Types of Headache
Tension headache:
The most common type of headache. Many tension headaches take time to develop following physical or emotional stress but can last for days once it kicks in. This headache tends to form as a result of muscle contraction, and is commonly felt as a band behind the eyes and across the forehead, but the pain can be located anywhere in the head, including on the side or at the back.
Medication overuse headache: The most widespread source of headaches is the medication overuse headache, AKA "rebound headache", which stems from withdrawal symptoms from long-term use of pain relief medication (usually for tension headaches).
Hangover headache:
The pain is real and so is what you drank the night before! Symptoms include throbbing pain, nausea, and feeling generally lousy. Keep up your fluids and be patient.
Allergy or food induced headache: With an allergy induced headache. you'll often have a runny nose and runny eyes as well as the headache, and the headache can be generalized. This type of headache tends to be seasonal and is often treated with anti-histamines; speak with your doctor about choices. And if you eat ice cream or drink a cold drink too quickly, you can induce a temporary "brainfreeze", or "ice cream headache" which is severe but passes quickly.
Migraine headache:
With a migraine, the sufferer will feel throbbing pain accompanied by severe nausea and possible vomiting. There are visual problems such as seeing stars, flickering objects, and even partial loss of vision. Some migraines also cause numbness or weakness. Migraines can be caused by reactions to food, stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, and for some people, they are inherited.
Cluster headache: This is a headache that sits around your eye area and can involve pain, drooping eyelids, nasal discharge and a watery eye. It tends to be more common in males, and can be ongoing. If this type of head pain is occurring, take it seriously.
Headache caused by pain, problems, or tension in another part of the body: Headaches can be caused by sinus blockage, a cold, virus, or fever, coughing, physical exertion, hunger, eyestrain, strained neck or back muscles, arthritis, and by dental problems.
Accident induced headache:
If you involved in an accident in which your head receives a shock, bump, hit, or bang, you may develop a headache. As this can also be accompanied by concussion, skull fractures, internal bleeding, etc., you must seek immediate medical treatment. Post-traumatic headaches can arise as the result of being in an accident or traumatic situation – these can be extremely difficult to treat and may need the intervention of a specialist trained in psychology or psychiatry.
Aneurysm: You will experience a sudden, "thunderclap" of pain. This pain can mimic a migraine or cluster headache and can be accompanied by a stiff neck, double vision, and loss of consciousness. Get immediate, urgent medical assistance. In this case, surgery and blood pressure stabilization are the main treatments.
Tumor induced headache: This is rare and if you have any suspicions that this is an issue, see your doctor immediately. Some symptoms of a brain tumor might include numbness or weakness of limbs, slurred speech, disturbed vision, epileptic fits, personality changes, or poor balance. It is rare for there to be no other symptom than a headache.
Altitude sickness headache: If you experience altitude sickness, the pain can affect both sides of the head, or just one side. Usually impacts climbers not using oxygen. Follow the precautions for treating altitude sickness.
The most common type of headache. Many tension headaches take time to develop following physical or emotional stress but can last for days once it kicks in. This headache tends to form as a result of muscle contraction, and is commonly felt as a band behind the eyes and across the forehead, but the pain can be located anywhere in the head, including on the side or at the back.
Medication overuse headache: The most widespread source of headaches is the medication overuse headache, AKA "rebound headache", which stems from withdrawal symptoms from long-term use of pain relief medication (usually for tension headaches).
Hangover headache:
The pain is real and so is what you drank the night before! Symptoms include throbbing pain, nausea, and feeling generally lousy. Keep up your fluids and be patient.
Allergy or food induced headache: With an allergy induced headache. you'll often have a runny nose and runny eyes as well as the headache, and the headache can be generalized. This type of headache tends to be seasonal and is often treated with anti-histamines; speak with your doctor about choices. And if you eat ice cream or drink a cold drink too quickly, you can induce a temporary "brainfreeze", or "ice cream headache" which is severe but passes quickly.
Migraine headache:
With a migraine, the sufferer will feel throbbing pain accompanied by severe nausea and possible vomiting. There are visual problems such as seeing stars, flickering objects, and even partial loss of vision. Some migraines also cause numbness or weakness. Migraines can be caused by reactions to food, stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, and for some people, they are inherited.
Cluster headache: This is a headache that sits around your eye area and can involve pain, drooping eyelids, nasal discharge and a watery eye. It tends to be more common in males, and can be ongoing. If this type of head pain is occurring, take it seriously.
Headache caused by pain, problems, or tension in another part of the body: Headaches can be caused by sinus blockage, a cold, virus, or fever, coughing, physical exertion, hunger, eyestrain, strained neck or back muscles, arthritis, and by dental problems.
Accident induced headache:
If you involved in an accident in which your head receives a shock, bump, hit, or bang, you may develop a headache. As this can also be accompanied by concussion, skull fractures, internal bleeding, etc., you must seek immediate medical treatment. Post-traumatic headaches can arise as the result of being in an accident or traumatic situation – these can be extremely difficult to treat and may need the intervention of a specialist trained in psychology or psychiatry.
Aneurysm: You will experience a sudden, "thunderclap" of pain. This pain can mimic a migraine or cluster headache and can be accompanied by a stiff neck, double vision, and loss of consciousness. Get immediate, urgent medical assistance. In this case, surgery and blood pressure stabilization are the main treatments.
Tumor induced headache: This is rare and if you have any suspicions that this is an issue, see your doctor immediately. Some symptoms of a brain tumor might include numbness or weakness of limbs, slurred speech, disturbed vision, epileptic fits, personality changes, or poor balance. It is rare for there to be no other symptom than a headache.
Altitude sickness headache: If you experience altitude sickness, the pain can affect both sides of the head, or just one side. Usually impacts climbers not using oxygen. Follow the precautions for treating altitude sickness.