Types of Headaches: How to Identify Each Type?

Headaches are common all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that between 50% and 75% of the adult population between the ages of 18 and 65 suffer from some type of headache each year.

Headaches come in many varieties and occur for different reasons.According to MedlinePlus, the most common types of headaches are Tension headaches, migraines or cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and headaches that start in the neck.

It can be caused by the common cold, flu, and other viral illnesses, especially if the fever is low.

type of headache

1. Migraine: Migraines are known for their severity and debilitating nature. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound and can last for hours or even days. Premonition symptoms (called auras) may include flickering lights or jagged lines in the field of vision.

2. Tension headache: Probably the most common. They feel like a tight band around the head and are usually related to stress, muscle tension, or poor posture. They can be annoying, but rarely reach migraine intensity.

3. Cluster or explosive headaches: Cluster headaches are one of the most painful headaches. They usually affect one side of the head and appear in bursts or “clusters.” Other symptoms may include redness, tearing, and nasal congestion in the same side of the eye.

They’re people who wake up in the middle of the night with severe pain in or around one eye on one side of the head, according to the Mayo Clinic.

4. Sinus headache: Sinus headaches are often confused with migraines because they have similar symptoms, such as forehead or cheek pain. In this case, however, the pain is related to sinus inflammation, usually from an infection.

5. Drug overdose headache: Overuse of pain relievers can lead to more frequent headaches. This type of headache is the result of a “rebound” when the effects of the medication wear off.

6. Exertional headache: This type of headache is triggered by physical exertion or a sudden increase in blood pressure, such as when lifting something heavy or coughing violently. Often it feels like a sharp pain in the back of the head.

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If you experience frequent, severe or unusual headaches, it is important to seek medical advice to ensure there is no underlying problem and to determine the best treatment.

It’s worth noting that headaches can also be caused by other causes. According to MedlinePlus, these can be:

– Acute hydrocephalus: The result of interruption of CSF.

– Very high blood pressure.

-brain tumor

– Brain swelling (cerebral edema): Due to altitude sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, or acute brain injury.

– Increased pressure in the skull What looks like a tumor, but is not, is called a pseudotumor brain.

– Infections of the brain or surrounding tissue, and brain abscesses.

– Swollen and inflamed arteries supplying blood to the head, temples and neck area. (temporal arteritis).