They are the most prevalent form of pain you will encounter in your lifetime. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of all adults have experienced at least one headache in the past year.
There are over 100 different types, some of which can be treated with simple over-the-counter medications while others indicate a serious underlying condition. Muthoki Kithanze examines a few of them.
- Migraine
Typically, this headache is severe and occurs on one side of the head. When you have a migraine, you may become more sensitive to light, sound, and smell. Migraines frequently recur, and each attack can last several hours. They may be triggered by stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, bright lights, and loud noise. Some painkillers will alleviate your symptoms, but if you frequently suffer from chronic migraines, you may want to consult a general practitioner. - Tension headache
These are the most prevalent types of headaches and are characterized by pressure around the forehead; you may feel as though a tight band has been placed around your forehead. The pain can vary from person to person, but it is typically felt as a dull, aching sensation throughout the entire body. There may also be sensitivity or soreness in the neck, forehead, or shoulder muscles. Stress, anxiety, depression, and dehydration can all contribute to tension headaches. Lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, and skipping meals are others. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can alleviate pain, but if it persists for more than 15 days, it is prudent to consult a physician. - Sinus headache
Sinus headaches are caused by sinus infections, which manifest as pain around the eyes, cheeks, teeth, and jaw. If you do not have nasal symptoms such as a stuffy nose or nasal discharge, you may be suffering from a migraine. The headache will subside as soon as you consume fluids, take painkillers, and rest. In order to treat sinus headaches, the mucus buildup that causes sinus pressure must be reduced. Decongestants and antihistamines sold over-the-counter, as well as nasal steroid sprays available by prescription, may help alleviate symptoms. - Headache from a head injury
When you strike your head, you may experience an immediate or delayed headache. This can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but if you develop symptoms such as unconsciousness, convulsions, vomiting, memory loss, confusion, and vision or hearing problems, you should seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate a severe traumatic injury. - Cluster headache
This sudden discomfort is felt around and behind one eye. It could last between 15 minutes and three hours. Cluster headaches are more likely to occur if you smoke. Oxygen therapy, steroid injections, oral steroids (typically prednisone), and melatonin are examples of acute and preventative drug treatments for cluster headaches. - Headache from the hangover
After a night of drinking, you wake up with this type of headache. The headache is on both sides of the head and is accompanied by nausea. Depending on how much you drank, it could be mild to severe. If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter medication. However, drinking a lot of water will alleviate the pain. - Hypnic headache
This headache is commonly referred to as an alarm clock because it occurs while a person is sleeping and wakes them up. It typically begins in people in their 50s, but it can begin earlier. The pain is dull on both sides of the head and typically causes multiple nighttime awakenings. - Thunderstorm headache
A thunderclap headache is a severe headache that develops rapidly and reaches its peak intensity in less than one minute. It could be benign, or it could be a symptom of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. A thunderclap headache may be indicative of blood vessel tears, ruptures, or blockages, stroke, brain injury, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation), or pituitary apoplexy.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a thunderclap headache for the first time.
- Headache from exertion
This headache is a throbbing pain that occurs after strenuous physical activity, such as lifting a heavy load, running, or having sexual relations. It is temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. - Headache from ice picks
Primary stabbing headaches, also known as ice pick headaches, are characterized by brief, intense stabbing pains in the head. These headaches may occur several times per day without prior warning. Ice pick headaches may feel like a single stab or a series of stabs.
Ice pick headaches typically affect various regions of the head. If you consistently experience ice pick headaches in the same location, it may be a sign of an underlying condition.
