What is aspirin, and what is it used for?
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It also prevents blood clots (i.e., is antithrombotic). As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including
- headaches,
- injury,
- menstrual cramps,
- arthritis, and
- other musculoskeletal conditions.
Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. They all work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are released when there is inflammation and that cause pain and fever. NSAIDs block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced.
Inhibition of prostaglandins also reduces the function of platelets and the ability of blood to clot. Aspirin, inhibits the function of platelets in a manner that is different from other NSAIDs, and its antithrombotic effects last longer than other NSAIDs. This is why aspirin is used for preventing heart attacks and strokes. The FDA approved Bayer aspirin in June 1965.
Aspirin is used for the treatment of inflammation, fever, and pain that results from many forms of arthritis, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Reiter's syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis
Aspirin also is used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain and fever in other inflammatory conditions. Because aspirin inhibits the function of platelets for prolonged periods of time, it is used for reducing the risk of another stroke or heart attack in people who have already had a stroke or heart attack.
What are the side effects of aspirin?
Most patients benefit from aspirin and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur and generally tend to be dose-related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects.
The most common side effects of aspirin involve the gastrointestinal system and ringing in the ears.
Gastrointestinal side effects are
- ulcerations,
- abdominal burning,
- pain,
- cramping,
- nausea,
- gastritis, and
- even serious gastrointestinal bleeding and
- liver toxicity.
Sometimes, ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding.
Ringing in the ears
- Should ringing in the ears occur, the daily dose should be reduced.
Other side effects include:
Other side effects and adverse reactions
- Aspirin should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can aggravate both conditions.
- Aspirin may exacerbate asthma.
- Aspirin can raise the blood uric acid level and is avoided in patients with hyperuricemia and gout.
- Children and teenagers should avoid aspirin for symptoms of the flu or chickenpox because of the associated risk of Reye's Syndrome, a serious disease of the liver and nervous system that can lead to coma and death.
- Aspirin can increase the effect of medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus, resulting in abnormally low blood sugars if blood sugar levels are not monitored.
- NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild tendency to interfere with blood clotting. Aspirin, because of its prolonged effect on platelets, is best discontinued at least ten to fourteen days in advance of the procedure.

SLIDESHOW
16 Surprising Headache Triggers and Tips for Pain Relief See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for aspirin?
Aspirin should be taken with food. Doses range from 50 mg to 6000 mg daily depending on the use.
- Usual doses for mild to moderate pain are 350 or 650 mg every 4 hours or 500 mg every 6 hours.
- Doses for rheumatoid arthritis include 500 mg every 4-6 hours; 650 mg every 4 hours; 1000 mg every 4-6 hours; 1950 mg twice daily.
- Heart attacks are prevented with 75, 81, 162 or 325 mg daily.
- 160 to 325 mg of non-enteric coated aspirin should be chewed immediately when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.
- The dose for preventing another stroke is 75 to 100 mg daily.
Which drugs interact with aspirin?
- Aspirin is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs. The following examples are the most common of the suspected interactions.
- NSAIDs may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
- Aspirin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This may occur because prostaglandins have a role in the regulation of blood pressure.
- When aspirin is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycoside antibiotics (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because their elimination from the body is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects.
- Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example, warfarin, (Coumadin) should avoid aspirin because aspirin also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to serious bleeding.
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Is aspirin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Aspirin is generally avoided during pregnancy because it may adversely effect the fetus. However, low aspirin doses have been safely used for the prevention of complications of pregnancy.
- Aspirin is excreted into breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the infant.
What else should I know about aspirin?
What preparations of acetylsalicylic acid are available?
- Chewable tablets: 81mg; caplets and tablets: 325mg, 500mg; enteric coated (safety coated) caplets and tablets: 325mg, 500mg.
How should I keep acetylsalicylic acid stored?
- Aspirin should be stored at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), in a sealed container, avoiding moisture.
- Aspirin is available is available in generic form without a prescription from your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Summary
Aspirin (Aspirin, Arthritis Foundation Safety Coated Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Ecotrin, and many others) is a NSAID used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body that results from forms of arthritis, and soft tissue injuries. Aspirin is also used for decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy information, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the shoulder bursa. Bursitis may be caused by injury, infection, or a rheumatic condition. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement of the shoulder joint. Treatment may involve ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications and depends on whether there is an infection.
