Brain area thought to impart consciousness, behaves instead like an Internet router

 Tucked underneath the brain's outer, wrinkly cortex is a deeply mysterious area, known as the claustrum. This region has long been known to exchange signals with much of the cortex, which is responsible for higher reasoning and complex thought. Because of the claustrum's extensive connections, the legendary scientist Francis Crick, PhD, of DNA-discovery fame, first postulated in 2005 that the claustrum is the seat of consciousness. In other words, the region of the brain enabling awareness of the world and ourselves.

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, however, now posit that Crick may have been incorrect: They developed a new theory -- built on data -- that the claustrum behaves more like a high-speed internet router, taking in executive commands from "boss" areas of the brain's cortex that forms complex thoughts to generate "networks" in the cortex. Acting like a router, the claustrum coordinates these networks to work together to accomplish the many different cognitively demanding tasks we perform on a moment-to-moment basis in everyday life.

Understanding how the brain forms and coordinates these networks in the cortex through the claustrum is important, since disorganized networks are a typical feature across many disorders, such as addiction, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. This insight may help lead to better therapies to address cognitive dysfunction in these disorders.

"The brain is the most complex system in the known universe. It is these data-driven theoretical advances that propel our knowledge forward toward harnessing that complexity for improving human life,"said Brian Mathur, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology at UMSOM. "As the most highly connected structure in the brain, the claustrum is a window into the enigma of the brain, the mind."

Their new findings and hypothesis were published on Sept. 30, 2022, in Trends In Cognitive Sciences.

In an effort to identify the precise role of the claustrum, Dr. Mathur and his colleagues conducted a serious of experiments on both animals and people. One experiment used modern neuroscience approaches to turn off the claustrum in conscious mice. These mice didn't lose consciousness and kept running around normally. One strike against Crick's theory!

Next, the researchers gave mice a cognitively simple or a difficult task and compared how they responded when the claustrum was turned off. Normally, a mouse can perform both the simple and the difficult tasks. Yet, when the researchers turned off the claustrum, the mice could no longer perform the difficult task.

Wondering if this finding had any relevance to humans, Dr. Mathur collaborated with his colleagues David Seminowicz, PhD, Professor of Neural and Pain Sciences at the UM School of Dentistry, and Fred Barrett, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The three organized a research study where they conducted functional MRI brain scans on healthy volunteers who were engaged in either simple or complicated mental tasks. The researchers observed that their claustrum only "lit up" when performing the difficult version of the task. This event coincided with the activation of a network in the cortex involved in optimal cognitive performance. Strike two against Crick's consciousness theory!

Dr. Mathur said that strike three will be when additional experiments support their theory of claustrum function. In doing so, Dr. Mathur and his colleagues now seek to understand how the claustrum learns and adapts to orchestrate networks in the cortex to help support cognition.

"Understanding how the brain flexibly forms and coordinates these networks -- through the claustrum -- is essential to treat cognitive decline, which happens in addiction, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia," said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Vice President for Medical Affairs at University of Maryland, Baltimore and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean of UMSOM.

Source: ScienceDaily

New study reveals that exposure to outdoor artificial light at night is associated with an increased risk of diabetes

 A new study published in Diabetologia (the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes [EASD]) finds that outdoor artificial light at night (LAN) is associated with impaired blood glucose control and an increased risk of diabetes, with more than 9 million cases of the disease in Chinese adults being attributed to LAN exposure. The study is by Dr Yu Xu and colleagues at the Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Exposure to artificial LAN at night is a ubiquitous environmental risk factor in modern societies. The intensity of urban light pollution has increased to the point that it not only affects residents of big cities, but also those in distant areas such as suburbs and forest parks that may be hundreds of kilometres from the light source. The authors note: "Despite over 80% of the world's population being exposed to light pollution at night, this problem has gained limited attention from scientists until recent years."

Earth's 24-hour day-night cycle has resulted in most organisms, including mammals, having an inbuilt circadian (roughly 24-hour) timing system which is adapted to the natural sequence of light and dark periods. Light pollution has been found to alter the circadian rhythm of insects, birds and other animals, resulting in premature death and loss of biodiversity.

Artificial LAN has also been implicated as a potential cause of metabolic dysregulation through altering the timing of food intake. Rats exposed to artificial LAN developed glucose intolerance, exhibiting elevated blood sugar and insulin. Another study found that mice exposed to nocturnal dim white light of minimal brightness for 4 weeks had increased body mass and reduced glucose tolerance compared to animals whose environment was completely dark at night, despite having roughly equivalent energy consumption and expenditure.

