All Need To Know About Headache or Head Pain
Headache is a common condition that most people will experience many times in their lifetime. It is a pain in the head or face that can be throbbing, constant, sharp, or bland. Proper medication and stress management can treat headaches.
Symptoms of Headache
Symptoms of a headache include:
- Pain: Throbbing, sharp, or dull pain in any part of the head, including the temples, forehead, or back of the head.
- Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
- Associated Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances, especially in the case of migraines.
Types of Headache
Headaches are classified into three major categories based on the source of the pain.
- Primary Headaches
- Secondary Headaches
- Cranial neuralgias,
- facial pain, and other headaches
Primary Headache
A primary headache is when a headache itself is the main problem. Primary pain is not a symptom of a medical condition. Primary headaches include:
- Tension Headaches
- Migraine headaches
- Cluster Headaches
- New Daily Persistent Headaches(NDPH)
- Chronic Daily Headaches
Tension Headache
Tension headaches, common in adults and teens, cause mild to moderate, intermittent pain with no other symptoms.
Migraine headaches
Migraines cause severe pain, often on one side of the head, with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some experience an aura beforehand, with visual disturbances or tingling. Medications, self-help remedies, and lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage migraines.
Cluster headaches
- Cluster headaches are the most severe, causing intense, constant pain around one eye.
- The pain is so exhausting that sufferers often walk during attacks. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, redness, narrowed pupils, and tearing on the affected side.
- Cluster headaches occur in groups, with attacks lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours, 1-3 times daily for two weeks to 3 months.
- They may wake you from sleep and can recur after months or years, with men more affected than women.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionNew Daily Persistent Headaches(NDPH)
- A new daily persistent headache (NDPH) starts suddenly and lasts daily for an extended period.
- It's a subtype of chronic headache, occurring at least 15 days a month for over three months.
- NDPH pain resembles other chronic daily headaches.
Chronic Daily Headaches
Chronic daily headaches are frequent, occurring at least 15 days per month. They can result from painkiller overuse. Chronic migraines are diagnosed if headaches happen over 15 days monthly, with at least eight days of medication use.
Secondary Headache
Secondary headaches stem from underlying medical issues and can be more serious than primary headaches. They serve as warnings of potentially severe underlying conditions, including:
- Brain tumours
- Aneurysm
- Meningitis
- Sinus Headaches
Brain tumours
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain enclosed by the rigid skull. This can lead to various issues. Tumors may be cancerous or non-cancerous.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is the enlargement of an artery due to weakness in its wall, often symptomless but potentially fatal if it ruptures.
Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often due to infection. Viral and bacterial infections are common causes.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis, an infection of the sinuses. They cause pain in the forehead, around the nose and eyes, and on the cheeks. Sinusitis is not a common cause of chronic headaches.
Cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches
Cranial neuralgia is inflammation of one of the 12 cranial nerves responsible for muscle control and sensory signals in the head and neck. Trigeminal neuralgia is a notable example, causing severe facial pain
Headache Diagnosis
- A doctor can usually diagnose a headache after asking about the person's symptoms, type of pain, timing, and pattern of attacks.
- In some cases, the doctor may seek some tests that may include blood samples or imaging, such as a CT or MRI scan.
- If you have a severe headache, then immediately seek emergency help or consult the doctor.
Treatments for Headache
Rest and pain relief medications are the main treatments for headaches. The options include:
- Over-the-counter painkillers, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Prescription pain relievers
- Preventative medications for specific conditions, such as migraine
- Other treatments for underlying conditions.
- Reduce or stop medication use to treat medication-overuse headaches.
- Some individuals may not require medical assistance.
- Treatment options include medications, medical devices, counselling, and stress management techniques.
- Consult a doctor to develop a safe plan for drug relief.
- In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for safe withdrawal management.
Headache Medicine
It includes various options depending on the type and severity of the headache:
- Analgesics: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin can relieve mild to moderate headaches.
- Prescription Medications: For more severe headaches, such as migraines, medications like triptans (Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan) and ergotamines may be prescribed.
- Preventive Treatments: For frequent headaches or migraines, doctors might recommend daily medications like beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants to prevent attacks.
It is essential to consult a doctor before taking any medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your condition, avoiding potential risks and ensuring proper treatment.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentWhen to see a Doctor?
Most headaches are not symptoms of a deadly condition. However, contact your physician if a headache occurs after a head injury. You should also call the physician immediately if the following symptoms accompany a headache:
The pressure around the eyes with a yellowish-green runny nose and a sore throat should also be evaluated by your doctor.
Home Remedies for Headache
Specific care strategies can help prevent headaches or relieve pain. A person could:
- Use a hot or ice pack against the head or neck, but avoid extreme temperatures and never apply ice directly to the skin.
- Avoid stressors as much as possible and use healthy coping strategies for unavoidable stress.
- Get enough sleep, follow a routine, and keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Eat regular meals, making sure to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Exercise regularly to improve your overall health and reduce stress.
- Intake less alcohol and drink plenty of water.
- Take breaks when working out to stretch and avoid eye strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes a headache in the back of the head?
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They occur when the scalp and neck muscles become tightened, causing pain on the sides and back of the head. Generally, it is a dull pain that doesn't throb. A tension headache is not a sign of another medical issue, but it can be painful.
2. What is a headache?
Headache is a common condition that most people will experience many times in their lifetime. The main symptom of a headache is a pain in your head or face.
3. Does brain tumor headache come and go?
Yes, Brain tumor headaches come and go. That depends on the size, type, and location of the tumour.
4. How to get rid of a headache?
Non-medical headaches can be gone by taking some medication according to your pain or by reducing stress, and changing to a healthy lifestyle can help you get rid of headaches.
5. When should I worry about a headache?
If the headache is severe and accompanied by symptoms of weakness, loss of coordination, or confusion, one should see a doctor immediately.
6. How long does a headache last?
Usually, headaches can last from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the cause.
7. What causes a left-side headache?
Headache on the left side can be due to lack of sleep, head injury, or sinus infection. Migraine or a cluster headache are the most likely causes of left or right-sided headache.
8. Can a person permanently get rid of cluster headaches?
No, cluster headaches can't be cured permanently, but the treatment can decrease the severity of pain, shorten the headache period, and prevent stroke.
9. How long does the migraine attack last?
The attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours if not treated on time.
