Headaches are defined as pain associated with the head or neck, which can be caused by a huge range of reasons and pathologies. While the symptoms for each type of headache are unique, many of them may overlap, making it hard to distinguish between different types of headache. Usually, it is not so easy to determine the type of headache once the symptoms appear – it takes a period of trial and error, watching symptoms for some time, and making patterns to be able to diagnose the type of headache. This period of time can be frustrating for the person suffering from a headache, as the only thing in mind is how to get rid of the headache. But being patient will be rewarded with the right and effective treatment. These facts will give you essential information about the signs and symptoms of the types of headaches that you may have, so that you can take it to your physician and devise a plan of action.

Migraines

Migraines are often thought to be the worst type of headache as they appear to be frequent and most painful. They can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, and often make the person unable to move or speak. Migraines are notorious for their nasty side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, which can make the headache worse as it increases the inter-cranial pressure. Many people also experience photophobia, or inability to look at light because the pain is too intense. This often results in solitary confinement where migraine headache sufferers have to keep themselves contained in a dark area, away from light, noise and movement.

Tension Headaches

This type of headache is characterized by a band-like tightness or squeezing across the head and neck, and can range from only slightly bothersome to very extreme. Tension headaches usually appear when you can’t deal with stress in your life, be it physical stress, mental or emotional. This type of headache typically lasts from 30 minutes to 7 days, and the duration depends on the treatment. Tension headaches tend to be quite frequent, so taking medication all the time is not the right thing to do, as prolonged use of pharmaceuticals can cause damage to the stomach and liver. Natural healing methods such as chiropractic modalities, massage, physical therapy and acupuncture have been proven to be just as successful as painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.

Cluster Headaches

Males, aged 20 to 50 are at the highest risk for cluster headaches, depending upon their genetic makeup. This type of headache is characterized by short bursts of extreme pain in any part of the head, and is often described as “lightening” or “thunder” because of the intensity and sudden onset. These clusters can last from a few minutes to several hours. This appears to be the most debilitating type of headache, as the person often feels as though they are having a nail drilled into their head and hence they have difficulty functioning properly. Cluster headaches can go away by themselves; however relief is faster with treatment such as muscular manipulation or ibuprofen to stop any swelling of blood vessels.

These are just a few of the huge variety of headache types. Each type of headache is different and requires different treatment. You should always remember, that too frequent or extremely intense headaches are not normal and can’t be self-treated; consult your physician to get a proper treatment.

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