5 types of headaches and what they reveal

We all get a headache at some point, ranging from a couple of times a year to every week. However, not all headaches are same, and can range from light pressure headaches to intense migraines, which might indicate normal stress, or an underlying medical condition. The kind of headache you get is a clue into your overall health, and paying attention to them can reveal a lot about your underlying conditions. Here are 5 kinds of headaches, and their causes...

Tension headaches feel like a tight band around your forehead, temples or back of the neck. The pain remains at a level of mild to moderate intensity, which affects both sides of the body, lasting from a few minutes to few days! The condition produces two main symptoms which are neck stiffness and scalp tenderness but patients remain free from nausea and light sensitivity.

The majority of headaches develop because of stress, combined with poor posture and eye strain from screen use and missing meals. The condition affects 80% of people at least a couple of times a year, but it does not indicate any medical problem. An OTC pain killer, with rest, hydration and stress relief through deep breathing techniques provides pain relief. Chronic ones however, over 15 days a month need lifestyle checks to break the cycle.

Migraines cause severe pulsating headaches, which affect one side of the head and persist between 4 hours and 72 hours. The symptoms of nausea and vomiting appear with light, sound and smell sensitivity which makes you need to stay in a dark room. The first symptoms of seizures appear as flashing lights, zigzag lines and numb arms which affect 25% of patients.

In migraine, hot flashes develop because of hormonal shifts, which occur when people eat foods like chocolate or cheese, and when their sleep patterns change, weather conditions shift and stress levels increase. Women experience elevated risk, because their estrogen levels change throughout their menstrual cycle. The treatment of migraine attacks involves either triptans or preventive medications which help prevent future episodes, while patients should note their triggers to improve their condition.

The onset of cluster headaches brings immediate severe burning pain, which affects one eye or temple region for 15 minutes to 3 hours. The eye waters, nose runs or blocks on that side, with eyelid droop or sweating. The attacks can occur 1-8 times per day in patterns which persist for several weeks, before they become absent for extended periods of time.

Men in their 30s who smoke, drink or use strong perfumes can get these headaches. The condition develops because of excessive signals which come from the trigeminal nerve and the hypothalamus. Oxygen therapy, together with sumatriptan injections provide immediate relief from attacks. Because of their intensity, the name "suicide headache" is given to such conditions.

Sinus headaches cause deep, steady ache in cheeks, forehead or bridge of nose, that worsens when bending forward. The symptoms include thick nasal discharge, facial tenderness and fever which can make patients believe they have allergies or a cold. The pain reaches its highest point during morning hours, but becomes more manageable when you move. Most cases of sinusitis can be treated with decongestants, saline rinses and antibiotics, which will resolve the condition within 7-10 days. People should visit a doctor when their eye pain continues for more than 10 days, while they also experience vision problems.

Thunderclap headaches, like the name suggests, literally 'explode', reaching peak pain in seconds, and lasting an hour or more. Such pain is usually a sign of bleeding, blood vessel rupture or high blood pressure, and can also be accompanied by neck stiffness, and confusion. This condition usually develops from aneurysm ruptures or reversible spasms. Doctors usually conduct CT scans and lumbar punctures to confirm that there is no risk to life.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice