There are plenty of headache types symptoms that people have to contend with and because there are so many different types, the symptoms vary from one extreme to the other.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches experienced by many and result from the tightening of muscles in the back, neck, shoulders and face.
Migraines, on the other hand, affect about 6% of men and 13% of women. Compared to tension headaches, migraines can be much more intense and last longer.
Cluster headaches are another type of headache, and they are considered to be rare, affecting only about 1% of the population. However, of all the types of headaches, cluster headaches are said to be the most painful. A cluster headache often occurs at the same time each day, and they can last for weeks and even months.
Tension Headache Symptoms
Just about everyone has suffered from a tension headache at one time or another. Tension headaches generally are annoying and cause moderate pain in the areas around the eyes and the temples. The pain can be in the back or neck areas instead of being restricted to the head region. The symptoms of a tension headache include watery eyes, runny nose, pressure in the eyebrow area, and even vomiting in some cases. In severe tension headaches, sensitivity to light can be experienced even though the pain isn’t severe enough to make it a migraine headache.
Migraine Headache Symptoms
Anyone who has suffered from a migraine headache can tell you there is a vast difference between a migraine headache and a tension headache. Some research indicates that migraine headaches can be genetic in nature. Most people who do suffer from migraines do so on and off for years. Some people have migraine headaches for life. There are some good treatments available, but migraines can definitely prevent a person from continuing their daily activities.
A migraine headache can come on quickly and often without warning. The common symptoms of migraine include nausea and a throbbing pain in one temple. The pain can transfer to the other temple, which result to a “unilateral attack.” Because the pain can transfer from one temple to the other, the sufferer often think that the pain is spreading. Migraine sufferers often feel pain right behind their eyes, and in some cases, the blood vessels in the eye become inflamed. If the migraine headache only seem to occur in one temple, never alternating, it is possible that it can be caused by a more serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor.
When a migraine headache is occurring, sufferers often become very sensitive to light and sound. A migraine headache can last from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Many people who suffer from migraine headaches notice that they crave sweets, are tired or they have trouble sleeping before a migraine is about to come on. When the migraine attacks, sufferers often experience intense pain and may feel nauseated and even vomit. Their hands and feet are cold, and they may even end up having diarrhea.
Symptoms of a Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are more painful than migraines, but both types of headaches share similar symptoms. Cluster headaches can last up to an hour, but can re-occur each day around the same time. Most people get cluster headaches suddenly, and then they continue to happen for weeks or months at a time.
It is important to see your doctor if you experience severe headache pain because it can signal a serious medical condition such as a brain tumor or cancer.