Headaches are a common condition that a majority of people experience during their lifetime. Headaches can be a pain and an inconvenience to your daily life routine. It’s important to identify what types of headache a person is experiencing so one can inform themselves on how best to treat it- with medication, stress management, biofeedback, and inpatient treatment.
There are two categories headaches fall into: Primary and Secondary.
Primary headaches
occur as the main problem- that is, they are not a symptom of an underlying condition or disease. Normally, the problem is inflammation of the nerves, blood vessels, or muscles around the head and neck. But don’t worry, these headaches aren’t dangerous or a cause for concern.
There are several different types of headaches that fall under Primary headaches. The most common types include:
- Cluster headaches: These are severe and recurring headaches that typically last between 20 minutes to 2 hours and are one-sided. Men are six times more likely to experience cluster headaches than women. Cluster headaches have an intense burning and pain behind or around the eyes.
- Tension headaches: Tension headaches present themselves as a dull, constant pain on both sides of the head. These headaches can last up to several hours and are cause tenderness of the face, head, neck and shoulder.
- Migraine headaches: Migraines are characterized by a recurring tense throbbing pain on one side of the head. It is the most common form of headache and can last from 2 to 72 hours. Nausea and/or sensitivity to sound and light may occur in conjunction with migraines.
- Hypnic headaches: Hypnic headaches are a very rare form of headaches that are found within individuals in their 50’s and up. It is also called the “alarm clock,” since it repeatedly occurs at night and consists of a mild to moderate throbbing pain on both sides of the head. This can last up to 3 hours.
- Exertional headaches: These types of headaches are normally caused by strenuous physical activity and can be triggered by running, weight lifting, jumping, coughing/sneezing. They are a short-lived throbbing pain and are common within those who have a family history of migraines.
Secondary headaches
occur as a result of a condition. Injury, or disease. Secondary headaches tend to be less common, but can be more serious and concerning than primary headaches. These headaches can serve as a warning sign of critical conditions such as brain tumors, meningitis, neck or brain injury, aneurysm, etc. There are many types of headaches which include the following:
- Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis- swelling of the sinuses- which is the result of a sinus infection or allergy. People will experience a dull, throbbing ache around the eyes, cheek and forehead. The pain can worsen with movement and stringing and spread to the teeth or jaw. It is also accompanied by discolored nasal discharge.
- Caffeine-related headaches: Heavy consumption of caffeine (400 mg of caffeine or 4 cups of coffee) can lead to headaches. Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches. You can relieve these headaches within an hour of caffeine intake or fully resolved after a week of withdrawal.
- Medication overuse headaches (MOH): Also known as a rebound headache and is quite common. This is a recurrent headache that has symptoms similar to migraine and tension headaches. It typically responds to painkillers and reoccurs sometime later. Results from consuming painkillers for more than 15 days in a month. The drugs that cause MOH include: acetaminophen, NSAIDs (i.e ibuprofen, aspirin), opioids, and triptans (i.e. sumatriptan).
- Menstrual headaches: These headaches are related to the changes in hormone levels for women who experience their menstruation cycle monthly. Due to natural changes in estrogen levels found in women, this migraine-like headache is commonly caused by periods. They develop days before the period but are also caused by oral contraceptives, pregnancy and menopause.
When to see a doctor:
Most headaches are rarely a sign of something more serious and people who suffer with headaches can manage them with OTC painkillers. However, if you are experiencing recurrent, severe, or worsening headaches, you should consult a doctor. You should seek medical assistance for:
- headaches that occur very suddenly and severely,
- recurring headaches in children,
- headaches following a strong blow to the head,
- You have a disturbed vision, balance, and speech; numbness, weakness, fevers, seizures, or unconsciousness.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320767
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/headache/treatments.html
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