5 Things You Need to Know About Headaches

1. Over 100 Types of Headaches Exist

Many different categories of headaches exist. They can be caused by changes in hormones, stress, sinus infections, changes in the brain, and allergies. The pain might be subtle, or sharp and extremely painful. They can last for one hour or for many days. Most headaches are not serious, but can be painful and annoying, especially when they return over and over again over a long period of time. If you are suffering from a headache that won't go away, consult with your health care provider who can help you figure out the cause and best treatment for your pain. Four major categories of headaches are tension, sinus, migraine, and cluster headaches.

2. Tension Headaches Most Common

Tension headaches are the most widespread category of headache. Also referred to as chronic daily or chronic non-progressive headaches, tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions and are characterized by mild to moderate pain over a prolonged period of time. Tension headaches can be prevented through regular sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and hydration.

3. Sinus Headaches From Congestion

Sinus headaches are caused by congestion of the nasal passages and post-nasal drip. Once your sinuses clear up, the pain will usually go away. The pain is localized around the eyes and nose. Many symptoms of sinus headaches are the same as symptoms of migraines. Sinus headaches tend to last longer than other types of headaches and can lead to you feeling increasingly sick over time. They are often accompanied by a fever, cold or allergy attack.

4. Migraine Pain Severe

Migraines are characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain. The exact cause of these painful headaches in not known but the pain is related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain. There is also a connection between genetic abnormalities in parts of the brain and migraines. Symptoms of migraines include nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, increased sensitivity to light, noise, or odors, and extreme pain. The pain can last anywhere between a few hours and a few days.

5. Cluster Headaches Hurt Too

Cluster headaches are not common, but are notable due to the extreme pain they cause. The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region on one side of the face. Pain from a cluster headache can be so severe that a sufferer cannot sit still and instead paces around the room. The term "cluster headache" refers to the pattern in which these headaches appear which is usually one to three times a day for a time period ranging between a couple of weeks and a few months. Cluster headaches can disappear for extended periods of time only to return months or even years later.