Headaches: Types, causes and treatment

Almost everyone will experience a headache at some point in their life. Some are simply pesky, while others are debilitating enough to disrupt life significantly. To relieve the symptoms of a headache, it helps to know the cause.

Common types of headaches

There are many types of headaches. The more you know about the type that affects you, the better you can avoid causes and manage symptoms. Here are three of the most common types.

Tension headache

This is the most common kind of headache, and anyone can get them. Tension headaches are considered chronic if they last for hours and occur more than 15 times a month for several months.

• Symptoms: A tension headache involves a dull pain that is not throbbing. It might feel like you have a very tight headband around your head; you feel the pain all over and not in any particular place.
• Causes: While the cause isn’t completely clear, many factors may bring on a tension headache: stress, sustained loud noises, dehydration, poor sleep, prolonged screentime and skipping meals are just a few potential causes.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are among the most painful headaches. As their name suggests, they occur in clusters, often following a pattern for weeks or months. During a cluster period, you may get multiple headaches each day, lasting from 15 minutes to several hours. People who get cluster headaches may have periods of remission, when their headaches go away – that can last months or years.

• Symptoms: Cluster headaches strike quickly and are usually felt behind or around one eye. The affected eye might appear red and teary. You might also experience a stuffy nose and sweating on that side of your head, and your face may appear red as well.
• Causes: As with most types of headaches, the cause of cluster headaches is not known. But men are more likely to get them. Smoking and alcohol can make the headaches worse.

Migraine

Migraine is a neurologic condition that can cause severe headaches and other symptoms. Some people might get migraine attacks several times a month, while others experience them only a few times a year. For some, a migraine attack might last a few hours. For others, it could be up to three days.

• Symptoms: Up to 48 hours before a migraine, you may notice mood changes, neck stiffness, lights or spots in your field of vision, and even difficulty speaking. A migraine headache is a throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. During this phase, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Causes: Migraine appears to be genetic—it often runs in families. If you’re a woman, you are also three times more likely to have migraine.

Behavioral modifications, medication and procedural treatments such as Botox and trigger-point injections can all be helpful in managing migraine.

Other types of headaches

• Sinus headaches. These are caused by allergies, a sinus infection or a virus that affects your upper respiratory system. Quick fact: Migraine is often mistaken for a sinus infection. If you are having frequent severe headaches that are not accompanied by a fever or local sinus symptoms such as fluid drainage, check with your care team to make sure that sinus headache is not migraine.
• Exertional headaches. These are throbbing headaches that are usually short but can last up to a day or two. They are caused by vigorous physical activity such as running, jumping or weightlifting.
• Medication-overuse headaches. Also known as “rebound” headaches. They could be the result of too much stimulant such as caffeine or the long-term use of acute headache medicines.

How to get rid of a headache

If you have chronic or especially painful headaches that interfere with your daily life, or if you think your headaches may be a sign of another health problem, you should consult your care team. There are many prescription medications and specialized treatments that can reduce severe or chronic headache pain.

At-home remedies for a headache

For headaches that aren’t as severe, home remedies are a good option. Here are some ways you can find relief without a doctor’s help:

• Take over-the-counter medication such as Excedrin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin.
• Rest in a darkened, quiet room and try to relax or sleep.
• Practice mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques including meditation, deep breathing or gentle yoga.
• Apply a compress to your head or neck. A cold compress can help numb the area; a warm compress will help relax the muscles.

How to prevent a headache

• Get regular sleep, 7 to 9 hours each night.
• Eat a consistent, healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Consider taking supplements such as vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, feverfew or magnesium (consult your doctor first).
• Get regular exercise at a level of intensity that you can tolerate without triggering migraine.
• Avoid stress as much as you can and use stress-management techniques when you need to.
• If you’ve been using screens for an extended period, take a break.
• Avoid excessive caffeine.
• Follow your doctor-prescribed medication regimen.

When headaches begin to interfere with normal life functions such as work, school or recreational activities, it may be time to call a health care professional for guidance.

When to call 911

If your headache is accompanied by numbness or weakness, slurred speech, seizures, it's time to call 911. Here is a list of other symptoms that may signal is time to get to the emergency department.