Strong pain medicines, called opiates or narcotics, are usually not the answer for
TBI headaches. These medicines can make other TBI symptoms worse. They also can have
unpredictable side effects in a person with a TBI.
If pain medicines are needed, the first choice is a nonnarcotic medicine. Examples
include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you use
pain relief medicines for a headache more than 3 days a week, you need to watch if
your headaches are getting worse. This is called rebound headache.
The best way to manage your headaches is with self-care, also called headache hygiene.
Here are some self-care tips:
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Take medicines only as your healthcare provider prescribes them. Don’t take any medicines
on your own.
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If you start getting a headache, try to find a dark, quiet place where you can lie
down.
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Wear dark glasses if bright lights seem to trigger your headaches.
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Stay away from any foods and
beverages that seem to trigger a headache.
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Learn to reduce stress and
relax by using methods like listening to music, meditating, or deep breathing. If
needed, work with a mental health expert to reduce stress and anxiety.
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Get daily exercise. This helps your body and your brain.
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Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
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Stay away from caffeine,
alcohol, and tobacco.
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Take part in physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your muscles. Learn how to
do these exercises at home.
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Think about trying alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy.
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Keep a headache journal to share with your healthcare provider. Write down every time
you get a headache, how severe it is, and what seemed to have triggered it.
TBI headaches usually go away with
time. How long it takes your brain to recover depends on the type of injury you had.
Managing headache pain with self-care can help you heal faster. Call your healthcare
provider if your pain is getting worse. And remember, never try to treat headaches
on
your own with illegal drugs or alcohol.