How to Treat Headache

Headache is a common condition encountered in daily life. Because headaches are so frequently experienced, many people regard them as trivial or minor ailments. In most cases, occasional headaches pose no serious health concern. However, persistent or chronic headaches warrant prompt medical attention. So, how should headaches be treated? Let’s explore this together.

How to Treat Headache

Headaches have numerous potential triggers, and treatment must therefore be tailored to the underlying cause and individual symptoms. Symptomatic treatment may include analgesics such as morphine, but more commonly involves other medications—particularly antipyretic-analgesic agents. These may be used short-term based on clinical need. For severe headaches, low-dose codeine, “Tou Tong” (a proprietary Chinese analgesic), or dihydroergotamine may be prescribed.

Adjunctive use of sedatives or anxiolytics may be appropriate—especially for patients experiencing anxiety or agitation. In cases of comorbid depression, antidepressants may be incorporated into the treatment plan, as certain antidepressants also possess headache-modulating effects. For example, elevated intracranial pressure may be managed with dehydration and diuretic therapy, whereas low intracranial pressure may require intravenous administration of hypotonic solutions.

In headaches associated with abnormal vascular tone—such as vasodilation or vasoconstriction—specific pharmacologic strategies apply. During acute migraine attacks, ergotamine preparations may be effective if administered early. For non-migrainous vascular spasm, compound analgesics containing caffeine—such as APC (aspirin-phenacetin-caffeine), Sominton (a combination analgesic), or Migralin (a proprietary formulation)—may help normalize vascular tone. Additionally, the following points merit attention:

1. Actively diagnose and treat any underlying disease;
2. Appropriately use antipyretic-analgesic agents—e.g., Somiton, Migralin—or low-dose codeine or “Tou Tong”;
3. For patients exhibiting anxiety or agitation, consider adding suitable anxiolytics or sedatives; for those with depressive symptoms, incorporate antidepressant therapy.

We hope the above information proves helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and optimal health!