A headache refers to a pain that can be felt anywhere on the head. The pain can be sharp, dull, mild or severe. In some cases stress, hormonal changes or an underlying medical condition can lead to a headache. Fortunately, the different types of headaches have specific treatment methods.
Tension Headache
The Mayo Clinic says that a tension headache is the most common type of headache. Symptoms include a dull and aching pain that can form a tight band across the forehead and back of the head. Tension headache sufferers may develop a poor appetite and tenderness in the shoulders, neck and scalp. Typically, these symptoms can last anywhere between 30 minutes to seven days. The exact cause of a tension headache is unknown, but alterations in certain brain chemicals like endorphins or serotonin can lead to a tension headache. Some other triggers of a tension headache include depression, stress, anxiety, a bad posture or clenching the jaw.
Treatment for a tension headache involves taking such pain relievers as naproxen sodium or a combination of medications such as aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen. Other medications include narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
Cluster Headache
MedlinePlus says that a cluster headache typically forms on one side of the head. This type of headache develops suddenly and typically occurs two to three hours after falling asleep. The pain is either burning, steady or sharp in nature. Also, this pain can affect one eye and lead to tearing and redness of the eye. Sometimes the face can become red, and nasal congestion or a runny nose can ensue. Cluster headaches can occur daily or may be intermittent in nature. It is not clear what causes cluster headaches, but a release of serotonin or histamine can trigger them, says MedlinePlus.
Medications such as prednisone can be taken to decrease inflammation, and breathing pure oxygen can also relieve cluster headaches. Antihistamines, verapamil, propranolol, calcium channel blockers and indomethacin are some other medications that can be used to manage cluster headaches.
Migraines
MedlinePlus says that a migraine is a common type of headache that typically begins with an aura or warning symptoms. Symptoms of an aura usually include eye pain, blurry vision, seeing zigzag lines, tunnel vision and a blind spot. The headache itself can occur in the back of the head or neck or behind the eye. The pain can be throbbing or pounding in nature and last anywhere between six hours to two days. Sweating, light or sound sensitivity, vomiting, nausea and chills are some other signs of migraines.
Drinking plenty of water, resting in a dark room and placing a cold cloth on the head can help manage migraine symptoms. Taking antidepressants, seizure medications, blood pressure medications and serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications can decrease the frequency of migraines. Drugs such as triptans, ergots or isometheptene can be used to stop a migraine attack.