Associations have also been found between artificial LAN and health problems in humans. A study of night-shift workers found that those exposed to brighter LAN were more likely to have disrupted circadian rhythms, as well as a greater risk of coronary heart disease. Other research found that higher LAN exposure was associated with a 13% and 22% increase in the likelihood of being overweight and obese, respectively, while exposure to LAN in the bedroom was reported to be positively associated with the development of diabetes in elderly people.

The potential impact of outdoor artificial LAN was revealed by a study in South India which used satellite images to map light pollution and compared this with data on general health markers among adults across the region. With increasing LAN intensity, there were corresponding rises in average body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol levels in the exposed population.

Diabetes is a critical public health problem in China, and the onset and progression of the disease is largely governed by behavioural and environmental risk factors. The nation's rapid urbanisation and economic growth has resulted in a dramatic increase in urban lighting, and the number of people exposed to it. Those living in cities are prone to being shifted away from a natural 24-hour day-night cycle, to one of round-the-clock working and leisure time, often staying out late and being exposed to artificial LAN.

The study used data from the China Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance Study; a representative sample of the general population in China taken in 2010 across 162 sites across the country. A total of 98,658 adults participated, undergoing interviews to collect demographic, medical, household income, lifestyle, education and family history information. The mean age of participants was 42.7 years and around approximately half were women.

Body weight and height of participants were measured to calculate BMI, and blood samples were taken to obtain levels of both fasting and postprandial (after meal) serum glucose, as well as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). This is a form of glucose bound to haemoglobin in red blood cells which acts as a moving average of blood sugar over the previous 8 to 12 weeks.

Participants at each study site were assigned an average artificial outdoor LAN exposure level for that location using night-time low-light image data of the Earth's surface from the US Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). Exposure levels were ordered from lowest to highest and grouped into five quintiles (groups of 20% from highest to lowest), with the median light intensity in the highest quintile being 69 times greater than in the lowest.

Source: ScienceDaily

Ancient disease has potential to regenerate livers

 Leprosy is one of the world's oldest and most persistent diseases but the bacteria that cause it may also have the surprising ability to grow and regenerate a vital organ.

Scientists have discovered that parasites associated with leprosy can reprogramme cells to increase the size of a liver in adult animals without causing damage, scarring or tumors.

The findings suggest the possibility of adapting this natural process to renew ageing livers and increase healthspan -- the length of time living disease-free -- in humans.

Experts say it could also help regrow damaged livers, thereby reducing the need for transplantation, which is currently the only curative option for people with end-stage scarred livers.

Previous studies promoted the regrowth of mouse livers by generating stem cells and progenitor cells -- the step after a stem cell that can become any type of cell for a specific organ -- via an invasive technique that often resulted in scarring and tumour growth.

To overcome these harmful side-effects, Edinburgh researchers built on their previous discovery of the partial cellular reprogramming ability of the leprosy-causing bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae.

Working with the US Department of Health and Human Services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the team infected 57 armadillos -- a natural host of leprosy bacteria -- with the parasite and compared their livers with those of uninfected armadillos and those that were found to be resistant to infection.

They found that the infected animals developed enlarged -- yet healthy and unharmed -- livers with the same vital components, such as blood vessels, bile ducts and functional units known as lobules, as the uninfected and resistant armadillos.

The team believe the bacteria 'hijacked' the inherent regenerative ability of the liver to increase the organ's size and, therefore, to provide it with more cells within which to increase.

They also discovered several indicators that the main kinds of liver cells -- known as hepatocytes -- had reached a "rejuvenated" state in the infected armadilllos.

Livers of the infected armadillos also contained gene expression patterns -- the blueprint for building a cell -- similar to those in younger animals and human fetal livers.

Genes related to metabolism, growth and cell proliferation were activated and those linked with aging were downregulated, or suppressed.

Source: ScienceDaily

Put the kettle on! How black tea (and other favorites) may help your health later in life

 A daily cup of tea could help you to enjoy better health late in life -- however if you're not a tea drinker, there are other things you can add to your diet.

The key is flavonoids, which are naturally occurring substances found in many common foods and beverages such as black and green tea, apples, nuts, citrus fruit, berries and more.

They have long been known to have many health benefits -- however new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research shows they may be even better for us than previously thought.

The Heart Foundation supported a study of 881 elderly women (median age of 80), which found they were far less likely to have extensive build-up of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) if they consumed a high level of flavonoids in their diet.

