Headaches are a common condition that almost everyone will experience at some point in life and a major reason cited for missed days at work or school. While most of the time, headaches are not dangerous, certain types can be a sign of a serious condition. There are different types of headaches; each happens for unique reasons and requires special treatment. Once you know the type of headache Dundalk you have, your doctor can recommend the treatment that is more likely to help and prevent future occurrences. There are over 150 types of headaches but below are the most common ones.
Migraine
A migraine is often described as pounding, throbbing pain. Besides pain, migraines are characterized by other symptoms like nausea or vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and sensitivity to light, smells, or noise. These symptoms may last a few hours to days; migraines may happen once or several times a month. A child with a migraine may feel dizzy, look pale, have a fever, blurry vision, and upset stomach. They may also have digestive symptoms like vomiting; this happens about once a month.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common headache, usually with no other symptoms. They are common among teens and adults and cause mild to moderate pain; they come and go over time.
Cluster headaches
These are the most severe headaches characterized by intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye. The pain can be so bad that one can’t sit still and may pace during an attack. The throbbing or constant pain often occurs along signs like droopy eyelids, teary eyes, smaller pupils, and red eyes. The nostril on the affected side of the head may also run or stuff up.
The name cluster is because this type of headache tends to happen in groups. You may experience a headache attack that lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours. These headaches may last two weeks or as long as three months. They may also disappear completely only to return later (this period without symptoms is called remission). Cluster headaches are more likely to affect men than women.
Sinus headaches
Sinus headaches feel like a deep and constant pain in your forehead, cheekbones, and nose bridge. They occur when sinuses or cavities on your head get inflamed. Besides pain, one may have a fever, a swollen face, fullness in the ears, and a runny nose. An actual sinus headache stems from a sinus infection, so the gunk from your nose may be green or yellow, unlike the normal clear discharge in migraine or cluster headaches.
Hormone headaches
Shifting hormone levels during your periods, pregnancy, or menopause can cause headaches. Some women who use hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills can also have headaches due to the hormone changes. Menstrual migraines usually start a few days before your periods or the first three days into your periods.
Rare headaches include spinal headaches, thunderclap headaches, and ice picks headaches.
If you have a persistent headache that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, visit your doctor at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center for diagnosis and treatment.
