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.
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
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Get A Second OpinionPrimary 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.
New 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 tumor 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 due to
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Book an AppointmentHeadache 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.
Treatment of 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
- To avoid headaches associated with overuse of medications, it is essential to follow a doctor's advice.
- 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.
When 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
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.