AAC is the calcification of the abdominal aorta -- the largest artery in the body which supplies oxygenated blood from the heart to the abdominal organs and lower limbs -- and is a predictor of cardiovascular risk such as heart attack and stroke.

It has also been found to be a reliable predictor for late-life dementia.

ECU Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute researcher and study lead Ben Parmenter said while there were many dietary sources of flavonoids, some had particularly high amounts.

"In most populations, a small group of foods and beverages -- uniquely high in flavonoids -- contribute the bulk of total dietary flavonoid intake," he said.

"The main contributors are usually black or green tea, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, red wine, apples, raisins/grapes and dark chocolate."

The flavonoid family

There are many different types of flavonoids, such as flavan-3-ols and flavonols, which the study indicated appear to also have a relationship with AAC.

Study participants who had a higher intake of total flavonoids, flavan-3-ols and flavonols were 36-39 per cent less likely to have extensive AAC.

Black tea was the study cohort's main source of total flavonoids and was also associated with significantly lower odds of extensive AAC.

Compared with respondents who didn't drink tea, participants who had two-to-six cups per day had 16-42 per cent less chance of having extensive AAC.

However, some other dietary sources of flavonoids such as fruit juice, red wine and chocolate, did not show a significant beneficial association with AAC.

Not just tea

Though black tea was the main source of flavonoids in the study -- likely due to the age of the participants -- Mr Parmenter said people could still benefit from flavonoids without putting the kettle on.

"Out of the women who don't drink black tea, higher total non-tea flavonoid intake also appears to protect against extensive calcification of the arteries," he said.

"This implies flavonoids from sources other than black tea may be protective against AAC when tea is not consumed."

Mr Parmenter said this was important as it allows non-tea drinkers to still benefit from flavonoids in their diet.

"In other populations or groups of people, such as young men or people from other countries, black tea might not be the main source of flavonoids," he said.

"AAC is a major predictor of vascular disease events, and this study shows intake of flavonoids, that could protect against AAC, are easily achievable in most people's diets."

'Higher habitual dietary flavonoid intake associates with less extensive abdominal aortic calcification in a cohort of older women' was published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

Source: ScienceDaily

Causes of a throbbing headache at the back of the head

 

People can experience a range of headaches that can cause different types of pain, including a throbbing pain at the back of the head. This pain can result from a headache or other medical conditions.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)Trusted Source, headaches are among the most common forms of pain.

Sometimes, headaches can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. One of the things doctors look for when trying to understand the cause of a headache is the type and location of the pain.

This article will look at what can cause a throbbing headache at the back of the head, also called occipital headaches. It will also look at the causes, treatments, and when to speak with a doctor.

Occipital neuralgia

Damage or pressure on the nerves of the upper part of the spinal column, neck, scalp, and back of the head can result in occipital neuralgia.

According to the NINDSTrusted Source, it feels like a piercing or throbbing pain in the upper neck, behind the ears, and the back of the head.

The pain usually starts in the back of the neck then spreads. Some people will also experience pain on the scalp, forehead, or behind the eyes.

They might also be sensitive to light or sound.

Treatment

The condition will usually get better on its own. To manage the symptoms, a person can try:

• getting plenty of rest
• using a heating pad on the head
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen

Sometimes, doctors might recommend muscle relaxants. If the pain is severe, they might prescribe antidepressants or steroid injections.

Migraine headaches

Most migraine headaches can cause severe, throbbing pain on one side of the face and head.

However, according to a 2020 articleTrusted Source, those with vestibular migraine headaches are more likely to experience pain in the back of the head.

Migraine headaches are a neurological condition, and some people have a genetic predisposition to them. In other people, migraine headaches develop as a result of certain triggers or situations.

Triggers include stress, hormonal changes, flashing lights, too much or too little sleep, and sudden changes in weather.

Before the migraine headache starts, the person might experience warning signs, such as food cravings, mood changes, uncontrollable yawning, fluid retention, or increased urination.

Some people will then see flashing or bright lights, which doctors call an “aura,” before the migraine headache starts.

Symptoms of migraine include:

• a headache that gets worse when the person moves
• nausea or vomiting
• weakness
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to sound

Treatment

There are many effective preventive and treatment medications for migraine headaches.

Doctors also advise people to try to avoid their triggers.

Other ways to ease the symptoms include:

• resting in a quiet, darkened room with their eyes closed
• placing an ice pack or cool cloth on their forehead
• drinking plenty of water

Caffeine withdrawal

• Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system.

