Cephalgia, The head sympathises with the derangements of nearly all the other parts of the system. The causes of headache are exceedingly varied, rendering it necessary, to ensure success in its treatment, that the symptoms shall be carefully noted, and the cause of the difficulty ascertained as nearly as possible. With a little care in selecting the appropriate remedy, persons can frequently relieve themselves of this troublesome affection, so common to all, without the aid of a physician. We shall speak of some of the prominent causes, and mention the appropriate treatment under their several hands.

1. Headache from congestion to the head.

2. From catarrh or cold in the head.

3. From constipation and gastric dercmgement,

4. From rheumatism.

6. From external causes.

6. Sick headache.

7. Nervous headache.

1. Headache from congestion to the head.

Some of the prominent symptoms are, violent throbbing of the arteries of the head; fullness and heaviness of the head, accompanied by giddiness, particularly on stooping or walking in the sun; also fullness and pain above the eyes, increased by stooping; heat about the head.

Treatment

Abstain from highly stimulating food and drinks, such as ardent spirits, tea, coffee, etc. Bathe the head freely in cold water, placing if necessary, a cloth wet with cold water on the temples.

Congestion caused by chagrin requires: Chamomilla.

By suppressed grief or mortified feelings: Ignatia.

By anger: Nux-v., Chamomilla, or Bryonia.

By fright; Opium.

By constipation: Aloes, Nux-v„ Opium.

From gastric derangements: Sepia, Nux-v., Ipecac., Bryonia, Sulphur.

From the use of intoxicating liquors: Nux-v., Opium.

From a blow: Arnica.

From joy: Coff.

From a cold: (See Influenza.)

From suppressed menstruation: Bell., Puls., Acon., Verat., Bry., Sepia.

From sedentary habits: Aloes, Nux-v., Sulphur.

Symptomatic Indication

Nux-vom., is an invaluable remedy, when the difficulty is caused by abuse of ardent spirits, sedentary mode of life, and severe mental labor, also when the following symptoms are present. Heat and redness of the face, throbbing of the arteries of the head, paroxysms of vertigo, violent headache, particularly in the forehead over the eyes, increased by stooping or coughing.

Heartburn; insipid taste; nausea and vomiting.

Dose

One drop, or twelve globules in a glass half full of water, a teaspoonful, every two hours, or if the trouble is chronic give morning and night.

Belladonna

In the more severe forms, when the veins about the head are distended, accompanied with paroxysms of stitching pain on one side, aggravated by motion, noise or light; not unfrequently scintillations before the eyes, and obscuration of sight; buzzing in the ears, and stupor. Violent aching pain, bloodshot eyes, delirium, worse on moving the eyes and head, and great sensitiveness to light or noise. The symptoms are generally developed by disturbance or derangement of some other organ, as during dentition, from cold or derangement of the menses.

Aconite

When the symptoms are violent, accompanied by heat and considerable pain, violent throbbing, heaviness and fullness in the head, delirium, sensitiveness to light or noise, and aggravated by motion.

Dose - Two drops, or twelve globules, in a tumbler of water, a tablespoonful at a dose; or six globules dry on the tongue, Give once in two or three hours, or every hour if the pain is violent.

Alternate with Belladonna. These remedies, if the symptoms commence with considerable violence, should be given at the beginning of the attack.

Bryonia

Compressive pains in the head, or sensitive on stooping, as if every thing would protrude through the forehead. Bleeding at the nose, burning and watery eyes, constipation. Chilliness; thirst day and night. Especially indicated in warm and damp weather.

Dose

Same as Aconite. Give once in three or four hours.

Rhus

Burning pulsative pains, with fullness in the head, fluctuation of the brain as from a fluid rolling inside, weight in the back part of the head; particularly if pains occur after a meal. Nervous headache. Frequently in alternation with Belladonna, or Bryonia.

Dose

Same as Bryonia.

Opium

Severe tearing pains, heaviness and beating in the head. Muddy sensation of the brain, with stupor. Wandering look, constipation.

Dose

Same as Aconite Give once in four or six hours.

Pulsatilla

Pressive and distressing pain in the side of the head, commencing in the back of the head and extending into the root of the nose, or vice-versa. Relieved by binding something tight around the head, or walking, and aggravated by sitting or looking upward; heaviness of the head; paleness of the face vertigo; tearful humor, particularly in females, shivering anxiety. Derangement of the stomach from fat food, flatulency; acidity of the stomach. It suits those of a cold or lymphatic temperament.

Dose

Same as Aconite.

Gloenine has been found highly beneficial when there is fullness and severe pain, almost causing delirium. Three globules may be given once in three or four hours.

Mercury

Fullness in the head as if it would split, or as if it were compressed with a band. Worse at night, with burning, tearing, boring pains, easy and profuse perspiration.

Dose

A powder, or six globules, once in four or six hours. Veratrum. - Pressive throbbing pain; sensation as if the brain were bruised; or constrictive pain, rigidity of the nape of the neck, nausea and vomiting; neuralgic pain almost insupportable.

Dose

Same as Bryonia.