I am curious to know about All kinds of Headache. We get pain in our body when we get hurt. But All kinds of Headache just turn up. What causes this pain? I know there are a lot like loud noise, lack of sleep etc. But why head aches for all that and not heart?
Here is a table summarizing different types of headaches:
| Type of Headache | Description | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tension Headache | Most common type of headache | Dull, aching pain that feels like a band around the head | Stress, anxiety, poor posture, fatigue | Over-the-counter pain relievers, relaxation techniques, stress management |
| Migraine Headache | Recurring headache that can be severe | Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting | Genetics, hormonal changes, triggers such as certain foods or stress | Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, lifestyle changes, avoiding triggers |
| Cluster Headache | Rare type of headache that occurs in cycles | Intense pain on one side of the head, often around the eye, tearing and redness of the eye, runny nose | Genetics, changes in sleep patterns, alcohol consumption, smoking | Oxygen therapy, prescription medications, nerve blocks |
| Sinus Headache | Pain and pressure in the sinuses | Pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and nose, nasal congestion, fever | Sinus infection, allergies | Over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, nasal irrigation |
| Rebound Headache | Headache caused by overuse of pain medication | Dull, constant headache, worsened by pain relievers | Overuse of pain medication | Stopping the use of pain medication, working with a healthcare provider to find alternative treatments |
It is important to note that these descriptions are generalizations, and that different individuals may experience different symptoms and causes for their headaches.
Primary Headaches
A primary headache is when the headache itself is the main problem. It is not a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. While the pain from primary headaches can be disabling, the headaches are not dangerous. The brain cannot feel pain, so the pain associated with primary headache comes from the inflammation of pain-sensitive parts of the body in and around the neck and head, including:
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
- Muscles
There are several categories of primary headaches. Some of the most common types of primary headaches include:
- Migraine headache
- Tension headache
- Hypnic headache
- Cluster headache
Secondary Headaches
A secondary headache is caused by another condition that triggers pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head. Secondary headaches are rare, but they can also be much more serious than primary headaches. Secondary headaches can be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition, including:
- Brain tumors
- Aneurysm
- Meningitis, a bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation of the brain
- Neck or brain injury
Secondary headaches typically start out of nowhere and are excruciating.
Causes of common headaches
Types and causes of common headaches
The most common types of headaches are tension and migraine headaches. Tension headaches strike when the muscles in the head and neck tighten. Migraines come on when supersensitive nerve endings in the brain create pain.
But what makes the muscles tense, or causes some nerve endings in the brain to become so sensitive? That’s not as well understood. Those causes of headaches can vary from person to person. But some triggers are common.
Tension headaches are often set off by:
- stress
- lack of sleep
- fatigue
- hunger
- caffeine withdrawal
- abrupt cessation of medications that contain caffeine, such as some pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- weather changes
- food and drinks, such as chocolate; processed foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG); or alcohol
Many of those triggers for tension headaches—especially stress, hunger, fatigue, and lack of sleep—can also set off a migraine headache. But nailing down causes of headaches in the migraine category is a little trickier; the headaches may stem from many factors, or combinations of factors. The particular combination is specific to an individual. Potential culprits include
- being around smoke
- certain smells
- bright light, such as sunlight, or flashing lights
- foods, such as aged cheeses, avocados, bananas, chocolate, peas, pork, sour cream, nuts, peanut butter, or yogurt
- alcohol
- changes in estrogen levels for women
- taking certain prescription medications, such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), prescribed for a heart condition; and estrogen, prescribed for birth control or menopausal symptoms
- abrupt cessation of caffeine
- abrupt cessation of medications that contain caffeine, such as some pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrates (found in cured meats).
How to prevent headaches
When debating how to prevent headaches, the easy answer is to try to avoid the causes of headaches in the first place. But doing that takes careful planning. You’ll have to note your triggers first, and write down the characteristics of your headaches, including their frequency, duration, intensity, as well the circumstances surrounding your headaches, including:
- your medications
- diet
- sleep patterns
- activities
- alcohol intake
- menstrual cycle, for women
- environment
- stress levels
- physical problems.
After you’ve pinpointed these causes of headaches, you’ll begin to see a pattern, and you’ll develop a better idea of how to avoid your triggers and how to prevent headaches.
loud noises staring at the computer going from darkness to brightness hitting your head getting up. i could make a 20 page list if i thought about it forEVER. there are alot of things that could make you get a headache. the possibilities are endless
Headaches can be caused by lots of different things. You can have migraines which cause nausea and you have sensitivity to light and sound and they are hereditary. Headaches can also be caused by stress, allergies, hypertension and varies other things. I would suggest if your really interested in learning about them to simply do a search for information.
From my experience sex can cure a headache. However it has never helped me out when I have had a migraine. Then again I don’t want my husband anywhere near me when I have one and he stays as far away as possible so I won’t throw up on him…lol
There are so many things that trigger headache. Read on –
Headaches may be among the first symptoms of hypertension, or high blood pressure. This headache is often located at the back of the head and is usually noted upon arising in the morning. The pain is throbbing or pulsating. This headache is worsened by exercise, straining, or stooping, since these activities raise blood pressure. A diagnosis can usually be made by checking the blood pressure, which is measured as two numbers: The systolic pressure is listed above the diastolic pressure. A normal reading might be 120/80 (systolic/diastolic). The number 120 (millimeters of mercury) is the systolic pressure, which may vary with activity, exertion, or nervousness. In the diagnosis of hypertension, the diastolic number (in this example 80) is especially important. A diastolic pressure exceeding 100-110 mm (millimeters) of mercury is usually present if hypertension is the true cause of the current headaches. For most patients, treatment consists of medication to lower the pressure, and a low-salt diet and weight reduction when indicated. Evaluation and treatment for high blood pressure are by an internist, family physician, or cardiologist.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/4/1680_51343.htm
Headaches have a wide variety of causes, ranging from eyestrain to inflammation of the sinus cavities to life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis, brain cancer, and cerebral aneurysms. When the headache occurs in conjunction with a head injury the cause is usually quite evident; however, many causes of headaches are more elusive. The most common
type of headache is a tension headache. Some people experience headaches when they are hungry or dehydrated.
Traditional theories about headaches link tension-type headaches to muscle contraction, and migraine and cluster headaches to blood vessel dilation (swelling). Pain-sensitive structures in the head include blood vessel walls, membranous coverings of the brain, and scalp and neck muscles. Brain tissue itself has no sensitivity to pain. Therefore, headaches may result from contraction of the muscles of the scalp, face or neck; dilation of the blood vessels in the head; or brain swelling that stretches the brain’s coverings. Involvement of specific nerves of the face and head may also cause characteristic headaches. Sinus inflammation is a common cause of headache. Keeping a headache diary may help link headaches to stressful occurrences, menstrual phases, food triggers, or medication.