Are you experiencing a severe headache? You aren’t alone. There are many who experience the same.

Headaches are the most common condition faced by almost all people. The main symptom of a headache is the pain in your head.

While most headaches are not so serious but some can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

In case you want to know more about the various kinds of headaches and their treatments, you are in the right place.

This blog by Karepedia will help you navigate the same.

Headaches: All About Them

The main cause of headache is believed to be from the interaction of signals among your brain, blood vessels and surrounding nerves.

Headaches are hereditary. So, children who have migraines usually have at least one biological parent experiencing them.

Headaches are triggered by certain environmental factors like:

• Exposure to allergens.

• Eating certain foods or ingredients, like caffeine, alcohol, fermented foods, chocolate and cheese.

• Strong odours from household chemicals or perfumes.

• Second hand smoke.

Type of HeadachesType of Headaches

Headaches are classified as primary and secondary. Primary headache is not due to any specific reason but secondary headache can be due to any underlying cause like head injury or sudden caffeine withdrawal.

Headaches are most common. According to WHO, almost 40% of the population is affected by headache disorders

Apart from this, around 25% of people experience an aura before or during a headache. Aura refers to the visual and sensory disturbances that can last from 5 to 60 minutes.

Tension headache

These are the most common types of headaches. They are not as severe as migraines. Stress often triggers Tension headaches.

Some habits like working too much, using alcohol, not eating well or not getting enough sleep can contribute to tension headaches.

Treatment includes ice packs, muscle relaxants, psychotherapy, pain relievers and antidepressants.

Cluster headache

These types of headaches occur in groups or cycles. Each attack may last from 15 minutes to three hours.

These headaches appear suddenly two to three hours after you are asleep. There may be severe pain on either left or right side of your head.

Other symptoms may include:

• red and watery eyes

• eye swelling

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• stuffy nose.

• restlessness

Migraine headache

Migraine headache involves intense throbbing pain on one side of the head. The exact causes of migraine have still not been found.

Triggers of migraine could be various causes like dehydration, stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, hormonal changes, dehydration, some foods and medications, bright lights and loud noise.

Treatment includes drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen and antiemetics such as metoclopramide to manage nausea and vomiting.

Hemicrania continua

It is a moderate headache occurring on one side of your head that lasts continuously for at least 3 months. It may also be accompanied by:

• Forehead sweating

• Eyelid drooping

• Nasal congestion

• Tearing or eye redness

Ice pick headache

They are short, intensive and stabbing pains that last only a few seconds. These headaches usually occur without warning and move to different parts of your head. They can occur a few times daily.

Thunderclap headache

It is a severe kind of headache that reaches peak intensity and could be benign. It could be a symptom of a serious condition.

Allergy or sinus headache

This mainly occurs due to the inflammation of the sinuses. It results from an infection or allergy. The pain may worsen and in worst cases it may spread to the teeth and jaw. Other possible symptoms include:

• Ear pain

• Bad breath

• Cough

• Dental pain

• Nasal discharge

• Facial pressure or pain

It clears on its own around 4 weeks. Treatments include taking antihistamines, antibiotics, steroid nasal sprays, drinking fluids, nasal decongestants.

Hormone headache (also known as menstrual migraine)

They are due to the changes in hormone levels. They usually appear two to three days before or after a period begins or during ovulation. They can occur during Menopause, pregnancy and while using oral birth control pills.

Caffeine headache

High caffeine intake of around 4 cups of coffee per day can lead to headaches. They usually occur 12 to 24 hours after stopping caffeine consumption. Other possible symptoms include confusion, vomiting, memory loss, and unconsciousness.

Exertion headache

They may occur due to strenuous physical exercise like running, jumping, weightlifting and sneezing. They are short lived and last up to 2 days. These are common in families with a history of migraine. They may also occur from cardiovascular issues.

Hypertension headache

The main cause of this type of headache is high blood pressure. It signals an emergency. It occurs mainly when the blood pressure is dangerously high. It usually occurs on both sides of the head.

Rebound headache

Medical overuse headaches are known as rebound headaches. They are also common with medications that contain caffeine.

Post-traumatic headache

They feel like tension headaches or migraine episodes. They can become chronic with time. They usually last up to 6 to 12 months.

Spinal headache

This type of headache usually begins within 2 to 3 days but could also start several months later. They are also known as postdural puncture headaches. You may experience these headaches in your upper neck, temples, forehead, back of the head.

When Does a Headache Require Immediate Medical Attention

In some cases, immediate medical attention is required. A parent or caregiver must immediately consult a health care professional if a child has recurring headaches. If you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms seek medical attention.

• Numbness or weakness

• Rash

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Fever

• Visual loss

• Paralysis in any part of the body

• Vomiting

• Stiff neck