Common Headache Symptoms
There are many different types of headaches that have many different symptoms.
Tension headaches are probably the most common type. They are usually caused by tension in the muscles in the neck, shoulders and face. Migraines are much more severe, and affect around 6% of men and 13% of women. These are often more painful and longer lasting than tension headaches. Cluster headaches are also quite severe, and sometimes last for as much as several weeks.
Everyone has experienced a tension headache at one time or another. They usually only last for a short period of time, and are characterized by pain around the eyes and temples. The location of the pain is determined by which muscles are experiencing the tension. Although it is usually in the above areas, the pain can appear anywhere above the neck.
Watery eyes and runny nose are often symptoms that accompany a tension headache. Red eyes can also occur as the pain works it's way down from the eyebrows. Unlike other types of headaches, tension headaches rarely cause vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. This is more common to migraine headaches.
Anyone who has ever suffered from a migraine knows that they are totally unrelated to tension headaches. Genetics play a major role in the appearance of this type of headache, but other factors are largely unknown. Although there are treatment options that are fairly effective, people who suffer from migraines often have them for a lifetime.
Migraines are characterized by intense, throbbing pain around the eyes and temples. Many times the pain will alternate from one temple to the other. The pain is so severe that it often seems to be spreading to other parts of the head. Inflammation of the blood vessels in the eyes is also a common symptom of migraine headaches.
Secondary headaches are severe headaches that are associated with some already existing medical condition. An example would be a headache caused by a brain tumor.
There are various other symptoms associated with migraines as well. Extreme sensitivity to sound and light are common. These headaches vary in duration, from a few hours to a few days or more. Fatigue, sleepiness, and cravings for sweets are common warning signs that a migraine is about to begin.
The pain is sometimes so intense that it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Sensitivity to light and sound, diarrhea, and cold hands and feet are also common symptoms. These episodes can be brought on by something as simple as walking up the stairs.
Cluster headaches are more commonly characterized by a pattern of pain. They usually last only a short time, but they come back every day for a certain amount of time. Sometimes this pattern continues for as much as a month or more. After this period of time, they usually go away for months, and then return. This pattern is what separates cluster headaches from migraines. The type and severity of the pain is similar in both cases.
Introduction to Headaches
Causes of Headaches
Who is At Risk of Suffering from Headaches?
Diagnosing Headaches
Headaches Guide and Info
Cluster Headaches Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Migraine Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Seeking Medical Advice for Headaches
Tension Headaches Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Pregnancy Headaches Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Sinus Headaches Causes and Treatments
Headaches Treatment and Medication
Triptans Migraines Treatment and Medication
Ibuprofen Headache Medication and Treatment
Ergots and Midrin for Migraines Treatment
Headaches Treatment - Surgery vs Drugs
How to Control Headaches Symptoms
Brand Name vs Generic Medication – Headache Treatments
Headaches Preventive Medications and Treatments
Aspirin - Headache Medication and Treatment
Acetaminophen – Headache Medication and Treatment
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