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Rotator Cuff Tear and Injury
Rotator cuff injury is damage to any of the four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Shoulder pain and tenderness are common symptoms. Rotator cuff disease treatment depends on the severity of the shoulder injury.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia
Pain that originates in the face is referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. This pain may be caused by: an injury, an infection in the face, a nerve disorder, or it can occur for no known reason. Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated with antiseizure medications. Some antidepressant drugs also have significant pain relieving effects.
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Pericarditis (Symptoms, ECG, Types, Causes, Treatment)
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart. The causes of pericarditis include injury from heart attack, heart surgery, trauma, viral or fungal infection, HIV, tumors, mixed connective tissue disease, metabolic disease, medication reactions, or unknown reasons. Treatment for pericarditis is generally medication, however, sometimes surgery is necessary.
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Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and decreased range of motion are other symptoms associated with elbow pain. Treatment for elbow pain depends upon the nature of the patient's underlying disease or condition.
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder of the muscles and joints that causes pain and stiffness in the arms, neck, shoulders, and buttocks. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica aims to reduce inflammation with aspirin, ibuprofen, and low doses of cortisone medications.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
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Baker's Cyst
A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is swelling caused by knee joint fluid protruding to the back of the knee (popliteal area of the knee). Not uncommon, Baker's cysts can be caused by virtually any type of joint swelling (arthritis). Check out the center below for more medical references on cysts, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.
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Why Am I Suddenly Getting Ocular Migraines?
Ocular migraines result due to changes in the blood vessels or nerves that supply the eyes. This may occur due to a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle, and environmental conditions.
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How Long Does Headache Last With COVID-19?
Headache is a potential symptom of COVID-19 and can also occur after getting vaccinated. COVID-19 headaches typically last for a few days, although the duration depends on your age, immune system, and overall health condition. In mild cases of COVID-19, headaches will usually resolve within a few days. However, in more severe cases, mild or moderate headaches may come and go for up to 90 days.
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Bunions
The common bunion, an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe, primarily affects women. The signs and symptoms of bunions include inflammation, redness, tenderness, and pain of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The little toe may also develop a bunion (tailor's bunion). Rest, walking shoes, stretching, cold packs, and anti-inflammatory medications may alleviate pain. Surgery is also a treatment option.
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Should I Go to the ER for a Migraine?
A migraine is a severe throbbing and pulsating headache that causes pain on one side of the head. A patient should visit an emergency department if they have a severe headache with or without nausea and vomiting.
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Claudication
Intermittent claudication, or pain and cramping in the lower leg is caused by inadequate blood flow to the leg muscles. This lack of blood flow causes a decrease in oxygen delivered to the muscles of the legs. Claudication is generally felt when walking and decreases with rest. In severe cases, claudication may be felt at rest. Narrowing of arteries cause claudication. Treatment includes exercise, medication, and in some cases surgery.
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Fever and Headache
Illnesses, diseases, conditions, and infections like cancer, RA, bacterial and fungal infections, encephalitis, meningitis, flu, and colds can cause a headache and fever. Associated symptoms and signs include rash, nausea and vomiting, cough, sweating, neck stiffness, seizure, decreased appetite, and joint pain and swelling. Treatment depends upon the cause but may include antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral drugs, pain-control drugs, decongestants, and cough suppressants.
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Moyamoya Disease
Moyamoya disease is an inherited (genetic) progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by arteries that are blocked at the base of the brain. Moyamoya means "puff of smoke" in Japanese. Signs and symptoms of Moyamoya disease in adults include fainting, and vision problems, and in children included may include headaches and speech problems. There are 6 stages of Moyamoya disease. Surgery is the preferred treatment for the disease, and there is no cure for Moyamoya disease, and it can be fatal.
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How Many Migraines a Month Is Normal?
Migraines of any frequency are not normal. Most people experience migraine episodes 2-4 times a month while others may only have 1-2 episodes a year.
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Which Frequency Is Best for Migraines?
Binaural beats are believed to alleviate migraine-related discomfort. The carrier frequency is 160 Hz and paired with a binaural beat frequency of 0.5 Hz.
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Heart Attack Treatment
A heart attack involves damage or death of part of the heart muscle due to a blood clot. The aim of heart attack treatment is to prevent or stop this damage to the heart muscle. Heart attack treatments included medications, procedures, and surgeries to protect the heart muscle against injury.
