Headaches; What You Should Know

Headaches are common; almost every adult experience a headache at some point. Though disruptive, in most cases, headaches are not harmful. Usually, it’s normal to have a headache after a long day of work; however, when it persists for a few days, you might need to check in with your doctor. The headache Toms River specialist at Modern Migraine MD offers exclusive virtual and in-office care to help patients find ease in headache pain and improve their life quality. Keep reading as we find more about headaches.

What causes headaches?

A headache is the pain felt in your head or face. The pain may vary from sharp and dull to throbbing or constant. You can relieve headaches through pain medications, stress management, and more.

There are various types of headaches, categorized as primary or secondary headaches.

Primary headaches are headaches that do not result from an underlying medical condition. They include:

  •         Migraines
  •         Cluster headaches
  •         Tension headaches
  •         New daily persistent headaches

Secondary headaches

These are headaches that result from medical conditions, such as:

  •         Infections
  •         Trauma
  •         Head injury
  •         Medication overuse
  •         Tumor
  •         A disease of blood vessels in the brain
  •         High blood pressure
  •         Sinus congestion

You are likely to have headaches if you have a family history of migraines. The following factors may also trigger headaches.

  •         Exposure to allergens
  •         Eating certain foods or ingredients
  •         Strong odors from household chemicals or perfumes
  •         Secondhand smoke

Other factors that increase your chances of migraines or tension headaches include:

  •         Noise
  •         Emotional stress
  •         Depression
  •         Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
  •         Lighting
  •         Depression
  •         Alcohol use
  •         Neck, eye, or back strain
  •         Excessive medication use

What are the symptoms of headaches?

Pain is the main symptom of headaches. Nevertheless, the pain differs in its degree, location, and frequency, leading to the three types of headaches.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches cause light to moderate pain accompanied by tightness or pressure around your forehead or other head parts.

Cluster headaches

They cause aching pain around your eye. Cluster headaches occur in bunches and may last from a week to a year. Usually, the cluster period involves experiencing one or more daily headaches that last 15 minutes to three hours.

Migraine headaches

They cause throbbing pain that starts from one temple. The pain may remain on one side or migrate to the other temple. You may experience an aura or unusual vision changes before migraines.

Migraine causes symptoms such as vomiting, increased light and smell sensitivity, and nausea. When not treated, migraine may last for four hours and last up to three days.

What are the treatments for headaches?

Your headache treatment plan depends on the type of headache and cause. Your provider helps you evaluate your headache triggers and devise ways to avoid them. They may also recommend adjusting your lifestyle and healthy ways to relieve stress, including yoga and meditation.

Other treatments for headaches include:

  •         Pain medications
  •         Botox injections
  •         Nerve stimulation

If you have frequent headaches that disrupt your daily living, you are not alone. Headaches are common amongst many adults. Knowing what triggers your headache may help you prevent the headache. Contact Modern Migraine MD today or reach out virtually for a consultation.