MIGRAINE HEADACHE IN ADULTS

Migraine is defined as periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head with or without aura.

Symptoms can include all or some of the following: pain in the head that is dull, deep and steady often time becoming throbbing and pulsatile; nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, runny nose, or teary eyes. Aura are symptoms that occur before the headache such as flashing lights, bright spots, zigzag lines; numbness or tingling in the fingers, lips, tongue or lower face.

Migraines are associated with both genetic and environmental factors. Common triggers include stress, worry, menstrual periods, fatigue, lack of sleep, hunger, certain foods or drinks and certain medications or chemicals.

Acute treatment includes pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen or Excedrin©. Anti-nausea medications such as promethazine, metoclopramide or prochlorperazine are used to alleviate nausea and/or vomiting. Triptans (such as Imitrex©, Maxalt©, Axert©, Zomig©) are prescription migraine-specific medications to relieve acute pain. Preventive treatment consists of beta blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications or calcium channel blockers.

*Always consult your physician before initiating any over the counter treatment.

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ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA IN ADULTS

Acute otitis media in adults is defined as inflammation of the middle ear.

Symptoms can include all or some of the following: ear pain, decreased hearing, drainage of fluid from the ear canal, fever, headache and history of recent upper respiratory infection.

The most common culprit in adults is bacteria, such as Streptococcus. Other culprits include respiratory viruses.

Treatment includes oral antibiotics to treat bacterial infection in adults along with ibuprofen and acetaminophen for fever and/or pain.

*Always consult your physician before initiating any over the counter treatment.

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