ESTIMADA MAYO CLINIC:
Mi hija de 16 años ha tenido durante el último año dolores de cabeza que van y vienen. El ibuprofeno parece ayudarla y ella dice que los dolores de cabeza no son fuertes, pero me preocupa la frecuencia. ¿Cuál es la causa de los dolores de cabeza recurrentes en los adolescentes?

RESPUESTA:
Los dolores de cabeza son comunes en los adolescentes y en la mayoría de casos, no son síntomas de un problema médico grande; pero cuando los dolores de cabeza continúan, es mejor evaluar la situación. Además, se puede adoptar en casa ciertas medidas para ayudar a reducir los dolores de cabeza.

Existen varios tipos de dolor de cabeza. Dos de los más comunes son los dolores de cabeza por tensión y las migrañas. Los dolores de cabeza por tensión generalmente se describen como la sensación de tener colocada una cinta apretada en la cabeza, a diferencia de las migrañas que suelen ocasionar intensas pulsaciones en un lado de la cabeza y pueden presentarse acompañadas por náuseas, vómito y sensibilidad a la luz y al sonido.

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DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My 16-year-old granddaughter was recently diagnosed with a low white blood cell count after going to the ER twice with a migraine headache, vomiting and temporary loss of sight. What could cause a low white blood cell count in someone her age? I am worried it’s something serious and am wondering what other tests should be done.

ANSWER: Many diseases and conditions can lead to a low white blood cell count. It is difficult to say what the specific cause might be in your granddaughter’s situation without more information. It is unlikely that the low count is related to her migraine and other symptoms. It would be wise to do another blood test to see if the problem persists. Her doctor can then decide if she needs to be evaluated further.

Blood has a number of components. In addition to white blood cells, which fight infection, red blood cells carry oxygen and platelets help blood clot. Bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones, makes the blood cells. [...]

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My daughter, 16, has had headaches off and on for the past year. Ibuprofen seems to help, and she says the headaches are not severe. But I am concerned that they are so frequent. What could be the cause of recurring headaches in teens? 

ANSWER: Headaches in teens are common. In most cases, they are not symptoms of a larger medical problem. But when headaches continue, it is a good idea to have them evaluated. There also are steps to take at home that may help reduce headaches.

There are many kinds of headaches. Two of the most common are tension headaches and migraine headaches. Tension headaches are often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. A migraine headache usually causes intense throbbing on one side of the head. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. [...]

ROCHESTER, Minn. ― Here are highlights from the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Visit http://www.HealthLetter.MayoClinic.com or call toll-free for subscription information, 1-800-333-9037, extension 9771. Full newsletter text: Mayo Clinic Health Letter September 2014 (for journalists only).

After celebrating, survivors often face anxieties and fear

Adjusting from being a cancer patient to a cancer survivor isn't just about celebration and gratitude. The September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers why this transition isn’t always smooth or easy. In addition to dealing with fatigue or other side effects of surgery or treatment, patients may be surprised by feelings that can include fear and uncertainty, anxiety, sadness and irritability.

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Although hepatitis C is highly contagious, the risk of sexual transmission is very low.

Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter. [...]

We have all experienced the annoying, relentless and throbbing pain associated with a headache. They can slow us down or even bring us to a complete stop. However, did you know that there are several different types of headaches, and knowing the type you've got can be the first step in effectively treating it?

Mayo Clinic Health System nurse practitioner Erin Pokorny takes a look at different types of headaches and shares what you can do to fight them.

• Tension-type headaches: These are considered to be the most common types of headaches. They are often described as dull and achy and are often brought on by stress, neck pain, missing meals and a variety of other things. Treatment options: Tension-type headaches can often be treated by over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You may also want to try alternative treatments including meditation, relaxation training and massage.
• Migraines: We've all heard about migraines, and we know that they’re not to be taken lightly. The pain associated with migraines is often described as throbbing and severe. Migraines are often associated with nausea, vomiting or increased sensitivity to light and sound. Pain may worsen with increased activity. Untreated, migraines can typically last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Treatment options: If you know the triggers for your migraines, make sure to avoid these known causes. Over-the-counter medication can help. Other treatment options include prescription medications; rest in a quiet, dark room; or a hot/cold compress to the head or neck.

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ESTIMADA MAYO CLINIC:
Tengo 38 años y todos los meses alrededor de la fecha de la menstruación sufro de dolores de cabeza. En el transcurso del último año aproximadamente, los dolores parecen ser más fuertes y de mayor duración, a veces hasta tres días. ¿Por qué podría estar ocurriendo esto? ¿Existe alguna manera de prevenirlos o tratarlos?   

RESPUESTA:
No es raro que las mujeres sufran de dolores de cabeza antes o durante la menstruación. Dichas cefaleas suelen controlarse con medicamentos y, por lo general, no ameritan una evaluación profunda; pero cuando ocurren cambios en la gravedad o tipo de dolor de cabeza, tales como los que usted describe, es oportuno acudir al médico para descubrir si existe otra enfermedad subyacente que pueda ocasionar las cefaleas.

En la mayoría de casos, los dolores de cabeza vinculados a la menstruación se desencadenan a consecuencia de los cambios hormonales que particularmente ocurren durante los días previos al ciclo menstrual, cuando los niveles de estrógeno descienden de forma rápida. Las prostaglandinas, o sustancias químicas producidas naturalmente por el revestimiento uterino, también desempeñan una función en los dolores de cabeza.

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