Different kind of Headache

Headache is pain in any region of the head. Headaches may occur on one or both sides of the head, be isolated to a certain location, radiate across the head from one point, or have a vise-like quality. A headache may be a sharp pain, throbbing sensation or dull ache. Headaches may appear gradually or suddenly, and they may last less than an hour or for several days.

My Head Hurts!

There are many different types of headaches. Although not all headaches are the same, they all share at least one thing in common -- they cause pain. But many headaches also cause other unwanted symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. This article addresses the most common headache symptoms associated with the different types of headaches.

What kind of headache is it?

It's important to figure out what type of headache is causing your pain. If you know your headache type, you can treat it correctly. Here are some tips that will put a name to your pain.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches, the most common type, feel like a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck. Not as severe as migraines, they don't usually cause nausea or vomiting, and they rarely halt daily activities.

Episodic Tension Headaches (occur less than 15 days per month)

• Pain is mild to moderate, constant band-like pain or pressure 
• Pain affects the front, top or sides of the head. 
• Pain usually begins gradually, and often occurs in the middle of the day 
• Pain may last from 30 minutes to several days 

Chronic Tension Headaches (occur more than 15 days per month) 

• Pain may vary in intensity throughout the day, but the pain is almost always present 
• Pain comes and goes over a prolonged period of time.

Tension Headache

Associated Symptoms of Tension Headaches include: 

• Headache upon awakening 
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep 
• Chronic fatigue 
• Irritability 
• Disturbed concentration 
• Mild sensitivity to light or noise 
• General muscle aching 

Over-the-counter treatments, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are usually sufficient to treat them. Experts believe these may be caused by the contraction of neck and scalp muscles (including in response to stress), and possibly changes in brain chemicals.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches, which affect more men than women, are recurring headaches that occur in groups or cycles. They appear suddenly and are characterized by severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by a watery eye and nasal congestion or a runny nose on the same side of the face.

During an attack, people often feel restless and unable to get comfortable; they are unlikely to lie down, as someone with a migraine might. The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but there may be a genetic component. There is no cure, but medication can cut the frequency and duration.

Rebound headaches

Overuse of painkillers for headaches can, ironically, lead to rebound headaches. Culprits include over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), as well as prescription drugs.

One theory is that too much medication can cause the brain to shift into an excited state, triggering more headaches. Another is that rebound headaches are a symptom of withdrawal as the level of medicine drops in the bloodstream.

Sinus headaches

When a sinus becomes inflamed, often due to an infection, it can cause pain. It usually comes with a fever and can be diagnosed by symptoms or the presence of pus viewed through a fiber-optic scope.

Headaches due to sinus infection can be treated with antibiotics, as well as antihistamines or decongestants. 

In one 2004 study, 80% of people who had a recent history of self-described or doctor-diagnosed sinus headache, but no signs of sinus infection, actually met the criteria for migraine. 

Migraine headaches

The symptoms of migraine headaches can occur in various combinations and include: 

• Moderate to severe pain (often described as pounding, throbbing pain) that can affect the whole head, or can shift from one side of the head to the other 
• Sensitivity to light, noise or odors 
• Blurred vision 
• Nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Sensations of being very warm or cold 
• Paleness 
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness 
• Fever (rare) 
• Bright flashing dots or lights, blind spots, wavy or jagged lines (aura) 

Migraine

Migraines can run in families and are diagnosed using certain criteria.

• At least five previous episodes of headaches
• Lasting between 4–72 hours
• At least two out of these four: one-sided pain, throbbing pain, moderate-to-severe pain, and pain that interferes with, is worsened by, or prohibits routine activity 
• At least one associated feature: nausea and/or vomiting, or, if those are not present, then sensitivity to light and sound

A migraine may be foreshadowed by aura, such as visual distortions or hand numbness. (About 15% to 20% of people with migraines experience these.)

Treating Headache

Sometimes you need to know exactly what's causing that pounding in your skull. Other times, you're blindsided. Outwit these unexpected pain triggers, from bright lights to bad weather. Talk to your doctor about your headache. Together, you can decide the best approach for your headache problems.

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