How to Assess and Treat Headaches in the Wilderness

Headaches occur frequently in the wilderness due to dehydration and muscle tension. Some headaches may indicate serious illness or injury and will require evacuation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Bottled Water
• Ibuprofen
• Backpacks
• Hats

1. Take precautions to prevent the onset of headaches: acclimatize gradually to altitude and heat, wear a hat and sunglasses, drink lots of water, avoid sugar, and wear a backpack that does not constrict circulation in the neck and shoulders.

2. Drink copious amounts of water at the first sign of a headache. Many headaches are caused by dehydration.

3. Rest well.

4. Shield eyes from bright light.

5. Massage temples, neck, and shoulder muscles.

6. Administer ibuprofen.

7. Avoid sugar, caffeine, soft drinks and alcohol.

8. Evacuate immediately to a hospital if the pain is sudden; does not respond to rest, hydration and pain killers; or is more severe than you have ever experienced.

Tips & Warnings

• Many headaches that are recurrent in the wilderness can be prevented if you are observant of the conditions that precipitate your headache. Common causes of wilderness headaches include too much direct sunlight, dehydration, poor quality sunglasses, too much weight in a pack, an improperly fitted backpack, stress, altitude and allergies.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 3/15/2006 Get someone to give you a neck massage. That really helps.

on 11/22/2005 With your fingers, massage in a circular motion the point where the headaches hurts the most and simultaneously stretch your neck by looking up, down and to either side.