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Interview:

1. Nhia Vang
Interviewer: Kham Vang
Interviewee: Nhia Vang: Medical School Student at UCDavis

1. What are some of the different types of common headaches? There are several general types of headache including migraine, cluster, and tension. Within each of these, there are many different subtypes especially in Migraine headache.

2. What are some tips in preventing headaches? Depending on the causes of the headache. For example, if it is a tension headache, one can minimize the headache by living a life with as little stress as possible. One can also lead an active life by exercise, practicing timed relaxation, yoga, etc. In migraine, one can take a beta-blocker such as Propranolol to prevent or reduce attack of the headache.

3. What are some items (non-prescription) that can be used to treat headaches? 1. Relaxation 2. Over the counter medications such as Tylenol and aspirin.

4. What are some medications that are used to treat headaches? See the drug therapy section in the article I sent you.

5. What are some ways to cope with headaches? 1. Relaxation- such as meditation in yoga, 2. Exercise to improve general health and sense of well being. 3. Join or form local groups in the community to share ideas on how different people deals with their headaches.

6. What is the difference between a migraine and cluster headaches? See the definition of each of these type of headache in the article I sent you.

7. Do you often experience headaches? If yes, how do you cope and treat? I occasionally have mild headache, which are easily rid with Excedrin.

8. From what you know, what causes headaches? What is involved? There are many causes of headache ranging from a mass to a chemical imbalance to idiopathic. A mass such as a brain tumor can increase the pressure inside the skull which can lead to headache. Infection of the brain or the tissue covering the brain can also lead to headache. Chemical imbalance, such as serotonin imbalance has been implicated in migraine headache. Headache in many case are idiopathic in which no cause can attributable.

9. Do you feel that diagnosing what kind of headaches is important? Why? It is almost equally important to diagnose all kinds of headache, because any type of headache can result in great suffering and inconvenience for the afflicted individuals. Nonetheless, it's crucial that headaches resulting from a mass such as a tumor or an infection process be diagnosed promptly, because they are can be easily treated and if diagnosis is delayed, they can be rapidly fatal
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10. Do you know of any herbal medicine that helps in treating headaches? I am sure there are many herbal remedies, however, I am not familiar with them. One needs to keep in mind herbal medicine does not follow the strict regulation of the Food and Drug Administration, so many of them may not be safe.