A headache can be frustrating, annoying, and debilitating at times. While most of the headaches have nothing to worry about and are caused by stress, lack of sleep, too much screen time, and other factors, sometimes they might indicate a major threat. In case of non-serious causes, a good sleep, a cup of tea or coffee, or a gentle head massage might help reduce the pain, but what if the headache feels different at some point? What if it unusually stays persistent and brings along some other symptoms like dizziness and loss of vision? The truth is that while most of the headaches are generally harmless, some of them can be major red flags indicating underlying health issues. From Migraine headache to brain aneurysms, high blood pressure, Cervicogenic headache and even tumors, headaches might indicate a wide range of health issues that demand special attention. A severe sudden headache might also be a warning sign of a stroke, which requires immediate medical help. In this guide, we will discuss in detail about headaches, when they are normal and when to worry about them.
How are headaches caused?
The reasons for most of the headaches are still unknown and miscellaneous. Headache specialist doctor near me emphasizes that the skull and the brain tissues can’t be a reason for headaches, as they do not have the receptors that can register pain. However, the blood vessels present in the head and neck can signal for pains, including the tissues that surround the brain. Sinuses, teeth, muscles adjoining the neck and head, and the scalp can also cause headaches. There are more than 300 different types of headaches, but definitive causes are known only for 10% of all headaches.
What are some of the common types of headaches?
- Tension Headache – These are the most common headaches among all. They occur in three out of every four adults. Mostly such headaches are mild to moderate in intensity, however, some people might experience severe headaches due to tension, which might trouble them for around three to four times per week. It typically produces a dull and screeching pain on both sides of the head. There can be pain in the shoulders, accompanied by tension, emotional stress, and fatigue. These headaches mostly last for a time period of around 20 minutes to two hours.
- Migraine headache – It is less common than tension headaches, but is comparatively more severe. Migraine headaches are two to three times more common in women as compared to men. Experts suggest that migraine is caused by changes in the blood flow in the brain and nerve cell activity. Genetics and family history also play a major role in such headaches, as most of the migraine patients are those who have a family history of migraine. Migraine headaches are often started by some triggers like a change in weather, lack of sleep, and fatigue.
- Other types of headaches – Apart from the above two types of headaches, there are many more different types of headaches, including Cluster headaches, medication headaches, etc. Medication headaches occur as a side-effect of certain medications. Sinus headache are caused by acute sinusitis and can cause severe pain around the nose and eyes, on the forehead, cheeks or upper teeth. This might also include symptoms like thick nasal discharge, fever, and congestion.
Some people might experience a sharp, sudden headache when they eat something cold, this is called ice cream headache. High blood pressure, exercise or sex can also lead to headaches in some individuals.
When is a headache serious?
As discussed above, though most of the headaches are not serious, sometimes they can be a symptom of a serious problem that requires immediate Best treatment for headache. A person should be rushed to a medical emergency if he/she is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Worst headache of a person’s life, sudden and severe in nature
- A headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, and blurry or altered vision
- Headache accompanied by slurry speech, difficulty walking, seizures, nausea or vomiting
- A headache that occurs after a head injury or accident
- A headache that wakes a person up from sleep, and is triggered by coughing, sneezing, or straining
- Headache accompanied by pain or redness in one or both eyes
- Headaches that are new to the person, especially after the age of 50
- Headaches that are becoming more frequent and severe, and don’t go away with over-the-counter medication
- Headaches in patients suffering from cancer and a weakened immune system
- Headaches that interfere with a person’s daily activities, worsen while chewing, and come abruptly.
If you are looking for the best Headache specialist doctor near me or the Best Neurologist in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might be an option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s Most trusted and experienced neurologists who provide the most comprehensive care for all the neurological issues of the patients.