Headaches

Headache

Headaches are a common occurrence in our society. In fact, each one of us has experienced a headache at one time or another. However, there is still so much that we do not understand about headache types and causes. While we know some triggers, it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of many types of headaches. There are so many variables as well as degrees of pain associated with the different types that studying them is very difficult.

Headache Types Explained!

Migraine Headaches

More than 28 million people suffer from migraine headaches, with two thirds of them being women. There is very little known about what actually causes migraine headaches to take place. Some research indicates that migraine headaches are a reaction with the serotonin in the body. Other research suggests there is a genetic link.

Cluster Headaches

Less than 1% of the population suffer from cluster headaches, which are ranked as the most severe type of headaches when it comes to pain. Cluster headaches are much more intense than migraines. A typical cluster headache lasts up to one hour, and it will reoccur about the same time each day. A cluster headache can come on suddenly and last for weeks or months, and then disappear again. The cause of cluster headache has not been determined.

Tension Headaches

Even with all we know about tension headaches, only part of the causes are known. These causes include stress, poor diet choices, posture and various medical conditions. The connection that makes these things result in a headache, however, isn’t known. The good news is that there are plenty of effective over-the-counter pain relievers for tension headache relief. Since there is no cure to prevent tension headaches from happening, finding an effective treatment that works for you is the next best thing.

Headache Pain Relievers

The most common over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Both aspirin and acetaminophen have been in use for more than 100 years. Aspirin is considered to be one of the wonder drugs available because it safely reduces inflammation and takes care of headache pain.

In addition to over-the-counter medications, there are beta blockers, anti-depressants and other forms of medications that may be prescribed by a doctor to help individuals get relief from the types of headaches they are suffering from. These medications may not be able to prevent the headaches from happening, but they can reduce the amount of pain, reduce the frequency and help affected individuals function normally.

There are some health risks involved with taking any type of pain medication for headaches. Some common side effects include internal bleeding, stomach problems and ulcers. Taking too high of a dose of either over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can be dangerous to your health.

If you suffer from headaches on a regular basis, especially those that fall into the category of migraines or cluster headaches, you should see a doctor. It is possible that you have another health condition that could be triggering the headaches. These include brain tumors and cancer.

Pregnant women need to consult with a doctor before they consume any medications for headaches. Headaches are often more frequent during pregnancy due to hormone changes in the body. Eating a good diet can help pregnant women from experiencing too many headaches.

There is still plenty of research that needs to be completed in order to find the underlying causes of headaches. This will allow better treatment options to be found for those who suffer from headaches. In the meantime, you can help reduce your chances of getting a headache by reducing stress, getting enough rest, eating right and exercising every day.

What Causes a Headache

Headaches differ in severity as well as what brings them on and there are hundreds of different reasons for what causes a headache including more serious ailments such as brain tumors and aneurysms

Headache Types Symptoms - Cluster, Migraine and Tension Headaches

There are plenty of headache types symptoms that folks have to contend with and since there are so many different types, the symptoms vary from one extreme to the other

Symptoms of a Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are quite rare but folks that have experienced the symptoms of a cluster headache say they are the most painful type of headache they have ever suffered

Migraine Headache Symptoms

Common migraine headache symptoms include throbbing pain near the temple, nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to both light and sound

Migraine Headache with Auras

It is possible to have a migraine headache with auras or without an aura, although neither is less painful than the other. Migraines without an aura may be less stressful and frightening

How to Prevent Migraine Headaches

Given the choice, most folks would prefer not to have to deal with a headache and sufferers would be only too happy to know how to prevent migraine headaches from coming on in the first place

Tension Headache Symptoms and Relief

Tension headache symptoms are thought to come about due to tension that settles in the body around the face, shoulders, neck and back. Most headaches fall into the tension headache category

Headache Diagnosis - How are Headaches Diagnosed

Headache diagnosis can be diffilcult for doctors since they have to, for the most part, rely on the description or the type of headache pain being experienced by the patient

Headaches During Pregnancy

Many women experience an increase in the occurrence of headaches during pregnancy and it is thought pregnancy headaches are a result of the many hormonal changes a woman goes through

Severe Headaches Caused by Sinus

Migraine headaches are very often misdiagnosed as sinusitis headaches since both migraine and severe headaches caused by sinus can cause pain in the face and the head

Sudden Frequent Headaches

While everybody suffers from a headache at one point or another, some folks are more at risk of experiencing more severe and sudden frequent headaches than others

What is the Best Headache Pain Medication

A brand name headache medication costs more but is it the best headache pain medication when compared to those generic brands placed next to them on the shelf that cost so much less

Aspirin - A Popular Headache Pain Relief Medication

Aspirin is a very widely used headache pain relief medication with some eighty billion tablets sold annually. It is one of the most popular over-the-counter headache medications used today

Use of Chinese Acupuncture for Migraine Headaches

Chinese acupuncture for migraine headaches involves inserting thin needles into several pressure points to release natural endorphins and encourage the body's natural defenses

How do Aspirin and Acetaminophen Differ

Aspirin and acetaminophen have long been used for headache pain relief and although they contain similar compounds, there are some significant differences between them

Ergot and Midrin Migraine Medications

Ergot and midrin migraine medications are commonly used to treat migraine headaches although any medication that contains these compounds comes with some serious side effects

Side Effects of Ibuprofen Headache Pain Relief

Many people turn to ibuprofen when they need headache pain relief. However, there are some side effects of Ibuprofen that you should be aware of

Triptans for Migraine Headache Relief

Triptains for migraine headache relief are similar in make up to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is believed that too much serotonin is a factor in triggering migraine headaches

Chinese Herbs for Headaches

Chinese herbs for headaches include Magnolia bark, which acts like a natural aspirin, and is referred to in Chinese medicine as hou po. Vitex fruit can help relieve pressure around the eyes

Natural Relief for Dehydration Headaches

One of the first symptoms of dehydration is a headache. Drinking water can provide natural relief for dehydration headaches by virtue of the fact that it is re-hydrating your body