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What Are the Causes of a Headache Behind the Eyes?
A headache behind the eyes is an uncomfortable sensation that is felt around or on the back of the eye, which may or may not be a throbbing ache. Causes of headaches behind the eyes include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, occipital neuralgia, brain aneurysm, Grave's disease, scleritis, dry eyes, vision problems, eye strain and poor posture.
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Still's Disease
Still's disease is a disorder characterized by inflammation with high fever spikes, fatigue, salmon-colored rash, and/or arthritis. Though there have been several theories regarding the cause(s) of Still's disease, the cause is not yet known. Many symptoms of Still's disease are often treatable with anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Is Aspirin an Anti-Inflammatory?
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that falls under a drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and fever. In low doses, it can also be used as a preventative measure against heart attack and stroke.
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SAPHO Syndrome
SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO syndrome is an eponym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. SAPHO syndrome is related to arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis. Treatment is directed toward the individual symptoms that are present, and includes medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cortisone medications.
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Menstrual Cramps and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Treatment
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
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When Should I Be Worried About a Retinal Migraine? How Long Does It Last?
Although retinal migraine is usually not a medical emergency, you should seek urgent help if you experience a partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.
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Morton's Neuroma
A Morton's neuroma is an inflamed nerve between the bones at the ball of the foot. Symptoms include a burning, sharp pain on the bottom of the foot. Treatment involves resting the foot, wearing better-fitting shoes, ice packs, and cortisone injection.
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What Causes Migraines in Females?
Migraine is most commonly seen in women. Every three out of four women are affected by migraines. Some of the most common triggers affecting women are changes in hormonal levels or birth control pills, lack of sleep or too much sleep, and others
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Migraine and Stroke
Migraine headache is a type of headache in which the exact cause is not known; however, they may be inherited, and certain foods and environmental factors can trigger and may contribute them. A stroke (brain attack) happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks, bursts, or becomes blocked, which can be caused by many other health problems. Both migraines and strokes can can cause severe head pain (migraine pain usually is only on one side of the head). Migraine aura symptoms may mimic or feel like a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack, TIA) because they have similar symptoms and signs like severe headache, numbness in the legs, feet, arms, hands, or face, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Other migraine aura symptoms include vision problems like flashing lights or blind spots in one eye. The main difference between migraine headache and stroke symptoms and signs is that a migraine headaches usually come on gradually while a stroke symptoms come on suddenly and unexpectedly.
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How Long Does Headache Last After Thunderclap?
Thunderclap headache is an extremely painful headache that begins suddenly and peaks with intensity within seconds. These headaches can last for at least 5 minutes.
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Can Migraines Cause Fevers?
Since a fever isn’t a common symptom of a migraine attack, a fever coupled with a headache may be a sign of another underlying illness, such as COVID-19 or heatstroke.
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Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury to a person's neck following a car accident (in most cases). Symptoms include headache, neck pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, shoulder pain, fatigue, dizziness, jaw pain, arm pain, weakness of the arm(s), visual disturbances, and tinnitus. Diagnosis is generally with a physical exam, X-rays, or possibly an MRI. Treatment generally includes physical therapy and time.
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Can Hemiplegic Migraine Cause Death?
In rare cases, hemiplegic migraine can cause permanent brain damage, infarction, intellectual disability, and cardiovascular events that increase the risk of death.
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What Is Eosinophilic Fasciitis (Shulman's Syndrome)?
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a skin disease that causes thickening and inflammation of the skin and fascia. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and hardening of the skin, as well as occasional tissue and joint pain. Treatment for eosinophilic fasciitis aims to eliminate inflammation through the use of aspirin, NSAIDs, and cortisone.
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Can You Take Time Off Work for a Migraine?
Migraines are most common in adults of working age. Since migraines are still misunderstood, there's not typically a lot of support at work. Talk to your employer and discuss sick policies. They may have information about managing migraines and work. You should also tread your company's Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety policies.
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Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is when the shoulder joint experiences a significant loss in its range of motion due to inflammation, scarring, or injury. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, and physical therapy.
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Fabry Disease
Fabry disease (Fabry's disease, alpha-galactosidase-A) is a genetic disorder with symptoms such as burning sensations in the hands, small-raised reddish-purplish blemishes on the skin, fever, decreases sweating, and gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties. Fabry disease patients are at increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Symptoms of Fabry disease can be treated with medication.
