At one time or another, everyone has had a headache. Headaches come in various forms; some are mild and dissipate as quickly as they appeared. Others, however, can be excruciating, causing the sufferer to seek medical treatment.
Knowing what causes a headache, its different types are and how you can treat them effectively, can save you both time and a trip to the ER.
Common Types of Headaches
People usually classify their headaches as either a dull or intense ache. However, there are many types of headaches that someone can experience.
Here are some of the most common headaches:
Migraines
Migraines are often considered one of the worst kinds of headaches because of how long they last. Women, in particular, are more likely to develop a migraine than men. The pain that’s experienced is described as a severe throbbing on one side of a person’s head. Nausea and vomiting are also symptoms of a migraine.
Tension Headaches
People may experience tension headaches whenever their muscles contract in their neck. These muscles can contract for many reasons ranging from stress, anxiety or an injury. Luckily, these types of headaches are easily treatable through the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are occurring whenever someone is suffering from sinus issues. One of the most common causes of this headache is sinusitis, which is when the sinuses become swollen. People experience a mild pulsating pressure-like sensation in their forehead and eyes. In some cases, this sensation can be felt in the upper teeth as well.
Caffeine-Induced Headaches
When too much caffeine is ingested, it can cause a headache to develop. If you drink more than two cups of coffee a day for weeks at a stretch, then there is a possibility you might develop a migraine. However, it’s important to keep in mind that caffeine affects everyone differently, so you might not experience the same issues as other people.
How to Treat Headaches
Treating a headache depends on many factors ranging from its severity, what type it is and the other symptoms that accompany it. As previously stated, some headaches are milder than others, which make them easier to treat. You can use a warm or cold compress or an OTC medicine.
For more severe headaches, however, you’ll most likely need to consult a doctor. You should see a doctor if you start experiencing symptoms like dizziness or numbness. They’ll help come up with a treatment plan to help alleviate both the symptoms and the headache. It’s also worth mentioning that adults aren’t the only ones who can experience a severe type of headache. Children can suffer from headaches as well.
Thankfully, headaches are usually nothing more than a small inconvenience when they’re mild. Severe headaches, on the other hand, can become problematic if recurrent and not alleviated with over-the-counter preparations. If you’re suffering from headaches that seem to recur more often than not, talk to your physician about the possible causes and treatment.