At some point in life, everyone has had a headache before. Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, so getting one occasionally is pretty normal.
There are over 100 types of headaches you can experience with different symptoms and levels of intensity. Typically most headaches can be treated with over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol.
When they are happening more frequently then they could potentially call for some medical attention. Headaches can be caused by tension, migraines, and clusters.
In other cases, there could potentially be something more serious going on. If you are having severe migraines or headaches frequently, it may be time to get some professional help.
Typically migraines are very intense with throbbing pain that can also entail nausea or vomiting. 75% of the people who suffer from migraines are women, according to the US Department of Health.
Some migraines can last up to an entire week and also be hereditary. The type of treatment you will receive for migraines depends on the frequency and severity of the pain. Usually, migraines can be mild and pretty infrequent.
Most people don’t have a problem managing them on their own. If they suddenly become impairing, affecting your everyday life, or happening very frequently then it’s time to seek medical attention.
These headaches cause severe pain behind one of your eyes. Cluster headaches are considered the most severe type of headache that you could have. The name cluster headache comes from the fact that these headaches come in groups and last up to three hours.
Cluster headaches can be caused by anything from extreme heat, alcohol, tobacco, lunch meat, or even bacon. Fortunately, they are less common than any other type of headache.
If you are struggling with stress and muscle tension, then this is the type of headache you could be dealing with. This is the type of headache that could occur from a long stressful day at work. You could experience moderate pain on the front, side, or back of your head and neck.
These headaches usually build slowly and can be chronic, happening every day. Tension headaches can also be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you are experiencing chronic tension headaches you may need to be prescribed medication.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which headache it is, if you are having them frequently you should speak to your primary physician. It’s important to have a professional help you create an effective plan. If you are experiencing the worst headache you’ve ever experienced in your life, you should definitely seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.
A headache can be a symptom of serious conditions like strokes, meningitis, or encephalitis. Some headaches can be accompanied by confusion, fainting, stiff neck, blurred vision, high fever, or trouble walking.
It is very possible to manage headaches and migraines, but if they have recently increased or prevented you from doing your daily activity you should also consider getting help.
Before you go to your doctor it won’t hurt to log your headaches to pinpoint what is going on. Monitor how many headaches you are having a week. Are they getting worse and won’t go away? How often are you taking pain relievers?
These are all important questions to ask yourself to prepare yourself for your visit with your doctor.
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