Headache pain is one of the most common health complaints in the country. More than 45 million Americans experience chronic, recurring headaches and 28 million suffer from migraines, according to the National Headache Foundation. Women are more likely to be afflicted, making up 70 percent of headache victims. In most cases, headaches aren't a cause for concern. However, possible accompanying symptoms that may signal more serious problems.
Types
The most common type of headache is a tension-type headache, which is also referred to as a chronic daily headache, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Caused by muscle contractions, these headaches can last a few minutes or a few days. Migraines are the next most common form of headaches, and have neurological and genetic causes. Cluster headaches are characterized by intense, burning or throbbing pain behind the eye region, states the Cleveland Clinic. Sinus pain and hormonal changes can also cause headaches.
Mechanism
When you're experiencing a headache, certain nerves of blood vessels and muscles in the head become activated, and send pain signals to your brain, explains the Cleveland Clinic. But, it's unclear why those signals are initially triggered. In the case of migraines, a series of reactions take place between nerve cells, blood vessels and inflammatory substances, resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Depending on the type of headache you have, you may experience different symptoms. For instance, pain may occur on one or both sides of your head, pulsate or throb, or become worse when you move. Migraine headaches can also induce light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Cluster headache symptoms may also include pain and swelling around the eye, facial sweating, drooping eyelids and nasal congestion, states the American Headache Society.
When to Worry
Headaches accompanied by numbness or tingling in your arm and legs may signal that you're having a stroke, according to the American Academy of Family Physician. If your headache follows a blow to your head, you could have a concussion. A stiff neck, severe headache and vomiting are signs of meningitis or bleeding in your brain. A stuffy nose, sore throat and yellow nasal discharge could be a sinus infection.
What to Do
If you experience any of these symptoms, or sudden, severe headaches, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will recommend further testing if your headaches occur with any of the above symptoms. Once a diagnosis is reached, your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment for the underlying condition, which will also relieve your headache.
