Are there different types of headaches?
Yes, headaches come in various forms. The two most prevalent are tension headaches and migraines. Tension headaches produce a sensation of pressure or tightness around the entire head.
Migraines typically start as a mild ache and escalate, affecting primarily one side of the head. The pain in migraines is usually described as a pounding or throbbing feeling and can be exacerbated by normal activities like walking or climbing stairs. In addition, migraines can also cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound climbing stairs can make the headache worse.
Migraines can also cause nausea or vomiting, or make you sensitive to light and sound.
Is there anything I can do to feel better when I have a headache?
Yes. Some people feel better if they:
●Take non-prescription pain medicines (but check with your doctor first if you have a health condition or already take prescription medicines).
●Lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room (this works best for migraine headaches).
Should I see a doctor for my headache?
Visit a doctor if
- Your headache starts suddenly, quickly becomes severe, or could be described as “the worst headache of your life.”
- You also have a seizure, personality changes, or confusion, or you pass out.
- You have weakness, numbness, or trouble seeing (migraine headaches can sometimes cause these symptoms, but you should be seen right away the first time these symptoms happen).
- You have a headache after a blow to your head
- You have a headache that wakes you up at night or changes your sleep pattern
- You have a headache that is accompanied by other symptoms such as slurred speech, weakness on one side of your body, or difficulty speaking
- You have a fever or stiff neck with your headache.
- You have new headaches, especially if you are pregnant or older than 40.
- Your headache starts after excercise
What might be causing my headaches?
Some people find that their headaches are triggered by certain foods or things they do. To get an idea of what might be causing your headaches, you can keep a “headache diary.” In the diary, write down every time you have a headache and what you ate and did before it started.
Some common headache triggers include:
●Being stressed
●Skipping meals or eating too little
●Having too little or too much caffeine
●Sleeping too much or too little
●Drinking alcohol
●Eating/drinking certain foods or drinks
You can also write down what medicine you took for the headache and whether or not it helped.
You can download a headache diary here
Is there anything I can do to keep from getting headaches?
If you know what things trigger your headache, try avoiding those things if possible. For example, it might help to:
●Change your eating or sleeping patterns.
●Learn relaxation techniques and healthy ways to manage stress.
●Make healthy lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and getting more physical activity.
If your headaches are frequent, severe, or long-lasting, your doctor can suggest ways to try to prevent them. In some cases, medicines can also help.
How are headaches treated?
There are lots of medicines that can ease the pain of headaches. You can try taking acetaminophen , ibuprofen , or naproxen . There are prescription medicines that can help, too. The right medicine for you will depend on what type of headaches you get, how often you get them, and how bad they are.
If you get headaches often, work with your doctor to find a treatment that helps. Do not try to manage frequent headaches on your own with non-prescription pain medicines. Taking non-prescription pain medicines too often can actually cause more headaches later.
To know more about this condition and discuss treatment options you can book appointment with doctor.
- Note –This is a condensed summary of diagnostic, therapeutic, and medication information and is not intended to be exhaustive. It serves as a guide to aid in understanding potential diagnostic and treatment options and should not be considered a complete source of information. It does NOT encompass all details regarding conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or potential risks that may be relevant to a particular individual. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, which is based on a doctors assessment of a patient’s unique health status after examining them. To receive comprehensive information about their health, medical queries, and treatment options, including the risks and benefits of medication use, patients should consult a doctor. This information does not guarantee the safety, efficacy, or approval of any treatment or medication for a specific patient.