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10 Types of Headaches and How to Deal with Them

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There are over 150 different types of headaches. The most common are tension, cluster, and migraine. These are distinguished by the kind of pain, strength, and duration. Learn more about the 10 most common types of headaches.

#1. Tension headaches

The pain in tension headaches is dull, not acute, or pulsating. You may have the feeling that it has covered your entire head. In tension headaches, you may feel the tension around the neck, scalp, forehead, or shoulders. The reason: stress. This type is treated either with rest or with standard aspirin-like drugs, or those containing ibuprofen and caffeine.

#2. Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches occur with sharp and piercing pain. It usually appears around one eye or one side of the face. Sometimes the pain is so intense that the eyes and the nose begin to tear up.

In a cluster headache, one gets several “attacks” one after another. Each attack can last from a few minutes to several hours. It may be within one day or a few days in a row.

Cluster headaches are more common in men. The cause of them is still unclear.

#3. Migraines

Migraine pain is pulsating and strong. Sometimes it can last for days. Usually, the pain is on one side of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by increased sensitivity to light and sound; it is possible that nausea and vomiting may occur.

The causes of a migraine may be inherited or associated with problems with the nervous system. Other reasons may include sleep problems, dehydration, hunger, or hormonal problems. This sort of pain is more common in women.

The following types of headaches that we’ll tell you about now are called “secondary,” i.e., they occur as a consequence of other diseases or conditions.

#4. Sinus headaches

Sinus headaches often happen as a result of an allergic reaction. The pain, logically, is in the sinus area. They are most common in people with allergies. It can also occur as a consequence of an inflammation of the sinuses after the flu or cold. It is usually relieved by drops, nasal sprays, or by the yoga practice of Jala Neti.

#5. Hormonal headaches

Mostly women suffer from a hormonal headache, which, like pain, is very similar to a migraine. The most common causes of it are changes in hormone levels due to a monthly cycle or contraception. Hormonal headaches can appear before, during, or just after a period. In some women, they also appear during ovulation. Hormonal headaches are more common in women who suffer from migraines.

#6. Caffeine headaches

Caffeine affects blood circulation in the brain. That is why in too large quantities it can cause such an ailment. However, if your body is accustomed to taking coffee in specific amounts every day at a particular time, the lack of it creates a headache on the first day without it.

#7. Headaches after physical activity

Some of these results from tension exerted onto the body. They appear after lifting weights, running, sex, heavy physical labor, etc. This type of headache is pulsating on both sides of the head.

#8. Headaches due to high blood pressure

This headache occurs when blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels. It is often a pulsating type accompanied sometimes by changes in vision, nasal bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath. It usually passes after the blood pressure returns to normal.

#9. Headaches after the administration of drugs

Excessive use of some medications can also cause a headache. Always read the leaflet to become familiar with the side effects of each drug.

#10. Headaches after trauma

Sometimes after a trauma or a stroke, you can get headaches. In severe injuries, they can last between 6 and 12 months. Sometimes they go away, but sometimes they become chronic.