Headache

Different Types

Tension Headaches

This is the most common type of headache. Muscle tension in the back of the head and neck causes pain. Tension headaches spread a dull, steady pain over the forehead, the temples and the back of neck. Commonly, there is a band-like pressure on both sides of the head. The pain is usually constant, non-pulsating, ranges from mild to moderate in severity, and usually builds in intensity.

Tension headaches may last from 30 minutes to several days, and are commonly related to stress and poor posture. They affect both men and women in equal numbers, and are common in children. There is no nausea or vomiting, and they are not made worse by routine physical activities. They are the easiest headaches to treat and usually respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Migraine Headache

The word migraine comes from a Greek word meaning "half a skull," because usually just one side of the head is affected. Migraine headaches can be caused by many of the same factors as primary headaches. Migraine symptoms are caused by spasms in the blood vessels of the brain due to chemical changes. The pain is intense and throbbing, felt in the temple, forehead or around the eye, and often accompanied by nausea and vomiting as well as intolerable sensitivity to light and noise. Migraines last from 4 to 72 hours if not treated and disrupt everyday life.

Some people experience an aura about an hour before the onset of the migraine. This bizarre experience can take the form of visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blind spots and tunnel vision, tingling sensations in some parts of the body, speech difficulty and confusion. The aura is associated with decreased blood flow to the brain. An increased blood flow occurs during the actual headache phase.

It is common for people who suffer from severe headaches to believe they are suffering from a migraine. Always check with your doctor to confirm whether you are suffering from migraines or not before undertaking any preventive measures.

Menstrual Migraine

This type of headache usually occurs just before or during a menstrual period. It affects up to 70% of women. The most common symptom is severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, with associated nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and noise.

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are rare and affect mainly middle-aged men. There is excruciating non-throbbing pain on one side of the head, usually behind the eye or temple, often with nasal congestion, tearing, facial sweating and droopy eyelids. Unlike a migraine, a cluster headache is often associated with hyperactivity, flushing and hot skin over the painful area.

Cluster headaches most commonly strike at night or in the early morning, and can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours if not treated. They may occur up to 8 times a day over a period of several weeks. Possible triggers include an allergic reaction, alcohol, certain medications such as nitroglycerin, or a change in physical, emotional or mental activity. Once the "cluster" passes, sufferers may be headache-free for months or years.

Hangover Headache

This type of headache is alcohol induced and is usually associated with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor and fatigue. There may also be a general "off-colour" feeling and an inability to carry out normal tasks. These symptoms are the result of alcohol consumption, dehydration, and hormonal changes that cause increased urination.

A hangover can be present even if there is no alcohol left in the blood. Hangovers are made worse by alcohol taken without food or water, sleep deprivation, strenuous activity while intoxicated and poor health. People with frequent hangovers should consult with their physician for information on excessive use of alcohol. For the discomfort of occasional overindulgence, sleep and/or rest, rehydration and a pain- reliever such as ibuprofen will prove helpful (see also Treatments).

Sinus Headache

Sinus headache, a throbbing around one or both eyes that lasts a few days, is common after a head cold or due to allergies. The pain is caused by swelling of the membranes lining the sinuses (hollow chambers in the bones of the face). Sinus headaches are worse in the morning or when bending over or leaning forward (see also Treatments).