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Migraine vs. Headache: Differences and Similarities
Headaches are the most common reason why a person goes to the doctor or other healthcare professional for treatment. There are different types of headaches, for example, migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The most common type of headache is tension headache. Migraine is much less common. There are few similarities between migraine and other headaches, for example, the severity of the pain can be the same, mild, moderate, or severe; and they can occur on one side or both sides of the head. However, there are many differences between migraine and other types of headaches. Migraine headaches also have different names, for example, migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. Symptoms of migraine that usually aren't experienced by a person with another type of headache include nausea, vomiting, worsens with mild exercise, debilitating pain, eye pain, throbbing head pain. Migraine trigger include light, mild exercise, strong smells, certain foods like red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, alcohol, and dairy products, menstrual period, stress, oversleeping, and changes in barometric pressure. Untreated migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours, but may last for weeks. Most headaches resolve within 24-48 hours. Doctors don't know exactly what causes migraine headaches; however, other headaches like tension headaches have more specific triggers and causes. Additional tests usually are required to diagnose migraine from other types of headaches, diseases, or other medical problems. Most headaches can be treated and cured with home remedies like essential oils, massage, and over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin). Most headaches resolve with OTC and home remedy treatment, while your doctor may need to prescribe medication to treat your migraines. If you have the "worst headache of your life," seek medical care immediately.
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What Does Aspirin Do to Your Body?
Aspirin works by lowering the symptoms of inflammation, such as pain or swelling, as well as it helps promote blood flow in the body.
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What Is Happening in the Brain During a Migraine?
During a migraine, some chemicals in the brain become more active, which send out confusing signals that result in headaches.
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What Is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease is a rare children's disease characterized by a fever that lasts more than five days and at least four of the following five symptoms are present: rash, swollen neck lymph gland, red tongue, swelling or redness of the hands or feet, and conjunctivitis. High doses of aspirin are used to treat Kawasaki disease. Cortisone and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used during treatment.
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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) annually affects one child in every thousand. There are six types of JRA. Treatment of juvenile arthritis depends upon the type the child has and should focus on treating the symptoms that manifest.
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Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA or Temporal Arteritis)
Giant cell arteritis, inflammation of blood vessel walls, affects 10%-15% of polymyalgia rheumatica patients. Symptoms and signs of giant cell arteritis include fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever, jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness, and headaches. High doses of cortisone medications are used to treat giant cell arteritis.
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Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid syndrome (phospholipid antibody syndrome or Hughes syndrome) is an immune system disorder with symptoms that include: excessive blood clotting, miscarriages unexplained fetal death, or premature birth. In antiphospholipid syndrome, these symptoms are accompanied by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (cardiolipin or lupus anticoagulant antibodies) in the blood. Treatment focuses on preventing clotting by thinning the blood with the use of anticoagulants and aspirin.
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What Does a COVID-19 Headache Feel Like?
COVID-19 headache may feel like a pulsing, pressing, or stabbing pain.
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Can I Skip an Aspirin Dose?
For people prescribed aspirin for serious disease conditions, missing your doses could prove serious and, even, fatal, in some cases.
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Reye Syndrome
Reye's syndrome (RS or Reye syndrome) is a sudden, sometimes fatal, disease of the brain with degeneration of the liver. Reye syndrome is associated with giving children medications containing aspirin. Symptoms include vomiting, listlessness, irritability or combativeness, confusion, delirium, delusions, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Treatment depends on early diagnosis and focuses on protecting the brain against irreversible damage by reducing brain swelling, reversing the metabolic injury, preventing complications in the lungs, and anticipating cardiac arrest.
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Why Do I Get Constant Migraines?
Constant migraines are known as chronic migraines. These are migraine headaches that last for 15 days or more for three consecutive months. Learn the four common causes and ten possible triggers for constant migraines.
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Giant Platelet Syndrome (Bernard-Soulier Disease)
Giant Platelet Syndrome (Bernard-Soulier Disease) is a rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by a defect in the platelet glycoprotein complex 1b-IX-V. Symptoms and signs include bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and problems with anything that induces bleeding, such as surgery, ulcers, trauma, and menstruation. Treatment involves avoiding medications that interfere with clot formation, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. People with Bernard-Soulier syndrome should avoid contact sports.
