Headaches are a prevalent ailment experienced by many individuals at various points in their lives.
The origins of headaches can stem from:
- psychological sources, like stress, sadness, or worry
- health-related issues, such as migraines or hypertension
- bodily factors, such as trauma
- external conditions, such as climatic changes
Recurring or intense headaches can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily well-being. Understanding how to identify the kind of headache and the underlying reason is essential for determining the right course of action.
Headache Types
There are several distinct types of headaches, a few of which include:
Tension Headache
The most prevalent form of headache, tension headaches, affect up to 75% of the general population. They were once called muscle contraction headaches and are linked to the muscles in the neck, jaw, and face.
According to a study from 2020, tension headaches often correlate with stress levels.
Symptoms of tension headaches involve:
a sensation of a tight band wrapped around the head
a persistent, mild pain on both sides of the head
pain that can radiate from the neck
Tension headaches can be sporadic or chronic. Sporadic ones typically last several hours or even days, while chronic tension headaches occur on 15 or more days per month for over three months.
Discover more about tension headaches.
Migraines
Migraine is a major health concern worldwide, being the third most common illness globally. As per a 2021 survey, nearly 16% of the American population suffer from migraines.
A typical migraine may cause throbbing or pulsating pain, often localized to one side of the head, although it may switch sides.
Along with the pain, individuals might experience:
dizziness
sensory changes, like visual disturbances called aura
light and sound sensitivity
nausea with or without vomiting
Migraines rank just after tension headaches in prevalence and can profoundly affect one’s quality of life.
Untreated migraines can last from 4 to 72 hours and individuals may experience them multiple times a month.
Learn about what can trigger migraines here.
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH)
MOH, also known as rebound or medication-misuse headaches, develops in individuals who frequently use headache medications.
Those with primary headache conditions, such as migraines, are more likely to suffer from MOH, which can exacerbate the severity and frequency of their migraine attacks.
Symptoms of MOH, rather than helping, tend to perpetuate and worsen headache conditions. These headaches are often a result of taking opiate-based painkillers.
In addition to the headaches, symptoms may include:
neck pain
agitation
nasal stuffiness
decreased quality of sleep
The characteristics of MOH, such as location, intensity, and frequency, differ individually, and they often occur daily or nearly daily, usually upon awakening. MOH can range from tension headache-type dull pain to more intense migraine-like pain.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches generally last 15 minutes to 3 hours and may happen one to eight times a day.
Periods of frequent cluster headaches, which may come daily for 4 to 12 weeks, could be followed by remission phases lasting months or years, with the individual symptom-free.
Cluster headaches often cause intense pain around or behind one eye and can spread across the face.
Additional symptoms of cluster headaches include:
eye redness or watering
puffy or droopy eyelids
nasal blockage or runny nose
a constricted pupil on one side
facial sweating
Learn more about headaches situated behind the eyes.
Thunderclap Headaches
These emerge as sudden, excruciating headaches often described as the worst headache ever experienced, peaking within one minute and gradually weakening over a few hours.
Thunderclap headaches are serious and could indicate conditions such as aneurysms, meningitis, pituitary apoplexy, cerebral hemorrhages, or clots.
Immediate medical treatment is necessary for anyone experiencing such intense, abrupt headaches.
Understand more about thunderclap headaches.
Causes
Headaches can originate from any location in the head and may be confined to a specific area or present in multiple spots. The type of pain experienced from a headache also varies. Identifying the nature of the pain is beneficial for diagnosis.
The International Headache Society explains that headaches can be broadly identified as either being a primary disorder or a symptom of a secondary ailment.
Primary headaches
A primary headache is standalone, meaning it’s not triggered by another medical condition. It arises due to issues related to the anatomy of the head and neck area.
Primary headaches could be a result of:
excessive stimulation or issues with pain-sensitive features of the head, such as:
certain brain regions
blood vessels
muscles and nerves
neurochemical activity
Examples of frequent primary headache conditions include migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and those induced by overuse of medication.
