Hi
Your head hurts. Again. The first step in foiling your frequent headaches is determining what type of headache you have. Sometimes headaches are a symptom of another disease or condition; sometimes there's no clear cause.
Take a close look at your headache signs and symptoms. Keeping a headache diary might help determine your headache type. Note when your headaches occur, your symptoms, and potential triggers, such as food, stress or changes in sleep.
There are many types and sub-types of headaches. Chronic daily headaches, which occur 15 days or more a month, are one sub-type. Tension-type headaches and migraines are also common sub-types of headaches. They can both be chronic, though they aren't always. Other types of chronic daily headaches include:
Hemicrania continua, a one-sided headache that can feel like a migrainePrimary stabbing headaches, which last for a few seconds and can occur several times throughout the dayPrimary exertional headaches, caused by exerciseChronic paroxysmal hemicranias, sharp, one-sided headaches that can cause tearing or a congested noseMedication overuse headaches, which occur from overusing pain medications for headaches for at least three months. These headaches occur at least 15 days out of the month.
Other headache types include:
Cluster headaches, which cause severe pain on one side of the head and occur off and on for weeks over the course of a few months. Cluster headaches are associated with one or more signs and symptoms, such as tearing, nasal congestion and nasal discharge. These occur on the same side as the pain.
Tension-type headaches
Tension-type headaches, the most common variety of headaches:
Might be felt as a tight band of pain around your head, a dull ache or pressureMight cause mild to moderate pain on both sides of the headVary widely in frequencyCan be occasionalMay occur more than 15 days a month (chronic)
Last from 30 minutes to a week
Migraines
Migraines are another common type of headache. They affect three times more women than men. Migraines typically:
Cause pain that is moderate to severePulsateCause nausea, vomiting, or increased sensitivity to light or soundAffect only one side of your head, but can affect both sidesWorsen with activity such as climbing stepsLast from four to 72 hours without treatment.
Next Steps
Consult and contact me for further assistance.
Health Tips
Therapies aimed at stress reduction might help. They include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Biofeedback
Migraine treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing additional attacks. If you know what triggers your migraines, avoiding those triggers and learning how to manage them can help prevent migraines or lessen the pain. Treatment might include:
Rest in a quiet, dark roomHot or cold compresses to your head or neckMassage and small amounts of caffeine.
Recognize emergency symptoms
Seek emergency care if you have:
A very severe, sudden headache
Headache after a head injury or fall
Fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
Pain that worsens despite treatment
These symptoms suggest a more serious condition, so it's important to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Take control
Almost everyone gets headaches, and many are nothing to worry about. But if headaches are disrupting your activities, work or personal life, it's time to see your doctor. Headaches can't always be prevented, but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms.