What are Headaches, Their Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment?
Table of Content:
- What are Headaches?
- What Causes Headaches? Or Why We Have Headaches?
- Types of Headaches
- When Should You See a Doctor or Seek Medical Attention?
- How Headaches are Diagnosed?
- What is the Management and Treatment of Headache? or Treatment for Headaches
The kind of headache you have will determine the most effective treatment, as well as preventative measures. Before moving on to different types of headaches first let’s discuss what is a headache and What causes headaches?
What are Headaches?
Headaches are usually caused by pain in the face, head, or neck. Headaches can take the form of migraines, tension-type headaches, or cluster headaches. People with chronic headaches are at increased risk for depression. There are more than 150 different types of primary and secondary headaches classified by the International Headache Society.
There are two types of headaches: primary headache, a headache with no specific cause found upon evaluation, and secondary headache, which is caused by high blood pressure, sinusitis, infection, blood clot in the brain, traumatic headache, and tumors, among other reasons. To improve the quality of life for patients suffering from headaches, it is important to recognize, evaluate, and treat them appropriately.
An array of factors can contribute to headaches, including dehydration, fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, as well as the effects of medications and recreational drugs, including withdrawal. Other factors may include viral infections, loud noises; head injury; eating or drinking very cold food/drink, and dental or sinus issues.
Headaches are usually caused by pain in the face, head, or neck. Headaches can take the form of migraines, tension-type headaches, or cluster headaches. People with chronic headaches are at increased risk for depression. There are more than 150 different types of primary and secondary headaches classified by the International Headache Society.
There are two types of headaches: primary headache, a headache with no specific cause found upon evaluation, and secondary headache, which is caused by high blood pressure, sinusitis, infection, blood clot in the brain, traumatic headache, and tumors, among other reasons. To improve the quality of life for patients suffering from headaches, it is important to recognize, evaluate, and treat them appropriately.
An array of factors can contribute to headaches, including dehydration, fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, as well as the effects of medications and recreational drugs, including withdrawal. Other factors may include viral infections, loud noises; head injury; eating or drinking very cold food/drink, and dental or sinus issues.
What Causes Headaches? Or Why We Have Headaches?
The following are some of the most common causes of headaches:
The following are some of the most common causes of headaches:
- Stress: Emotional stress and sadness, as well as alcohol consumption, missing meals, changing sleep habits, and taking too much medicine, all contribute to stress. Poor posture can also cause neck and back strain.
- Genetics: Headaches, particularly migraine headaches, are inherited. The majority of children and adolescents (90 percent) who suffer from migraines have other family members who suffer from them as well. There is a 70% probability that if both parents get migraines, their child will as well. If only one parent has a history of these headaches, the risk is reduced to 25% – 50%.
- Sickness or Illness: Infections, colds, and fevers are examples of illnesses. Headaches are also prevalent with diseases such as sinusitis (sinus inflammation), a throat infection, or an ear infection. Headaches can be caused by a hit to the head or, in rare situations, be a sign of a more serious medical problem.
- Our Surroundings or Environment: Our surroundings, include second-hand tobacco smoke, strong odors from household chemicals or fragrances, allergies, and certain meals. Other potential triggers include stress, pollution, noise, lighting, and seasonal changes.
Types of Headaches:
There are a variety of conditions that lead to headaches. Different classification systems are in use when it comes to headaches. There are more than 150 different types of primary and secondary headaches classified by the International Headache Society.
There are a variety of conditions that lead to headaches. Different classification systems are in use when it comes to headaches. There are more than 150 different types of primary and secondary headaches classified by the International Headache Society.
Tension Headaches:
Adults and teenagers have tension headaches the most. They produce minor to moderate discomfort and appear and disappear over time. They normally don't show any additional signs or symptoms.
Adults and teenagers have tension headaches the most. They produce minor to moderate discomfort and appear and disappear over time. They normally don't show any additional signs or symptoms.
Migraine Headaches:
Migraine headaches are commonly described as throbbing, hammering agony. They can last anywhere from four hours to three days and occur once to four times every month on average. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, sound, or scents; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and upset stomach or tummy ache, in addition to the pain.
A migraine can cause a youngster to become pale, disoriented, and have blurred vision, as well as a fever and an upset stomach. Digestive symptoms, such as vomiting, occur around once a month in a tiny percentage of children's migraines.
Migraine headaches are commonly described as throbbing, hammering agony. They can last anywhere from four hours to three days and occur once to four times every month on average. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, sound, or scents; nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and upset stomach or tummy ache, in addition to the pain.
A migraine can cause a youngster to become pale, disoriented, and have blurred vision, as well as a fever and an upset stomach. Digestive symptoms, such as vomiting, occur around once a month in a tiny percentage of children's migraines.