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Heart Attack Prevention
Heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and stress management. Symptoms of heart attack in men and women include chest discomfort and pain in the shoulder, neck, jaw, stomach, or back.
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What Is the Difference Between Retinal Migraine and Ocular Migraine?
An ocular migraine generally occurs in both eyes, whereas a retinal migraine is rare and tends to involve just one eye.
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What Is a Brainstem Migraine?
Brainstem migraine is a type of migraine with aura that begins in the brainstem with intense throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the back of the head (occipital area).
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What Is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Headaches?
Depending on their cause, headaches are categorized into two categories, primary and secondary headaches. Learn their differences below.
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What Are Symptoms of a Silent Migraine?
Silent migraine occurs when migraine symptoms occur without the headache. Visual aura and dizziness are the most common symptoms of a silent migraine.
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How Long Do Migraines Last For?
Migraines typically last from four to 72 hours. The frequency of migraines differs for everyone, but usually, there would be two to four headaches per month. In some, the migraines may occur every few days, while others may get them once or twice a year.
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Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia
Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is a condition caused by abnormal blood proteins called cryoglobulins. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, skin vasculitis, enlarged spleen, and nerve and kidney disease. Treatment involves medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
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Why Are Menstrual Migraines So Bad? Where Do They Hurt?
Menstrual migraines involve a drop in estrogen levels before your period and an altered pain perception, which results in excruciating headache pain.
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What Do Ocular Migraines Indicate?
Ocular migraines are headaches that are accompanied by a temporary loss of vision in one eye, and they usually don’t indicate a serious condition.
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Does New Daily Persistent Headache Ever Go Away?
New daily persistent headache (NDPH) does not have a specific treatment, however, certain medication, behavioral therapy and stress management may help patients get better.
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How Do You Get Rid of Vestibular Migraines? Triggers, Medications, Symptoms
Getting rid of vestibular migraines involves managing the active episode (acute treatment) and preventing further episodes (prophylactic treatment).
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What Is an Episodic Migraine? Causes, Treatment, Symptoms
Migraine attacks are said to be episodic if they occur less than 15 days in a month. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment of episodic migraines below.
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How Do You Get Rid of a Migraine Fast?
Migraine is a neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense headaches. It may be associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and other clinical features.
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What Does a Neurologist Do for a Vestibular Migraine?
Neurologists may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or triptans for vestibular migraines to help control or reduce symptoms.
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Are Migraine Auras Serious?
Migraine with aura (also called classic migraine) is repeated episodes of headache that occur during or after sensory disturbances (aura or migraine aura). These disturbances may include symptoms such as flashes of light, blind spots, and other vision changes or tingling over the hand or face.
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Are Migraines a Symptom of COVID-19?
Although the main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, migraines are also a common symptom that may persist during or after infection.
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What Does Hemiplegic Migraine Feel Like?
Symptoms of hemiplegic migraine mimic those of a stroke, and the muscle weakness can feel so severe that it causes temporary paralysis on the affected side of the body.
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What Does Migraine Do to the Brain?
A migraine is a severe headache that causes throbbing pain typically on one side of the head. Here is what happens in your brain during a migraine and why it causes pain and other symptoms.
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What Is the Best Essential Oil for Headaches?
Using essential oils to help relieve pain from headaches depends on the type, such as peppermint and lavender oil is best for migraine relief.
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Can NMO Cause Headaches?
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) also known as Devic disease is a rare yet severe disease. In this condition, antibodies (proteins) are produced against the cells in the central nervous system. It specifically affects the myelin, which is the insulation sheath around the nerves.
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What Is the Most Common Type of Migraine?
The most common type of migraine is migraine without aura (common migraine). 70-90% of people with migraine experience this type. The frequency of this type of migraine may range from once a year to several times per week.
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Which Are the Pressure Points to Relieve Migraines?
Migraines are complex disorders involving episodes of recurrent and severe headaches. They generally present as a headache on one side and may be associated with visual or sensory symptoms (such as seeing flashes of light, colorful or bright shapes, or hearing sounds of various types) collectively called “aura.”
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What Triggers Tension Headaches?
A tension headache is the most common type of headache seen in adults. A tension headache is also called a tension-type headache (TTH) or stress headaches. It is usually associated with muscle tightness in the head, scalp or neck. A tension headache is so common that we often consider it a normal occurrence. There are two types of tension headaches: Episodic tension headaches and chronic tension headaches.
