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Headaches – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Headaches – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

A headache is a common type of pain that affects the head or face. It is often described as a pressure that is throbbing, constant, sharp, or dull. Headaches can vary by type, severity, location, and frequency. Though most headaches are not dangerous, some can be a sign of a more serious problem. That is why individuals should not ignore headaches and visit a healthcare professional as soon as the symptoms appear.

Types of headaches explained

Primary headaches

These headaches occur when the head’s pain-sensitive structures dysfunction or become overactive. They are not linked to an underlying illness. Primary headaches are common in individuals with certain genetic markers. Migraine headaches, cluster headaches, and new daily persistent headaches (NDPH) are common examples.

Secondary headaches

Underlying health conditions cause secondary headaches. Dehydration headaches, sinus headaches, and rebound headaches are common examples in this category. These headaches are manageable and go away following proper treatment. However, some secondary headaches are more severe and can be a sign of a serious or potentially dangerous condition:

  • Spinal headaches occur when spinal fluid leaks from the membrane covering the spinal cord, usually after a spinal tap.
  • Thunderclap headaches are very painful and come on suddenly. An episode can last up to five minutes, with pain peaking one minute after onset.

Recurring headaches

These types of headaches cause frequent, repeated episodes of head pain.

  • Migraines
    A migraine episode can last 4 to 72 hours, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and/or phonophobia.
  • Tension-type headaches (TTH)
    This headache causes pressure or tightness, usually like a band around the head. The pain can sometimes radiate to the neck. Episodic TTH occurs fewer than 15 days per month, while chronic TTH is unremitting and more disabling.
  • Cluster headaches
    These are brief but frequently recurring and extremely severe headaches. The pain is usually focused in or around one eye and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as eye tearing and redness.

Causes of headaches

Everyday triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, loud noises, certain foods, or strong smells, can cause headaches. These triggers irritate sensitive structures in the head, causing a pain response. Headaches can also result from certain health conditions, such as sinusitis, flu, or meningitis, and ear infections.

Symptoms of headaches

A headache may affect one or both sides of the head and cause sharp, throbbing, or dull pain. Sometimes, the pain may radiate from a central point, such as the head, to other parts, such as the face, neck, or shoulders. Moreover, it may occur gradually or suddenly and last from about an hour to several days. Symptoms can vary from one person to another.

Immediate attention may be required when:

  • Individuals develop new and severe headaches
  • The pain is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, a stiff neck, or rash
  • The headache appears after a head injury or accident
  • Individuals develop a new type of headache after age 55

Management of headaches

The management approach varies based on the trigger of the headache. For example, if individuals develop headaches because of tension, counseling and stress reduction techniques can help. Similarly, for dehydration-related headaches, drinking plenty of water and eating balanced meals may help ease symptoms quickly. Prescriptions can also be recommended, but not for every occasion.

In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend managing headaches naturally. Applying a heat or cold pack to the head, doing stretching exercises, walking in fresh air, resting in a dark, quiet room, and massaging the head, neck, and back are a few natural remedies. The expert may also recommend certain nutritional changes in addition to these remedies.

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