after head injury • Exercise regularly • First or the worst headache in your life • Avoid smoking These associated symptoms may occur before or during a • Headache that begins after the age of 50 • Learn to cope with stress and manage your emotions headache, and usually lasts an hour or less. • If you have a new headache and a history of cancer, autoimmune disease or Human Immunodeciency Virus (HIV) H EADACHES.