Secondary headaches
These headaches are indicative of a different underlying health issue. Factors that might lead to secondary headaches encompass:
hormonal changes during pregnancy
inflammatory diseases like infections
low thyroid function, known as hypothyroidism
arterial conditions such as giant cell arteritis
neurological events, for instance, a stroke
brain growths or tumors
An article in Practical Neurology highlights that secondary headaches during pregnancy may often stem from particular conditions such as eclampsia or PRES.
Severe health concerns can sometimes cause secondary headaches. According to a 2019 research study, certain critical signs that call for prompt medical intervention include:
neurological issues like seizures, loss of consciousness, or disorientation
elevated body temperature or fever
sudden, explosive headaches known as thunderclap headaches
headaches that become more intense with activities like coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion
headaches in individuals with cancer
being older than 50 years
Seeking medical assistance is crucial if the headache:
is particularly intense or problematic
persists over time
happens frequently
fails to respond to over-the-counter medications
is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as confusion, fever, changes in sensation, or instant neck pain and stiffness
Treatment
To alleviate headache discomfort, the primary approaches involve rest and analgesics.
Treatments can include:
nonprescription pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen
prescribed pain management medications
prophylactic treatments for specific types like migraines
additional interventions for the root causes
Adhering to medical advice is critical to sidestep headaches caused by excessive medication use.
Handling such headaches necessitates reducing or ceasing the offending medication. A healthcare provider can assist in formulating a strategy for tapering off the medication responsibly. In severe instances, hospitalization might be necessary for a safe and controlled withdrawal period.
Alternative and integrative treatments
Alternative and complementary approaches to headache treatment, known as integrative medicine, are gaining popularity. Before trying these methods, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance and coordination.
Various integrative strategies include:
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Natural health supplements, including herbs and vitamins
- Hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness and meditation practices
Research from 2021 indicates that acupuncture may be more beneficial than medication for managing chronic tension headaches, echoing earlier research from 2018. Similarly, a 2020 study suggests that CBT could reduce migraine frequency in young individuals.
There’s also some evidence that low levels of certain nutrients, like magnesium and vitamin D, could be linked to increased migraine attacks. Although definitive proof is lacking, some individuals might find relief by supplementing with 400–500 milligrams of magnesium oxide daily.
Nutrient insufficiencies might be a product of poor diet, problems with nutrient absorption, or other underlying health conditions.
Natural Remedies
There are several home practices which can either prevent or alleviate headache symptoms. These include:
applying a warm compress or an ice pack to the head or neck—but it is important to avoid putting ice directly on the skin and not to use excessively harsh temperatures
steering clear of known headache triggers and adopting effective stress management techniques for unavoidable stress
eating consistently to keep blood sugar levels stable
ensuring adequate sleep by sticking to a consistent schedule and making the bedroom conducive to rest with a cool, dark, and quiet environment
engaging in regular physical activity to promote overall health and reduce stress levels
moderating alcohol consumption and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
taking short breaks during work to alleviate eye strain and muscle tension by stretching
Symptoms
The traits and impact of a headache can differ widely. A headache might:
- manifest on either side of the head or both
- spread out from one point
- consist of piercing, pulsating, or aching pain
- feel like a tight clamp is squeezing the head
- appear slowly or abruptly
- persist from less than an hour up to multiple days
The specifics of the pain can vary based on the headache category.
Assessment
Typically, a healthcare provider can identify the type of headache by inquiring about:
the specific characteristics
the pain quality
the timing and recurrence patterns
Occasionally, if there are concerns about more significant causes of the headache, the healthcare professional might recommend additional examinations. These could include blood tests or diagnostic imaging techniques like CT or MRI scans.
Conclusion
Headaches are a universal human experience, with most individuals encountering them at some point. Although headaches are usually not a sign of a severe issue, certain ones can be intensely debilitating and disrupt daily activities.
Individuals who endure intense or frequent headaches should seek advice from a healthcare professional or obtain appropriate medical attention.
