A headache is a very common condition that almost every person has experienced at least once in their lifetime. It’s most described as a throbbing pain in your head that seems like it won’t stop and seems to hinder your thoughts and actions. Despite being prevalent in society, headaches can be a major disturbance to everyday life. It can cause people to miss out on school, work, and home responsibilities. People who suffer from chronic headaches can feel anxious or depressed as well.
Headaches can be more complicated than people believe as there are over 150 different types that are separated due to causes, symptoms, and treatments. The three main types are migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.
Migraines
Migraines can last up to 4-72 hours and typically occur 1-4 times a month. These headaches are described as pulsing, pounding moderate to severe unilateral pain that can cause blurry vision, dizziness, sensitivity to light, nausea or vomiting.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type and causes consistent bilateral pressure that feels like a rubber band around the head. They can last several minutes or days and can worsen with activity.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches can cause severe pain behind or around one eye. It can be described as burning, throbbing, or piercing pain that can occur multiple times a day and last up 15-80 minutes.
Since there are so many different types of headaches it is best to explain to your healthcare provider your symptoms and the frequency in which they occur. Most headaches do not require intensive testing but keeping a descriptive journal of your headaches will help narrow down the diagnosis. There are different treatment options such as avoiding triggers, healthy diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and medications specific for each type. Headaches can seem like something everyone has to deal with, but relief can be found.
