Ahmet Cengiz
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints around the world. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that headache disorders are among the top three most common neurological disorders. While there are many people who use the word headache to describe their condition, headache is a general term for different disorders. The most common types of headaches are: Migraines, Cluster Headaches, Sinus Headaches, and Tension Headaches.
Migraines
Migraines are one of the most common types of headaches. It is estimated that around 15% of Americans suffer from this disease. They are defined as episodic headaches that cause throbbing, pulsing, or pounding head pain. It is generally on one side of the head or worse on one side.
Migraines generally last between 4 hours to 72 hours with severity of any level.
In many people, they are triggered or worsened by factors like bright lights, physical activity, stress, menstruation cycle, loud noises, strong odors, and certain foods/drinks.
For example, according to the American Migraine Foundation, alcohol can cause an attack between 30 minutes to three hours of consumption. Furthermore, certain types of alcohol are also more likely to trigger migraines. Other such foods that have been known to trigger migraines are coffee, chocolate, processed food, etc.
There are multiple types of migraines, and migraines often are accompanied by other symptoms such as mood changes, difficulty concentrating, sleep difficulties, fatigue, vomiting/nausea, frequent urination, muscle weakness, visual change, tinnitus (ringing of ears), etc.
Frequency, type, and patterns of migraines will vary in patients. There are no specific tests to diagnose migraines. However, experienced providers can diagnose migraines through patient’s symptoms, genetic history, physical/neurological exams, and imaging that will eliminate other factors.
The best treatment for migraines includes avoiding triggers and having a healthy lifestyle. There are multiple migraine medications that are Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prescribed, and can be used to deal with the pain caused by the migraines.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches affect 1 in 1000 people and can show symptoms similar to migraines. However, they also differ in some points. They are named after the fact that they come in “groups”. They are generally like piercing pain on one side of the head accompanied by a sharp pain in the eye.
They generally last 30–90 minutes and happen multiple times during the day. However, unlike most headaches, what defines them is their onset. They are sudden and occur in a matter of minutes. This makes them difficult to prepare for and requires patients to be more careful with triggers.
These headaches are the result of a sudden release of histamine or serotonin in the body, which may be caused by triggers such as emotions, allergies, tobacco, alcohol, and certain foods. However, they can also be due to dysfunction in the brain or genetic make-up.
Cluster headaches can be diagnosed by neurologists through physical examination and ruling out of other conditions through imaging.
These types of headaches can be very severe and require attention to avoid intense pain. OTC drugs are not effective most of the time. Medications prescribed by neurologists can help with pain and frequency of these headaches.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are uncommon types of headaches that are often misdiagnosed. According to one research, 88% of participants who reported they had sinus headaches actually had migraines. These headaches are caused by sinusitis or sinus infection. They generally present as dull pain behind the eyes, around the nose, and the forehead.
The duration of sinus headaches is mostly dependent on treatment of sinusitis, which can take days. Triggers may include allergies and illnesses causing sinusitis.
Imaging such as CTs will show whether there is an inflammation or blockage in one’s sinuses.
These types of headaches are generally treated with decongestants or antihistamines. Treating the sinusitis will resolve the headaches. Prolonged headache without sinus symptoms may be a sign of tension headaches or migraines.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common types of headaches that present as dull, pressure-like aching pain around the head. They generally affect both sides of the head at the same level and are bothersome rather than unbearable, which makes them differ from migraines.
They generally last at least two hours, but can last shorter or longer.
Like other types of headaches, these headaches also have triggers. Many researchers believe these headaches are caused by muscle strains. For example, neck strains due to one’s position can trigger these headaches. Other triggers can include anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties.
These headaches can be diagnosed by neurologists with examination and can require imaging that might reveal an underlying condition causing the headaches.
Both OTC medications and prescribed medications can help deal with this condition. Other treatments may include treating the triggers of these headaches like depression/anxiety, sleep difficulties, neck conditions, etc.
Headaches have been a part of our lives for a long time. However, with the advancements in medicine, they can be dealt with through help. As mentioned above, all of these headaches can be managed with changes in our lifestyles. For those suffering more, medications can be beneficial. However, to deal with the symptoms, one must first know the issue. Neurologists can help with diagnosing your condition and guide you in managing the headaches.