  A 2022 articleTrusted Source states that those who drink caffeine habitually can develop a physical and emotional dependence on it. If a person suddenly stops drinking caffeine, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal.

  The severity of the symptoms vary based on the individual, and the most common symptom is a headache.

Treatment

• The symptoms will ease if a person begins consuming caffeine again. However, those who wish to become less dependent on caffeine should gradually decrease the amount of caffeine they consume.

  To treat a headache, a person can take OTC pain relievers. Remaining hydrated and sleeping may also be beneficial.

Head trauma

• According to one article, a headache due to head trauma can result from a concussion, a skull fracture, or bruising of the brain.

  Pain can affect any location on the head, including the back of the head.

  A person should seek help if they notice the following symptoms:

  • a persistent headache
  • repeated vomiting and nausea
  • convulsions
  • enlarged pupils
  • slurred speech
  • weakness in the arms or legs
  • lack of coordination
  • confusion
  • restlessness and agitation

  A doctor will order brain imaging scans to rule out a major issue that could require surgery.

Treatment

• Treatment can include pain medication, rest, and rehabilitation.

Intracranial hemorrhage (IH)

• An IH refers to bleeding inside the brain or the skull.

  These headaches are very serious, and they can occur due to a stroke or a bleeding aneurysm in the brain.

  According to a 2020 articleTrusted Source, this causes severe pain, often all over the head or in the back of the head.

  The bleeding may also produce neurological symptoms, such as weakness or seizures.

Treatment

• An IH is a medical emergency that requires intensive care and might need surgical treatment.

• Intracranial hypotension

• Intracranial hypotension is quite rare. It happens when the spinal fluid leaks out of a hole in the meninges, which cover spinal cord, causing problems with pressure inside the brain.

  According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), 5 out of every 100,000 people experience spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Usually, this problem occurs due to a brain tumor, trauma, or a side effect of a medical procedure.

  The symptoms might come on gradually or suddenly.

  The most common symptom is a headache that gets worse when the person is upright. It can be a throbbing pain in the back of the head.

  Other symptoms include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • pain or stiffness in the neck pain
  • pain between shoulder blades or in the arms
  • dizziness and balance problems
  • sensitivity to light or sound
  • muffled hearing or hearing a ringing sound
  • cognitive impairment, or changes in the ability to think clearly

Treatment

• NORD indicate that in some cases, symptoms may resolve without treatment. However, they advise that a person rests and remains hydrated.

  Doctors use a surgical procedure to mend the spinal cord and stop the fluid leaking.

Brain tumor

• A throbbing headache at the back of the head might be a sign of a brain tumor.

  The pain happens when the tumor presses against the brain’s blood vessels and nerves or causes swelling and fluid buildup.

  According to the American Brain Tumor Association, people who have a brain tumor sometimes have pain that:

  • is worse first thing in the morning
  • is accompanied by vomiting
  • gets worse when coughing, exercising, or moving
  • does not get better when the person takes OTC pain medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen

  Other symptoms of a brain tumor include:

  • seizures, including muscle spasms or twitches, a loss of consciousness, loss of control of bodily functions, or changes in vision, sensation, or smell
  • personality changes
  • feeling extremely tired
  • sleeping problems
  • memory problems
  • problems carrying out everyday activities

Treatment

• Treatment is different for everybody. It will usually include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

  Learn about different types of brain tumor and their treatment.

Headache associated with sexual activity

• According to the American Migraine Foundation, a primary headache can occur during sexual activity (pre-orgasmic) or during orgasm (orgasmic).

  An orgasmic or pre-orgasmic headache is usually a sudden and explosive headache that turns into a severe throbbing sensation, but it can be a dull pain as well.

  The pain can occur on both sides of the head or at the back of the head.

  If a person experiences a headache with sexual activity, they should see a doctor who can rule out any other potential causes, such as cardiovascular disease, a brain aneurysm, or a brain tumor.

Treatment

• These headaches typically last between 1 minute to 24 hours.

  However, if they recur frequently or last for longer, a person can take triptans and propranolol to help ease the pain..

Tension headache

• A tension headache can occur anywhere on the head, including the back of the head.

  According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, tension headaches are very common. They usually cause a dull ache, rather than throbbing pain, but they can cause a dull, pressing or thudding painTrusted Source that feels like a tight band around the head.

  Tension headaches can occur due to fatigue, stress, hunger, or without an obvious cause.

Treatment

• A person can take OTC medications to relieve the pain from a tension headache.

