Headaches can cause pain on several areas of the head. They rank among the most common pain problems and come in various forms. Depending on the type of headache and its cause, headaches can last for hours or persist for months. Daily headaches tend to cause moderate to severe pain and affect only certain parts of the head. Speaking to a health care provider can assist individuals in finding treatment plans for persistent headaches.
Migraines
Migraines are a chronic headache that can span over a few days. They are severely painful and tend to run in families. The cause of migraines is unknown, but experts believe it involves changes in blood flow to the brain, according to MedlinePlus. Migraines can also trigger from certain foods, odors, bright lights, loud noises, fluctuations in hormones and stress, among other triggers. These persistent headaches generally have two types, migraines with aura and migraines without. Individuals with aura migraines commonly experience visual disturbances as a warning sign for migraines. MedlinePlus reports that approximately 11 out of 100 people experience migraines and they tend to develop between the ages of 10 and 46.
Rebound Headaches
Rebound headaches result from overuse or misuse of pain medications. Those who take medication regularly may develop rebound headaches, or medication overuse headaches. These headaches tend to occur every day or every other day and persist throughout the day. The culprits for rebound headaches are both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some of the common contributing medications to rebound headaches include codeine and prescription narcotics, sinus relief medications, aspirin, acetaminophen and sleep sedatives, according to Georgia Health Info. Symptoms of rebound headaches include every day occurrence, pain, irritability, restlessness, anxiety and difficulty concentrating.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are chronic one-sided headaches that usually occur over weeks or months. They come in cluster periods that generally last from one to 12 weeks and then remiss for an extended period. Individuals typically experience these severe headaches one to three times a day during the cluster period. Mayo Clinic reports that the cause is unknown, but hormones, neurotransmitters and abnormalities in the hypothalamus part of the brain are likely causes. The condition is rare and usually occurs quickly, without warning. Symptoms of cluster headaches include sharp, burning and steady pain on one side of the head. Other symptoms include restlessness, flushed face, reduced pupil size, tearing and drooping eyelid.
