Body pain can appear at any time and be caused by several reasons, whether it is a blow, internal discomfort or a more serious condition. However, There is one part of the body that cannot feel pain: the brain.
Headaches are no different from any other pain and, depending on their intensity, should be treated without painkillers and with cold cloths, or with painkillers.
AS, How can headaches exist if the brain cannot feel pain? Even if you can’t feel it, the brain is the organ responsible for producing pain. This is because the surrounding structures can feel pain, while the brain is responsible for interpreting the signals it receives from nociceptors distributed throughout the body.
For example, During neurosurgery the brain can be treated simply with local anesthesia because it has no pain receptors.
“The fact that the brain cannot feel pain does not mean that we are beings incapable of perceiving it. On the contrary, brain tissue connects us with the external world through pain perception and, at the same time, interprets our internal environment through nociceptors of the organs. In short, the brain cannot feel pain, but we, as a whole, can”, explains the specialized medical site Mejor con Salud.
What are nociceptors?
Nociceptors are nerve endings located in the skin, joints, and some organs, although not in the brain. They are pain receptors that detect physical and chemical changes that could affect tissues.
Despite having a certain resistance to pain, when it is extremely intense the nociceptors send impulses to the spinal cord and, subsequently, to the brain. Finally, The brain receives the data and issues a response: pain.
When to see your doctor for headaches
Some headaches may be a sign of a more serious illness. Seek immediate medical attention for any of the following:
- It’s the first headache you’ve ever had in your life and it interferes with your daily activities.
- The headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent. This type of headache needs immediate medical attention. It could be caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
- The headaches are “the worst you’ve ever felt,” even if you suffer from them regularly.
- You may also experience poor pronunciation, changes in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with headaches.
- Headache worsens over 24 hours.
- Along with the headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting also occur.
- Headache occurs with head trauma.
- The headache is intense and only in one eye, with redness in said eye.
- You are over 50 and the headaches have just started.
- Your headaches are associated with vision problems, pain when chewing, or weight loss.
- You have a history of cancer or immune system problems (such as HIV/AIDS) and have a new headache.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.