When to contact a doctor

• The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that people should contact a doctor if:

  • the headache keeps returning
  • the headache worsens
  • pain relievers do not help
  • a person experiences a throbbing pain located at the front or the side of the head
  • a person feels nauseous, vomits, and experiences sensitivity to light

  People should seek emergency medical attention if they have:

  • a head injury
  • a headache that develops suddenly and the pain is severe
  • a headache that occurs alongside vision loss, drowsiness, eye redness, and a high temperature
  • weakness in the arms or legs
  • double vision or blurred vision

  A person should also seek emergency medical help if the headache occurs alongside other symptoms, such as a fever, confusion, stiff neck, vision loss, numbness, and vomiting.

Summary

• Lots of different things can cause headaches. They can interfere with a person’s quality of life, but most of them are nothing to worry about.

  Sometimes, a throbbing headache in the back of the head might be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as migraine, IH, or occipital neuralgia.

  Anyone who thinks that an underlying health condition is causing their headaches should speak with a doctor.

• Source - Medical News Today

What does a headache on top of the head mean?

There are many reasons why a headache can occur in the top part of the head. Tension is a common cause, but there are other causes, some of which may need medical attention.

In some cases, a person may need to consult a doctor about a headache, especially if it is severe, persistent, or occurs with other symptoms.

Here, learn about some causes of headaches that can affect the top of the head, why they happen, and when to seek medical help.

1. Tension headache

Tension-type headaches are some of the most common headaches. Experts sometimes call them muscle contraction tension headaches. While muscular tension may play a role, it is not clear exactly why they happen. Other possible causes include vitamin deficiencies and genetic factors. One study has suggested that at least 78%Trusted Source of people experience a tension-type headache at some time.

In a tension-type headache, the pain feels as if it is squeezing or adding weight to an area, such as the top of the head. People will also feel pain in their neck or shoulders in some cases.

People often describe the pain from tension headaches as dull and say it does not throb or pulsate. Tension headaches are usually uncomfortable but not severe. They can last from 30 minutes to a week, but the average duration is 4–6 hours.

2. Migraine headache

Headache is one of the symptoms of migraine. Migraine headaches affect up to 12%Trusted Source of the population, including 17% of females and 6% of males. They are less common than tension headaches but can be more severe.

The pain may feel as if it radiates from the top of the head, along one side, or down the back of the neck. It can be severe and throbbing and occur along with other symptoms, including nausea and extreme sensitivity to light or sound.

Genetic factors appear to play a role, but many people with the condition find that specific triggers can cause migraine headaches. These include stress, weather changes, sleep problems, and hormonal changes.

3. Chronic headaches

There are different types of chronic, or persistent, headache. They include tension-type headaches and migraine headaches.

A doctor will diagnose a chronic tension-type headache if a person has a tension-type headache on at least 15 daysTrusted Source a month for 3 months or longer. Chronic migraine headaches also occur on at least 15 daysTrusted Source a month for 3 months or longer, and the person will have migraine symptoms on at least 8 days a month.

The symptoms will depend on the type of headache, but some can cause pain near the top of the head. Lifestyle factors, such as stress and lack of sleep, can influence chronic tension headaches.

What can you do if you have a persistent headache?

4. Cluster headaches

As the name suggests, cluster headaches occur in groups. They appear suddenly on one side of the head, often behind the eye, and they cause severe pain as well as nasal congestion or a runny nose, and a watery eye. They are rare, affecting around 1 in 1,000Trusted Source people.

Cluster headaches may involve changes in the trigeminal nerve, the hypothalamus, and blood vessel dilation. However, experts do not know exactly why they happen. They can occur in response to triggers such as watching television, drinking alcohol, hot weather, and stress.

Cluster headaches tend to occur in groups. An attack can last from several weeks to a few months, but may then stop for several years. During an attack, they can occur from every second day up to eight times a day. A person may find it hard to get rest or relief during this time.

Learn more about cluster headaches.

5. Sinus headaches

Sickness or infection can inflame the sinuses, resulting in pain in the sides and top of the head. The symptoms usually disappear when a person treats the underlying issue. A doctor may recommend medications to help with inflammation. People with long-term sinus problems may need surgery.

6. Sleep deprivation headache

Sleep disruption can lead to headaches, but headaches can also worsen sleep problems. Tension-type headaches may occur when a lack of sleep causes the body to release less ofTrusted Source a chemical known as orexin. Orexin plays a role in nervous system function, sleep, and arousal.

