How to Differentiate Between the Three Primary Types of Headaches: A headache can strike anywhere at any time – at work, at home, on the go. The pain can be dull and throbbing, or sharp and pinpointed. No matter when or where a headache comes on, you just want the pain to stop. But when it comes to managing and preventing headache symptoms, identifying the type of headache you have can help. There are three main types of headaches: tension, migraine and cluster headaches. Each has its own causes and symptoms. Tension Headaches Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headache. They are caused by a tightening of the muscles of the neck and scalp. This muscle contraction may be triggered by a number of different physical or environmental factors, including stiffness in the muscles of the shoulders and neck, stress, or lack of sleep. Tension headaches result in mild-to-moderate head pain and pressure that can begin at the back of the head/neck and may move forward, or vice versa. These headaches are felt equally on both sides of the head, and can be accompanied by pain in the neck. They may last from half an hour to several days. While uncomfortable and annoying, tension headaches are not dangerous to your health. Migraine Headaches If you’ve ever had a migraine, chances are you knew you were dealing with a different kind of headache. Known triggers for migraine headaches are numerous and vary from person to person. Each different trigger, however, causes abnormal neurological activity which results in a migraine. Migraine headaches differ from tension headaches in that the pain tends to be on one side of the head (although they can affect both). Pain behind the eyes and in the back of the head is common with migraines. Many migraine sufferers also experience sensitivity to light and noise, nausea and vomiting. Some migraine attacks are preceded by a visual aura that may include seeing flashes of light or blurred vision. Migraine headaches can last from a few hours to a few days, with attacks occurring once or twice a year in some people and up to several times a month in others. If you have experienced these symptoms for the first time, seek advice from your healthcare professional. Cluster Headaches Cluster headaches are very rare, with men more likely to suffer from them than women. While their true cause is unknown, the timing of cluster headaches has been linked to circadian rhythm (the “biological clock”). The “cluster” of cluster headaches refers not to the location of the head pain, but rather to the grouping of the attacks in time. People may experience ‘episodic cluster headaches’ which can occur daily for up to six months. Attacks may then stop altogether, only to return at some later time Cluster headaches bring the most intense pain of all the headaches. The pain comes on quickly on one side of the head, around and behind the eye, then worsens and may last from 30 minutes to three hours. Other symptoms include eye swelling, tearing and redness and blocked or runny nose only on the side of the head that is affected. It is important to speak to a healthcare professional if you think you are suffering from any of the headache types above, as they may be able to assist you in identifying your headache triggers, how to avoid these and what treatment options are available to you.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 06:05:50 +0000
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