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What Are the First Signs of a Migraine?
The first sign of a migraine is severe eye pain associated with a dull headache. Migraines gradually worsen with physical activity.
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What Kind of Headache Comes With COVID?
COVID-19 headache is described as a really tight, squeezing sensation that gets worse with coughing and physical activity.
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What Causes Migraines?
A migraine is a complex disorder that involves episodes of recurrent and severe headaches. An episode of a migraine can be very painful, lasting for hours, making day-to-day activities difficult until the episode is resolved. The frequency and severity of migraine attacks tend to decline with age. And women are more likely to suffer from migraines than men.
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Is Exercise a Trigger for Migraines?
Vigorous exercise can trigger migraines for some people, possibly due to changes in blood vessel caliber. Here are 8 ways to prevent exercise-induced migraines.
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How Can I Stop Menstrual Migraines?
Menstrual migraines are one type of migraine that tends to strike about 2-3 days before the start of your period. Here are 7 ways to prevent or treat menstrual migraines.
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When to Call the Doctor for Your Headache?
Almost everyone must have experienced a headache at some point in their life. The most common reasons for your headache are migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches. Headache is also most often experienced in some common viral infections such as the flu or even in something as simple as the cold.
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What Does a Vestibular Migraine Feel Like? Treatment, Triggers
Vestibular migraine is a type of migraine that causes vertigo, as well as dizziness, unsteadiness, or lack of balance.
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How Do You Prevent Migraines When Exercising?
Here are a few tips to help prevent a workout from causing a migraine, such as staying hydrated and sticking to a protein-rich diet.
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How Do You Recover From a Retinal Migraine?
Retinal migraine treatment mainly focuses on preventing recurrence rather than aborting the attack because the vision loss subsides on its own.
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Why Do Certain Foods Trigger Migraines?
According to recent studies, diet can play a significant role in triggering migraine episodes. Learn about foods you should avoid if you have migraine headaches.
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What Does the Start of a Migraine Feel Like?
Warning signs that a migraine is coming on may include increased urination, constipation, food cravings, mood changes, tiredness, and sensitivity to light or sound.
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Can You Have a Migraine Without Aura?
You can have a migraine without an aura. In fact, migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine. Learn about symptoms, triggers, and complications.
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What Foods Trigger Migraines?
Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that features intense headaches on one or both sides of the head. Migraine attacks may resolve in few hours or may take as long as several days.
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What Is a High Frequency Migraine?
A patient is diagnosed with high-frequency migraine if they experience 10 to 15 (or more) headache days per month.
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Is Retinal Migraine Serious?
With repeated retinal migraine attacks, there is a small risk that the reduced blood flow may damage the thin layer of the retina and the blood vessels of the eye. Permanent vision loss is rare.
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How Should You Sleep to Avoid Migraines?
Migraines can be avoided by practicing good sleep hygiene. Here are 11 tips for improving your sleep habits and preventing headaches.
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Can Bad Sleeping Habits Cause Migraines?
Bad sleeping habits can cause migraines, as migraine attacks have been linked to the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. If your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, it can trigger a migraine.
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How Is Episodic Migraine Treated? Acute, How Long It Lasts
An episodic migraine can last between four hours to three days and may require the following treatment options.
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Headaches in Children
Kids get headaches and migraines too. Many adults with headaches started having them as kids, in fact, 20% of adult headache sufferers say their headaches started before age 10, and 50% report their headaches started before age 20.
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How Do You Know If You Have Chronic Migraines?
Chronic migraine is defined by the International Headache Society as 15 or more headache days per month, with at least eight of those days satisfying the migraine criteria.
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Can Fall Allergies Cause Sinus Headaches?
Fall allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and sinus headache. Learn more about causes, treatment, and prevention of fall allergies.
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What Could Headache Be a Sign of?
Medically, headache is not a sign; it is a symptom. It can occur as a separate entity (primary headache) or as a symptom of various underlying conditions (secondary headache).
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What Is the Best Cure for Migraine?
The best cure for migraine involves preventive medications and lifestyle changes. Some newer medications and therapies are effective in controlling the symptoms of migraine. Avoiding or controlling triggers may provide considerable benefit. Migraine can be prevented mainly by using medications, avoiding triggers and implementing lifestyle changes.
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How Common Are Episodic Migraines?
Episodic migraines are characterized by 1-14 migraine headaches per month and are fairly common, affecting about 14% of the population.