A lack of sleep is one cause of an early morning headache. What other causes are there?

7. Nighttime headaches

Hypnic headaches can cause a person to wake up from sleep, usually at the same time each night. They usually last at least 15 minutesTrusted Source and tend to affect people aged over 50 years. Doctors do not know why they happen, but there may be links with pain management, REM sleep, or melatonin production.

Find out more about hypnic, tension, and other types of headaches that can occur at night.

8. Occipital neuralgia

Occipital neuralgia involves irritation to the nerves leading from the spine to the top of the head. This can cause pain in the back or top of the head.

A person may feel as if they have a tight band on their head. They may also experience tingling or jolts of shocking pain. The scalp may feel tender and a person’s eyes can be sensitive to light.

Possible causes includeTrusted Source:

• trauma to the back of the head
• pinching of the nerves due to tight neck muscles
• nerve compression resulting from osteoarthritis
• a tumor in the neck

A doctor will carry out tests to look for an underlying cause, although sometimes there is no clear cause.

Learn more about occipital neuralgia.

9. Medication overuse headaches

Frequent use of over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relief can result in overuse or rebound headaches. People with persistent migraine are especially prone to overuse headaches.

A doctor will consider the possibility of an overuse headache if the person has a diagnosis of a primary headache condition and experiences headaches on at least 15 days a month.

10. Brain freeze

Exposure to cold temperatures may cause a cold-stimulus headache, or “brain freeze,” with pain at the front of the head toward the top. It can happen when eating a large bite of something frozen or consuming very cold drinks.

The scientific term for brain freeze is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, as it affects the sphenopalatine ganglion. This ganglion is linked to nerves in the sinuses.

When a person eats something cold, a sharp, severe pain hits the top of their head and lasts only a few seconds. It disappears once the cold temperature in the head has dissipated. However, expertsTrusted Source have also linked the sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia to other types of headaches, including cluster and migraine headaches.

What exactly is “brain freeze”? Find out here.

11. Exercise headaches

Some people develop a throbbing headache when they do sudden, intense exercise, such as running sprints or having sex. Doctors call this a primary exercise or exertional headache. It may be due to a rise in blood pressure, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

However, there is also evidenceTrusted Source that exercise can help reduce migraine headaches.

Eating some protein source, such as nuts, around 1.5 hours before exercising, staying hydrated, and warming up may all help reduce the risk.

Anyone who experiences a severe headache after exercising or has concerns about the impact of exercise on headaches should seek medical advice.

Learn more about headaches after exercise.

12. Other causes

High blood pressure rarely causes a headache, but the American Heart Association notes that it may do so if blood pressure is 180/120 mm/HgTrusted Source or above.

In rare cases, a head injury, stroke, or brain abscess can cause a condition known as intracranial hypertension, where pressure builds up around the brain. This can cause a throbbing headache, vision changes, nausea, and other symptoms.

A severe, sudden, “thunderclap” headache may be a sign ofTrusted Source reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) due to a life-threatening condition such as bleeding in the brain or a stroke. This type of headache needs immediate medical attention.

Do the muscles in the head play a role?

There are not many muscles on the top of the head, but they may play a role in some types of headaches. A tightening of the neck and head muscles may play a role in tension-type headaches. Around the head, excessive muscle contraction may reduceTrusted Source blood supply and lead to the release of substance P, which can worsen pain.

Treatment

There are several ways of treating a headache in the top of the head, depending on the cause.

They includeTrusted Source:

• OTC pain relief, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• dietary measures, such as consuming more water and reducing alcohol intake
• massage, including self-massaging the head and neck
• relaxation techniques
• reducing stress levels with breathing exercises or yoga
• getting the right amount of sleep
• seeing a physical or massage therapist
• acupuncture
• biofeedback
• cool packs for the head

If a doctor identifies a specific reason for a headache, they may offer treatment to address the cause.

When to see a doctor

A person should seek medical help if they have:

• a severe, sudden headache
• persistent headaches that do not respond to home treatment
• other symptoms, such as nausea and vision changes

A doctor may prescribe medications or carry out tests to see if there is an underlying cause that needs specific treatment.

Summary

There are many reasons why a headache may affect the top part of the head. Tension-type headaches are the most common cause and often respond to home treatment. However, a sudden, severe, or persistent headache may be due to an underlying cause that needs medical treatment.

Anyone experiencing troublesome or persistent symptoms should seek medical help. If a person has a sudden, severe, thunderclap headache, someone should call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room.

Source - Medical News Today