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Migraine And Other Types Of Headache

Migraine And Other Types Of Headache

What is Headache?

A headache is a very common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It’s estimated that 7 in 10 people have at least one headache each year.

Headaches can sometimes be mild, but in many cases, they can cause severe pain that makes it difficult to concentrate at work and perform other daily activities.

What are the types of Headache?

The two major types of headaches are primary headaches, which are not associated with a medical condition or disease, and secondary headaches, which are caused by an injury or underlying illness.

Primary Headache

Primary headaches include tension, migraine and cluster headaches.

Symptoms of a tension headache include pressure and a band-like tightness that begins in the back of the head and upper neck, and gradually encircles the head.

Cluster headaches are headaches that occur in groups, or clusters, over a period of several weeks or months separated by headache-free periods of months or years. During the headache period, the cluster headache sufferer experiences several episodes of pain during the day, each of which lasts 30 to 90 minutes. These attacks, which often occur at the same time of day, include sharp, penetrating pain around or behind one eye, watering of the eye and a stuffy nose.

Migraine headaches cause intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and exertion often accompany migraines, which can last several hours or up to three days. Some migraine sufferers experience a visual disturbance called an aura prior to the onset of the migraine. Auras are flashing lights, wavy lines, blurry vision or blind spots.

Secondary Headache

Secondary headaches are symptoms that happen when another condition stimulates the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. A wide range of different factors can cause secondary headaches.

1. Alcohol-induced hangover
2. brain tumor
3. blood clots
4. bleeding in or around the brain
5. "brain freeze" or ice-cream headaches
6. carbon monoxide poisoning
7. concussion
8. dehydration
9. glaucoma
10. stroke

What are the Red Flag of Headaches?

Most headaches are not indicative of a serious medical problem. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly, while others experience frequent and debilitating pain. You should seek medical attention if your headache:

1. is severe. If you believe it is your "worst headache ever," seek emergency medical care
2. is different from your usual headaches in terms of its location, severity or accompanying symptoms, such as numbness or vision loss
3. starts suddenly, or is aggravated by exertion
4. causes pain significant enough to wake you from sleep
5. does not respond to treatment, and instead worsens over time
6. recurs frequently
7. is accompanied by any of the following:

How are headaches diagnosed and evaluated?

To diagnose the cause of headaches and to rule out underlying medical conditions, physicians obtain a patient history and conduct a careful neurological examination. Diagnostic testing may include the following imaging tests:

1. CT Brain
2. MRI Brain
3. Lumbar Puncture
4. CT Angiography

How are headaches treated

Provided one of the serious conditions noted above is not present, relatively simple treatment options can be considered. To treat symptoms and prevent the frequency and severity of headaches, physicians may try to identify headache (particularly migraine) "triggers," such as stress or certain foods, and recommend treatment options including:

1. Preventive medications and treatments.
2. Lifestyle changes, including stress management and relaxation techniques.

If your headache is the result of an underlying medical condition or injury, your physician will discuss treatment options with you.