Headache: Things That Concerns You The Most

Introduction

Headache is the pain that occurs anywhere in the head or neck region. It may be mild to moderate to blasting. It may occur as a regular cause, or there may be some disturbances in the body, or it may be due to a disease. It may also occur due to problems in the head itself, like disturbances in blood flow inside the head or neck, or due to underlying disease in any part of the body, even inside the head, as a secondary symptom. The previous type is the Primary one, and the latter is the secondary one. However, headaches occur 90% of the time due to the primary one. Only 10% may be due to a secondary one.

Now, enough of the Introduction. The things that you should know is most important. In everyday life, we have headache. Now sometimes we ignore those headaches and sometimes, headaches does not allow us to ignore them. Now the headache may be not serious but if it is serious and you ignore them for long, what you do is, you just increase the seriousness of the headache and make it more difficult for the doctor to manage it in the future. Above all, you are the biggest sufferer.

The first thing you should have an idea about is what the pain is about. In this busy life, should I go to the doctor to have a check-up? Or should I be busier with my work than my headache?

Here are some types of headache that you may encounter in everyday life.

Tension type

not a pinpoint pain. It occurs throughout the head. There is no throbbing sensation. Tenderness around the neck, forehead, scalp, shoulder muscle, etc. Mostly triggered by Stress. Any Over-The-Counter pain-relieving medicine can relieve this. Sometimes, there is a need to take antidepressant drugs to decrease stress. But if this headache remains for a few days and cannot be cured by OTC medicine or occurs almost every day, you must consider a doctor’s visit.

Cluster Headache

In this type, there is a burning sensation, either around the eye or one side of the face at a time. There may also be piercing sensations in the same areas. Watering from the eye and congestion in the nose is sometimes found. This type is more common in men than in women. Sometimes, flushing and redness occur in these areas. This type is called a “Cluster” because these headaches occur in groups. It may occur from 15 minutes to approximately 3 hours.

It may occur from one to three times per day. It may happen like this, after a few weeks, the headache may disappear for months to years only to reappear again. You should visit your doctor in this case. Your doctor may advise you to do a PET scan. Drugs may be Oxygen therapy, triptans, etc. However, only the doctor has to advise on the medications.

Migraine

Maybe you have heard this name. This is characterized by recurrent, self-limited, severe headaches on one side of the head. It feels like the throbbing pain is coming from deep within the head. It can last for days. Nausea and vomiting are common. People with this headache type are sensitive to light and sound.

About 30% of people with migraines may have an aura, problems in the perception of a strange light, sound, unpleasant smells, confusing thoughts or experiences, etc. Mostly, this headache occurs in females, and a family history may likely be present. Ibuprofen or paracetamol may be given but it is best to have a doctor visit in this case, as it may be severe one.

Sinus Headache

There are some air-filled cavities in the bones of the skull. This type of headache occurs when these cavities get filled with air, pus, and mucus. In addition, the membrane that is present on the inner side of these cavities may get inflamed and congested. There is a feeling of tightness coming out of the green or yellow discharge, uncomfortable pressure behind the forehead, an ache in the upper jaw, and redness and swelling of cheeks, nose, or forehead. This headache may occur in sinusitis (infection in these sinuses). So, it is important to detect why this sinus headache is occurring. Is it due to sinus blockage or sinus infection? If an antihistamine or decongestant cannot heal you, consider a visit to the doctor.

Exertional headache

This type occurs after periods of intense physical activities like running, too much office work, and even sexual intercourse. These activities cause an increased flow of blood to the head, leading to throbbing headaches on both sides of your head. But it should not last too long. A few minutes to a few hours may be the duration. Analgesics like aspirin or ibuprofen may manage the condition. Caffeine may also ease this kind of headache.

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