Common Types of Headaches

Headaches can sometimes signify that you are exhausted or there is something wrong with your body.   

There are several types of headaches and each of those can have different causes. One of the most common types is the tension headache.  

Tension headache is when you feel a dull and aching sensation all over your head. It can also feel as if you have some sort of tightness or pressure around your head.  

Tension headaches are usually caused by stress.   

Other Types of Headaches  

Other common types of headaches include:  

• Cluster headaches: it can be as short as 15 minutes. However, there are cases where some people experience it for 3 hours. It can feel like a severe burning or piercing pain, with the pain felt behind one eye or felt on one side of the face at the time.  

Its symptoms include:  

• Swelling   

• Redness  

• Sweating accompanied by a headache  

• Nasal congestion  

• Eye tearing up on the same side where you experience the headache  

• Migraine headaches: some people who experience this kind of headache can sometimes have visual disturbances before the headache starts, which is called migraine aura. Migraine headaches can last up to 4 hours. In some severe cases, people experience migraine for 72 hours.   

Some of its symptoms include:  

• Throbbing pain   

• Light sensitivity  

• Sound sensitivity  

• Nausea   

• Vomiting  

Migraine can be triggered by dehydration, sleep deprivation, exposure to chemicals, skipped meals, and hormone fluctuations.*  

• Secondary headaches: these are headaches that are caused by an underlying condition. They are commonly treated as a sign or symptom of a possible condition.  

These types of headaches are not usually dangerous and usually go away after being treated. Examples of secondary headaches include:  

• Dehydration headache  

• Sinus headache  

• Medication overuse headache  

Dangerous Types of Headaches  

Although secondary headaches are not necessarily dangerous, there are certain types of headaches that can be potentially life-threatening such as:  

• Spinal headaches: these intense headaches happen when the spinal fluid leaks out of the membrane covering your spinal cord. Spinal headaches can be treated at home but prolonged occurrence can cause dangerous complications such as seizures and subdural hematoma.  

• Thunderclap headaches: They can come suddenly and can be extremely painful. The pain can last from one minute to five minutes. It requires an immediate medical response as it can be a symptom of a brain bleed, head injury, the sudden rise of blood pressure, and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome  

Headaches do not usually last long. If you start experiencing headaches lasting more than 2 days, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if it hinders you from doing your daily routine. 

SOURCE: 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches 

https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/types-of-headaches