Types And Causes Of Headaches

Headaches can be more complicated than most people envisage. There are different kinds of headaches with their own characteristics, symptoms and they happen for unmatched reasons. So before embarking on any treatment for headache, it is important to know what caused it. Usually, the doctor would recommend a drug or not necessarily, provide a form of advice that will stop further occurrences.

According to WebMD, there are close to 150 types of headache. Not to bore you or lose track, the goal is to pass the knowledge about the common ones.

• Tension headaches

It is also known as stress headache or chronic daily headache. They are the most common type of headache among adults and teens. They bring mild pain and disappear over time.

• Migraines 

This type is often characterized by pounding and throbbing pain. They can last for hours to days depending on the victim. They may happen one to four times per month (Averagely 2 days). Sufferers are sensitive to light, noise or smells; nausea, loss of appetite or stomach pain. Children suffering from migraine are known to have blurry vision, pale appearance and usually feel dizzy; often they may have fever.

• Mixed headache syndrome

It is also called transformed migraines. It is a mix of migraines and tension headaches. Adults and children are affected.

• Cluster headaches

This type is intense and feels like a piercing or burning feeling behind the eyes. This one is terrible as people affected cannot sit still or walk during an attack.

• Sinus headaches

It is accompanied with constant aches in cheekbones, forehead and nasal bridge. It happens when cavities in the head called sinuses get inflamed. It is characterized by running nose, fullness in the ears and swelling in the face.

• Hormone headaches

This type is common in women as changes in hormone levels during periods, pregnancy and menopause results in headaches. Consumption of some birth control pills also triggers headache in some women.

Causes Of Headaches

Illness – infection, fever and cold

Stress – emotional stress, depression, skipping meals, changes in sleep pattern, eyestrain

Environment – Smoke and noise