Different Types of Headaches

Headaches exist in many different types and with varying causes and symptoms. Recognizing what kind of headache, you are experiencing can be informative and place you in a better part on how to treat it.

Headaches can be a real pain, and almost everyone gets them at some point in life, making them one of the most common health concerns.

While most headaches are associated with pain and discomfort in the head, some are sure of different kinds with varying symptoms and intensity.

Some headaches require medical attention, while others are treated with OTC medicines or natural remedies.

Here we analyze different types of headaches.

 

Migraines

Migraine headaches are always intense with throbbing pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting, light sensitivity and loss of appetite.

Mainly it occurs in women. It lasts several days and runs in families, indicating a possible genetic cause.

Migraine may also be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Its treatment depends on severity and frequency; your doctor prescribes a so-called medication to curb the pain.

 

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.

Stress and muscle tension are considered the primary cause of genetics and the surrounding environment at large.

Its symptoms may be moderate pain on or around both sides of the head and pain in the back of your head and neck.

Tension headaches build slowly and are not usually associated with nausea or vomiting. Sometimes they can be chronic, often occurring or even daily.

Tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain killers in case they occur occasionally, but a chronic condition requires prescription medication.

Your doctor can suggest a tricyclic antidepressant or muscle relaxant, good sleep hygiene, regular exercise or massage.

 

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are noticed by a sudden onset of severe pain that generally occurs behind one eye. They are the most potent type of joint but are less common than migraine and tension headaches.

Cluster headaches usually occur in groups, sometimes daily or multiple times a day. They last 1-3 hours, and the pain recurs, in the same way, each time.

It can be brought about by too much taking of alcohol or tobacco use, bright light, head and foods that have nitrates like lunch meat or beacon.

There is no known cure for cluster headaches; your doctor can prescribe ways to mitigate the pain.

The option may include a lifestyle change, such as quitting smoking or some steroid medication to reduce inflammation and swelling.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/know-your-headaches.html

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320767#migraine

3. https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/migraines-different-types-of-migraine-headaches-1885353

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