You will also agree with us those headaches are the worst thing that happened to humankind. It is one of the most common conditions you may experience in your entire lifetime. About 80% of adults go through headaches every year. Headache leads to discomfort or pain underneath the scalp or forehead, behind the eyes, or arising from a person's head or upper neck.
The most common cause of headaches includes fever, viral infections, migraines, head injury, sinusitis, etc. Amongst these, muscle tension is the most common cause of headaches.
Other factors that may lead to headaches are:
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Medical like migraine or high blood pressure
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Physical like exertion, crying, or eye strain
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Emotional like stress, depression, or anxiety
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environmental such as the weather
Headaches can be occasional as well as frequent, plus severe headaches can affect a person's quality of life.
Headaches are of several types falling into the two main categories: primary and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches: These headaches do not occur due to an underlying illness. The primary headaches result from problems concerning the structures of the head and neck. Some of the primary headaches are:
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New daily persistent headaches (NDPH)
Moreover, these headaches can be:
Episodic: These headaches may occur either so often or just once in a while. They can last anywhere from few minutes to several hours.
Chronic: These headaches are more regular as they can last for days at a time. There is a need for a pain management plan in such cases.
Secondary headaches: These are caused due to or related to underlying medical conditions. For example:
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The disease of blood vessels in the brain
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High blood pressure (hypertension)
The signals interacting among the brain, blood vessels, and adjoining nerves lead to headache pain. An unknown mechanism triggers specific nerves that affect muscles and blood vessels during a headache. Thereafter, these nerves transmit pain signals to the brain. Thus, a headache can affect any part of the head, and pain may occur in one or various locations.
Let's talk about types of headaches and causes in detail!
Different types of headaches
It is the most common type of headache that is often triggered by stress. It can lead to tenderness or sensitivity around the neck, scalp, forehead, or shoulder muscles. The pain of the tension headaches may:
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Be consistent without throbbing
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Occur on both sides of the head (bilateral)
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Ranges from mild to moderate
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Responsive to over-the-counter (OTC) treatment
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Get worse during routine activities, including bending over or walking upstairs
These are the most critical type of headaches that come in a group or cluster and last between 30 and 45 minutes. In addition, they can also occur one to eight times per day during a cluster period, which may persist for two weeks to three months. The pain is intense and usually located on one side of the head, frequently around the eye. The headaches may go completely for months or years, only to come back later. The pain of a cluster headache is:
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Intense with an all-consuming or stabbing sensation
Again, migraines are the prevalent type of headaches which include:
Pain that extends from moderate to severe
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A feeling of nausea or vomiting
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Stomach upset or abdominal pain
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Pounding or throbbing pain that can last for hours to a few days
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Sensitivity to light, loud noise, or odors
Migraine can be caused due to auras that can hit the pain for some people. The auras can be visual (seeing lines, dots, or spots), or they can cause motor or verbal disturbances.
While hormones play a significant role in the pain response in both men and women, women usually experience headaches linked to hormonal fluctuations. Hormone headaches can be caused due to menstruation, birth control pills, and pregnancy that can affect estrogen levels in a woman. The pain of hormone headaches is:
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Sharp, throbbing pain on one side of the head,
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Feeling of nausea, vomiting
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Sensitivity to light, sound, and even touch
Post-traumatic headaches can happen after any type of head injury, which can last up to 6-12 months post the injury. These headaches feel like migraine or tension-type headaches and can become chronic.
Symptoms that require immediate medical care
Get immediate medical care, if:
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There is a sudden and severe headache
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Headache associated with neurological symptoms such as:
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Weakness
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Sudden loss of balance or falling
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Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots)
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Personality changes/inappropriate behavior
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Headache with a fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck, or rash
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Headache pain that doesn't let sleep
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Headaches causes nausea and vomiting
First and foremost, rest and pain relief medication are the primary treatment for headaches. Further, there are several other options available, including:
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Over-the-counter pain relief medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
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Prescription pain relief drugs
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Preventive medicine for specific conditions, like migraine
It is crucial to follow a health professional's guidance to prevent medication overuse headaches. Moreover, a person may need a short hospital stay to manage withdrawal safely and effectively in extreme cases.
How to choose a hospital for headache problems wisely?
If you have a headache that lasts more than two days or increases in intensity, you should seek medical help immediately. Browse top-rated hospitals specialized in neurological departments and check out their verified ratings and reviews only on www.rateyourtreatement.com. The platform will help you choose the right healthcare facility according to your requirements and demands. Find the best neurologist hospital in India on www.rateyourtreatement.com.
Headaches can be an indication of more severe health conditions. Some require treatment beyond OTC (Over-the-Counter) medications and home remedies, so make wise decisions and stay healthy!