Cluster Headaches:
These are the most excruciating headaches. It's possible that you'll have severe scorching or piercing pain behind or around one of your eyes. It can throb or be present all of the time. Cluster headaches cause so much discomfort that most people can't sit still and pace through an attack. The eyelid droops, the eye reddens, the pupil shrinks, or the eye produces tears on the side of the pain. On that side, the nostril clogs or runs.
Cluster headaches get their name from the fact that they usually occur in groups. During a cluster phase, which can last anywhere from two to three months, you may experience them one to three times every day. Each headache can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. They have the ability to jolt you awake from your slumber. The headaches may go away for months or years, only to reappear later. Men are three to four times as likely as women to get them.
These are the most excruciating headaches. It's possible that you'll have severe scorching or piercing pain behind or around one of your eyes. It can throb or be present all of the time. Cluster headaches cause so much discomfort that most people can't sit still and pace through an attack. The eyelid droops, the eye reddens, the pupil shrinks, or the eye produces tears on the side of the pain. On that side, the nostril clogs or runs.
Cluster headaches get their name from the fact that they usually occur in groups. During a cluster phase, which can last anywhere from two to three months, you may experience them one to three times every day. Each headache can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. They have the ability to jolt you awake from your slumber. The headaches may go away for months or years, only to reappear later. Men are three to four times as likely as women to get them.
Migraine:
Migraine pain is characterized by a strong pulsating sensation that originates deep within your skull. This kind of discomfort can linger for several days. Migraine headaches make it difficult to get through the day.
Migraine discomfort is frequently one-sided and throbbing. Light and sound sensitivity are common among migraine sufferers. Vomiting and nausea are common side effects. Migraines are more common in people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Environmental variables that provoke migraines include things like:
Migraine pain is characterized by a strong pulsating sensation that originates deep within your skull. This kind of discomfort can linger for several days. Migraine headaches make it difficult to get through the day.
Migraine discomfort is frequently one-sided and throbbing. Light and sound sensitivity are common among migraine sufferers. Vomiting and nausea are common side effects. Migraines are more common in people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Environmental variables that provoke migraines include things like:
- Disturbance in Sleep
- Changes in Hormones
- Chemicals Exposure
- When Meals are Skipped
Hemicrania Continua:
Hemicrania continua is a chronic headache on one side of the head that lasts at least three months. Several times every day, you may experience periods of increasing intensity.
This form of headache might also be accompanied by the following symptoms:
Hemicrania continua is a chronic headache on one side of the head that lasts at least three months. Several times every day, you may experience periods of increasing intensity.
This form of headache might also be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Tears or Redness in the Eyes
- Congestion in the nose or a runny nose
- Drooping eyelids
- Perspiration on the brow
- Miosis
- Agitation or restlessness
Sinus Headaches:
Sinus headaches are characterized by a deep and persistent discomfort in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. Sinusitis occurs when the cavities in your head, known as sinuses, become inflamed.
Sinus symptoms include a runny nose, stuffed ears, fever, and a swollen face. Because a real sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection, the substance that pours down your nose will be yellow or green, as opposed to the clear discharge seen with cluster or migraine headaches.
Image Credit: Healthline
Sinus headaches are characterized by a deep and persistent discomfort in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. Sinusitis occurs when the cavities in your head, known as sinuses, become inflamed.
Sinus symptoms include a runny nose, stuffed ears, fever, and a swollen face. Because a real sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection, the substance that pours down your nose will be yellow or green, as opposed to the clear discharge seen with cluster or migraine headaches.
Image Credit: Healthline Posttraumatic Headaches:
Headaches caused by posttraumatic stress usually appear two to three days after a head injury. You'll experience the following:
Headaches caused by posttraumatic stress usually appear two to three days after a head injury. You'll experience the following:
- A dull aching that grows worse every now and again.
- Light-headedness
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- It gets tiring quickly.
- Irritability
- It's possible that the headaches will linger for a few months. But, if it doesn't improve in a few weeks, see your doctor.
Hormone Headaches:
Hormone fluctuations can cause headaches during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal changes such as those caused by birth control medications and hormone replacement treatment can also cause headaches. Menstrual migraines occur two days before or three days after your menstruation begins.
Hormone fluctuations can cause headaches during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal changes such as those caused by birth control medications and hormone replacement treatment can also cause headaches. Menstrual migraines occur two days before or three days after your menstruation begins.
Overuse (Rebound) Headaches:
You're setting yourself up for additional pain if you take a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever more than twice or three times per week, or more than 10 days per month. The agony returns as the pills wear off, and you must take more to stop it. This can result in a dull, continuous headache that is often worst first thing in the morning.
You're setting yourself up for additional pain if you take a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever more than twice or three times per week, or more than 10 days per month. The agony returns as the pills wear off, and you must take more to stop it. This can result in a dull, continuous headache that is often worst first thing in the morning.
Ice Pick Headaches:
These brief, stabbing headaches normally last only a few seconds. At most, they occur a couple of times a day. Consult a physician if you have one. Ice pick headaches can be a standalone condition or an indication of something else.
