Causes and risk factors
External compression headache is caused due to continuous stimulation of cutaneous nerves; Continuous application of pressure on forehead or scalp, due to tight bandaging around head, helmet, tight glasses or spectacles etc.
Clinical presentation
The headache is non pulsating type. It goes on increasing with time. The pain is maximum at the site of pressure. It reduces when the pressure is taken off the head.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. CT scan, MRI can be done to rule out other possible causes of headache. An angiogram or lumbar puncture may be done for further evaluation of headache if necessary.
Treatment
No treatment is required for most patients. Removing the pressure resolves this type of headache. If it persists even after removal of pressure, medicines like analgesics, NSAIDs will help in managing the external compression headache.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating external compression headache. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating external compression headache.
