Headaches: The Many Types and Causes

Having a headache is one of the worst pains. It can cause you to be unable to function properly, or think clearly. When you have a headache, it seems that it is all you can focus on. There are however, many different types of headaches, each with their own causes and symptoms. Treating your headache is much easier if you know exactly what kind you are dealing with.

Tension headaches normally come with mild to moderate pain, although some may be severe. Symptoms also include constant pressure and can occur on both sides of the head at once. There are many causes of a tension headache. They include stress, sleep deprivation, uncomfortable stressful position, and/or bad posture. Other causes are irregular mealtimes or being hungry, eyestrain, and caffeine withdrawal.

Migraine headaches come with different phases. There are the prodomal symptoms, which include altered mood, irritability, depression or euphoria, fatigue, yawning, excessive sleepiness, and many more. Another phase of migraine headaches is the aura phase. This phase normally starts in 5 to 20 minutes and lasts for less than 60 minutes. Symptoms with this phase are vision problems such as, flashing, misshaped lines, blurriness, cloudiness, shimmering, or tunnel vision. Pins and needles may be felt in the hand and arm, and nose and mouth areas all on the same side. There are many other symptoms with this phase. The pain phase of a migraine has symptoms of throbbing, may be moderate to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, nasal stiffness, diarrhea, sweating, scalp tenderness, or one or more of many other symptoms. The last migraine phase is the postdrome phase. This phases symptoms are, tired, head pain, mood changes, weakness, and feeling hung-over. There are many causes of a migraine, including but not limited to, allergic reactions, bright lights, loud noises, physical or emotional stress, changes in sleep pattern and skipping meals.

Cluster headaches are extremely painful. Signs of this type of headache are drooping eyelid, eye redness, teary eye, runny nose, and restlessness. Cluster headaches can be caused by nitroglycerins, alcohol, chocolates, exposure to hydrocarbons, heat, napping, lack of sleep, and smoking.

Organic headaches are caused by an abnormality in the brain or skull. The abnormality could be a benign or malignant tumor, brain aneurism, hematoma, meningitis, or other abnormalities. Sudden, sharp pain, sudden lack of balance, falling, confusion, seizures, and difficulty speaking are all symptoms of an organic headache.

These are descriptions of just a few of the many different types of headaches. Headaches can however be misdiagnosed, therefore making one difficult to treat. You should contact your physician before treating any symptoms of a headache.