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How Do You Stop a Migraine Without Aura?
While migraines cannot be cured, symptoms can be improved with medications and preventative measures. Learn how to treat migraines without aura.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Toe Pain
- Chills
- Hand Pain
- Limping
- Finger Pain
- Joint Pain
- Stiff Neck
- Joint Redness
- Arm Pain
- Foot Pain
- Unsteady Gait
- Heel Pain
- Swollen Ankles and/or Swollen Feet
- Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
- Jaw Pain
- Joint Stiffness
- Fever
- Hip Pain
- Impingement Syndrome
- Neck Pain (Cervicalgia)
- Joint Warmth
- Shoulder Pain
- Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Toothache
- Swollen Joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Headache
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (Bechterew's Disease)
- Heart Attack in Women
- Rheumatic Fever
- Elbow Pain
- Wrist Pain
- Angina
- Migraine
- Knee Pain
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Hamstring Injury
- Chronic Pain
- Reactive Arthritis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
- Heart Disease
- Heart Valve Disease
- Spinal Headache
- Migraine & Headache Q & A
- Heart Murmur
- Kawasaki Disease
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Repetitive Motion Disorder
- Sinus Headache
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Fabry Disease
- Tension Headache
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Headaches: Living With Chronic Daily Headaches
- Cluster Headache
- Headaches and Migraine: Easing the Pain -- Seymour Diamond, MD
- Eosinophilic Fasciitis
- Migraines Survival with Christina Peterson, M.D.
- Migraine: Managing Migraine Misery
- Headaches FAQs
- Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs
- Heart Disease FAQs
- Migraine Headaches FAQs
- Migraine Headache Treatment
- The Worst Headache of Your Life: Brain Hemorrhage Symptoms
- Heart Disease & Stroke - Progress
- tissue valve and taking aspirin?
- Pain Management Over-The-Counter
- Gout & Aspirin
- Diabetes - An Aspirin A Day
- Prescriptions: Complying with the Doctor's Orders
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Pain (Acute and Chronic)
- Heart Health- Little Aspirin A Day Stops Big Heart Attack!
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Headache: Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Headaches
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Vestibular Migraine and Janet Jackson
- Brain Cancer Symptoms: Headaches and Seizures
- Swine Flu: One New York City Pediatrician's View
- Propofol (Diprivan) Safety
- Is Reye Syndrome Less Common than It Used to Be?
- Why Is It Called Reye's Syndrome?
- Does Aspirin Make Ulcers Worse?
- Can Headaches Be a Sign of Throat Cancer?
- How Do You Get Rid of a Migraine?
- How to Treat Rebound Headaches
- Does Aspirin Cause Gout?
- Can Botox Cure Migraines?
- Can Alcohol Injections in the Eye Nerves Stop Headaches?
- Ibuprofen May Block Aspirin's Heart Benefits
- Migraine Symptoms
- Nosebleeds: First Aid
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
- Migraines: Eat to Minimize Your Migraines
- Headaches from Food: The Connection
Medications & Supplements
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- aspirin - oral, Easprin, Ecotrin
- carisoprodol/aspirin - oral, Soma Compound
- aspirin chewable - oral, Children's Aspirin
- codeine/carisoprodol/aspirin - oral, Soma Compound with Codeine
- codeine/butalbital/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Fiorinal with Codeine #3
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- codeine (for Pain)
- naproxen
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- aspirin gum - oral, Aspergum
- methocarbamol/aspirin - oral
- choline magnesium salicylate, Trilisate
- aspirin suppository - rectal
- Types of Migraine Headache Medications
- orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Norgesic
- aspirin
- butalbital/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Fiorinal
- Percodan (aspirin and oxycodone hydrochloride)
- salsalate, Amigesic, Salflex, Argesic-SA, Marthritic, Salsitab, Artha-G
- Fiorinal with Codeine (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate)
- ticlopidine, Ticlid (discontinued brand in the US)
- aspirin/dipyridamole sustained-release - oral, Aggrenox
- teriflunomide (Aubagio)
- Aspirin Therapy (Guidelines for Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention)
- dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
- narcotic analgesic/aspirin/caffeine - oral
- Norgesic (orphenadrine citrate, aspirin and caffeine)
- Yosprala (aspirin and omeprazole)
- valdecoxib, Bextra
Prevention & Wellness
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