These brief, stabbing headaches normally last only a few seconds. At most, they occur a couple of times a day. Consult a physician if you have one. Ice pick headaches can be a standalone condition or an indication of something else.
Spinal Headaches:
If you suffer a headache after a spinal tap, spinal block, or epidural, speak with your doctor. Because these operations entail piercing the membrane around your spinal cord, your doctor may refer to it as a puncture headache. It is possible to get a headache if spinal fluid seeps through the puncture site.
If you suffer a headache after a spinal tap, spinal block, or epidural, speak with your doctor. Because these operations entail piercing the membrane around your spinal cord, your doctor may refer to it as a puncture headache. It is possible to get a headache if spinal fluid seeps through the puncture site.
Thunderclap Headaches:
This is commonly referred to as "the worst headache of your life." It appears out of nowhere and swiftly peaks.
Thunderclap headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
This is commonly referred to as "the worst headache of your life." It appears out of nowhere and swiftly peaks.
Thunderclap headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Blood vessel rip, rupture, or obstruction
- Injuries to the head
- A ruptured blood vessel in your brain causes a hemorrhagic stroke.
- A clogged blood artery in your brain causes an ischemic stroke.
- Blood arteries around the brain are narrowed.
- Blood vessels that are inflamed
- Changes in blood pressure during late pregnancy
- A sudden new headache should be taken carefully. It's often the only sign of a serious condition.
Hypertension Headache:
High blood pressure causes headaches. A headache like this is a warning that something is wrong. When your blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels, it is known as hypertension.
Hypertension headaches frequently affect both sides of your head and are exacerbated by physical exertion. It has a pulsing aspect to it a lot of the time.
High blood pressure causes headaches. A headache like this is a warning that something is wrong. When your blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels, it is known as hypertension.
Hypertension headaches frequently affect both sides of your head and are exacerbated by physical exertion. It has a pulsing aspect to it a lot of the time.
When Should You See a Doctor or Seek Medical Attention?
Episodic headaches usually go away within 48 hours. If your headache lasts longer than two days or worsens, seek medical attention. If you get headaches more than 15 days per month for three months, you may have a persistent headache condition.
Even if you can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter drugs, see a doctor for an evaluation. Headaches are sometimes a sign of more chronic health problems, and some require treatment other than over-the-counter drugs and home cures.
Episodic headaches usually go away within 48 hours. If your headache lasts longer than two days or worsens, seek medical attention. If you get headaches more than 15 days per month for three months, you may have a persistent headache condition.
Even if you can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter drugs, see a doctor for an evaluation. Headaches are sometimes a sign of more chronic health problems, and some require treatment other than over-the-counter drugs and home cures.
How Headaches are Diagnosed? Or Diagnosis of Headache:
As there are so many various kinds of headaches, there are numerous methods for determining which type you have. To receive successful treatment, you must first determine if you are suffering from a primary or secondary headache. A physical exam and a detailed medical history should precede yo`ur headache diagnosis.
Make a list of all of your headaches, which include:
In addition, your general care physician may recommend you to a specialist, such as a neurologist. Some headache kinds may necessitate diagnostic testing to discover the underlying reason.
Among these tests are:
As there are so many various kinds of headaches, there are numerous methods for determining which type you have. To receive successful treatment, you must first determine if you are suffering from a primary or secondary headache. A physical exam and a detailed medical history should precede yo`ur headache diagnosis.
Make a list of all of your headaches, which include:
- How long do headaches remain its duration?
- How intense headache was?
- What is the location of the headache?
- What possible triggers may involve?
In addition, your general care physician may recommend you to a specialist, such as a neurologist. Some headache kinds may necessitate diagnostic testing to discover the underlying reason.
Among these tests are:
- Blood tests
- MRI or CT scan
- Lumbar puncture
What is the Management and Treatment of Headache? or Treatment for Headaches
Different forms of headaches will require different approaches. Treatments may vary from simple dietary changes to extensive medical treatments.
Even for the same sort of headache, not everyone will respond to the same medication. Consult a doctor if you are suffering from headaches that you are unable to address on your own.
The kind of headache treatment you require will be determined by a number of factors, including the type of headache, frequency, and reason. Some folks do not require medical assistance at all. Those that do, on the other hand, may be given drugs, electronic medical devices, psychotherapy, stress management, and biofeedback. Your doctor will devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
Different forms of headaches will require different approaches. Treatments may vary from simple dietary changes to extensive medical treatments.
Even for the same sort of headache, not everyone will respond to the same medication. Consult a doctor if you are suffering from headaches that you are unable to address on your own.
The kind of headache treatment you require will be determined by a number of factors, including the type of headache, frequency, and reason. Some folks do not require medical assistance at all. Those that do, on the other hand, may be given drugs, electronic medical devices, psychotherapy, stress management, and biofeedback. Your doctor will devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
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