Headache
A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.
Symptoms of tension headaches
The pain symptoms of a tension headache are:
- The pain begins in the back of the head and upper neck and is described as a band-like tightness or pressure.
- Often is described as pressure encircling the head with the most intense pressure over the eyebrows.
- The pain usually is mild (not disabling) and bilateral (affecting both sides of the head).
- The pain is not associated with an aura (see below), nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.
- The pain occurs sporadically (infrequently and without a pattern) but can occur frequently and even daily in some people.
- The pain allows most people to function normally, despite the headache.
Subjective and objective data is very important to determine the cause and nature of the headaches.
1. Subjective Data
- Understanding the patient about headache and possible causes.
- Aware of the existence of trigger factors, such as stress.
- Measures to reduce symptoms such as drugs.
- Place, frequency, pattern and nature of headaches, including the pain, duration and intervals between headaches.
- Initial headache attacks.
- History of headache in the family (especially important when a migraine).
- The situation is made more severe headaches.
2. Objective Data
- Behavior: showing symptoms of stress, anxiety or pain.
- Changes in the ability to perform daily activities.
- There abormal assessment of the physical assessment system: cranial nerve system.
- Body temperature
- Drainage from the sinuses.
Nursing Diagnosis and Nursing Interventions for Headache
