Types of headache and the pain you may experience with it

There's nothing worse than experiencing a headache and not knowing what's causing it. While we can describe our pain as sharp, severe, acute or throbbing, we can only treat it if we know the reason behind its onset.

That said, it is important that we're aware of the different types of headaches and yes there are quite a few of them. Additionally, one must also be efficient at describing the pain, the symptoms and the location of the headache. For instance, at the back of the head. These factors can help identify which type of headache you're suffering from and the doctors can treat it accordingly.

Also read: Coronavirus: Is a headache without a fever a COVID-19 symptom?

Migraine headaches are the second most common type of headaches. They are severe and cause throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Headaches associated with migraine are usually accompanied by other symptoms including nausea, vomiting and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound. While the cause of migraine headaches are not definite, experts believe it occurs when unstable brain cells affect the blood vessels and nerve cell functions.

Also read: Coronavirus: How to spot a COVID-19 headache? Symptoms to note

Tension headaches can range from mild to moderate pain in the head. It is often described as constant tightness or pressure around the head or pain in the back of the head or neck. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and can disrupt day to day activities.

Sinus headaches are an outcome of an infection in the sinuses, also known as sinusitis. It may feel like pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead and leads to other symptoms including fever, mucus discharge, bad taste in the mouth, swelling in the face and pain in cheekbones.

Cluster headaches are the most severe type of primary headaches, which usually affect men more than women. They occur in a group or clusters meaning in cycles. This type of headache is recurrent and appears suddenly. The pain is described as severe and intense with a stabbing sensation. It is located behind one of the eyes and the pain does not change sides.

Rebound headaches occur due to medication overuse. It affects at least 5 percent of the people and takes place when people use pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or prescription drugs. Rebound headaches get worse during the mornings and there are usually more days of headaches than without. Over time, the headaches also become more frequent.