Types Of Headache
Types of Headache: Traction Headache
Traction headaches happen when the nerve
fibers are pulled, stretched or displaced. It feels as if a strong
pressure is being applied to the head. Although there are no pressure
sensory nerve fibers in the brain tissue, but when a foreign substance
like a tumor or a haematoma is present, it presses against the
structures within the skull. This causes a traction headache. In this
case, the only option is surgical removal of the cause.
Traction
headaches may be caused by other factors as well, like cysts and
aneurysms in the brain.
One of the most common reasons leading to
the development of traction headache is the squinting action of a person
suffering from poor eyesight. The repeated squinting can lead to the
developing of traction headaches.
The pain in a
traction headache may also happen due to leakage after a lumbar puncture
(a diagnostic test). Or because of an obstruction in the flow of the
cerebrospinal fluid.
Traction headaches involve the whole head
and can turn out to be quite severe. It feels as if they are
deep-seated. They become worse even with simple movements like coughing
or changing your position. They can improve during the course of the day
but, if they recur they can trouble you for hours.
Occasionally,
a high temperature might develop along with the headache. In that case,
it is extremely important to analyze the underlying causes. There might
be some very rare symptoms but if present, they must be taken quite
seriously. These symptoms include skin rash, especially a purple one,
severe stiff neck, unconsciousness, visual problems and vomiting,
especially when it bears no relation to food or nausea. There might also
be sensitivity to light as happens in the case of migraine.
Traction
headaches are potentially serious and should be referred to the doctor
at the earliest for treatment.