Facts about headaches: Gulf Health Council tips for prevention and treatment

Headaches are among the most common neurological disorders and significantly impact quality of life for individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of the adult population globally experiences headaches at least once a year. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote health awareness in the region, the Gulf Health Council has published an educational guide aimed at correcting misconceptions about this common ailment, clarifying the distinction between prevalent myths and established medical facts.

Between myth and reality: Correcting common misconceptions

The council clarified a number of misconceptions that could worsen the condition instead of treating it, most notably:

• A common misconception about painkillers: There's a widespread belief that taking painkillers daily is a safe and effective solution. However, fact confirms that excessive use of painkillers can lead to what's medically known as "rebound headache," where the pain returns with greater intensity once the medication wears off, trapping the patient in a vicious cycle of pain.
• Fear of serious illness: Some people believe that headaches are always a sign of a tumor or terminal disease. The truth is that the vast majority of headaches are benign (such as tension headaches or migraines). However, the council noted that sudden, very severe headaches, or those accompanied by neurological symptoms (such as numbness, difficulty speaking, or blurred vision), require immediate medical attention.
• Single-cause (hunger): Many believe that insufficient food intake is the sole cause. In reality , there are multiple contributing factors, including low blood sugar, psychological stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and especially dehydration, which is a major cause of headaches in hot climates like the Gulf countries.

Small changes for big results

Managing headaches isn't limited to medication; lifestyle plays a crucial role in prevention. The Gulf Health Council noted that making simple adjustments to daily routines can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks

• Regulating sleep: Maintaining a regular sleep pattern of 7 to 8 hours per night to support the body's biological clock.
• Physical activity: Engaging in moderate exercise for 20-30 minutes, three times a week, as exercise helps in the release of endorphins, which naturally relieve pain and reduce stress.
• Balanced nutrition: Focus on healthy meals and avoid food triggers known to affect some patients (such as excessive caffeine or aged cheeses), while emphasizing drinking sufficient amounts of water.
• Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels.
• Note-taking: The council advised tracking symptoms by recording food intake, daily activities, and stress levels to link them to headache attacks and accurately identify triggers.

The health and economic importance of headache awareness

These tips are particularly important when considering the global burden of headaches. Migraines alone are a leading cause of temporary disability worldwide, negatively impacting productivity at work and in social life. Locally, with rising temperatures and fast-paced lifestyles in the Gulf countries, awareness of headache triggers and prevention methods is crucial for maintaining public health and reducing strain on healthcare systems.