How to Identify Which Type of Headache You Have

It is important to learn how to identify which type of headache you have if you are a sufferer. Knowing this will allow you to determine the best course of action when it comes to treating the symptoms that you are experiencing. It has been estimated that nearly fifty million individuals in the United States alone suffer from headaches to one degree or another. Research has been conducted on the various types of headaches for years. Studies have concluded that, ultimately, there are over one hundred different types of headaches. In this medical guide, you will be introduced to the most common headaches that are reported in doctor offices and hospitals around the nation.

If you are suffering with a headache that seems to come and go on a regular basis and the pain is considered mild or even moderate, you may be suffering from a tension based headache. This is considered to be the most common headache type among those that suffer. An individual that suffers from this type can usually engage in day to day activities with ease and do not suffer from symptoms such as vision changes and balance complications. The headache could last for a short period of time, or even days at a time.

While mildly irritating, most tension headaches can be treated using over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol. If these headaches become troublesome with symptoms such as sleep complications, mood changes, disruptions in the ability to concentrate and pain in the muscles, a medical professional may prescribe medications that are designed to relax the muscles, antidepressant medication, and even suggest training in the area of stress management and home treatments such as the use of an ice pack.

The next type of headache that many suffer from is a migraine. It is important to understand that medical professionals are still attempting to identify the cause behind the development of these headaches, but that there are several different theories. One theory is that the blood vessels throughout the head area constrict in an unnatural way. Many believe that migraine sufferers have a genetic predisposition towards acquiring these types of headaches. Migraines typically occur for hours and or days continuously. The sufferer typically experiences monthly flares in which the pain from this type of headache occurs.

The symptoms associated with a migraine extend well past the typical head pain. It is not unusual for gastrointestinal issues to occur such as mild to severe vomiting. Many experience an increased sensitivity to noises, smells, and light. Vision complications such as double vision, streamers, and other issues often arise. In addition to this, pain in the abdominal area and experiencing a stomach that is described as being "upset" is typical among migraine sufferers. While many succeed in treating a migraine with over-the-counter medications, most require a prescription pain reliever such as Lortab, Darvocet, or even Neurontin in order to experience relief.

Cluster headaches are experienced by many individuals. This type of headache is actually considered to be one of the least experienced, yet can prove to be especially troubling to the individual that experiences them. Patients will experience pain that is described as "throbbing" on a consistent basis when experiencing this headache type. This pain is almost always experienced in or near the eyes. Many that experience this type of headache are described as becoming highly irritable and appearing to be restless due to the intensity of the pain experienced. Medication that is typically issued to a sufferer for relief must come from a medical professional. The common treatment is an injected pain reliever that works in combination with a breathing mask to increase the flow of oxygen through the body.

The next type of headache that an individual may suffer from is a hormone related one. This is seen most often among women. Medications and conditions that affect the hormone levels to fluctuate in the body may result in pain in and near the head region. Those that experience a heavy menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle, menopause, and even pregnancy may find that their head hurts more often than it did previously. Treatments for the menstrual cycle, hormone replacement, menopause, and even pills that assist in birth control often result in hormone based headaches.

Over-the-counter medications that are considered to be in the drug class identified as "Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory" are the most common treatments. Prescription based treatments include that of drugs that are considered to be "Beta-Blockers", "Anticonvulsants", and "Blockers for Calcium Channels". Many doctors that discover headaches that are based on imbalanced levels of hormones in the body may attempt to treat a female with a replacement therapy of the hormone that is considered to be on the "low" side in order to control the pain that is experienced.

The next type of headache that an individual may suffer from is a hormone related one. This is seen most often among women. Medications and conditions that affect the hormone levels to fluctuate in the body may result in pain in and near the head region. Those that experience a heavy menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle, menopause, and even pregnancy may find that their head hurts more often than it did previously. Treatments for the menstrual cycle, hormone replacement, menopause, and even pills that assist in birth control often result in hormone based headaches.

Over-the-counter medications that are considered to be in the drug class identified as "Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory" are the most common treatments. Prescription based treatments include that of drugs that are considered to be "Beta-Blockers", "Anticonvulsants", and "Blockers for Calcium Channels". Many doctors that discover headaches that are based on imbalanced levels of hormones in the body may attempt to treat a female with a replacement therapy of the hormone that is considered to be on the "low" side in order to control the pain that is experienced.

As you can see from the information contained in this headache guide, there are many different types of headaches that one may suffer from. If you are experiencing pain and other symptoms that are uncomfortable for you, it may be best to meet with a medical professional to address the issue. The doctor will be able to take a detailed health history from you, perform tests, and conduct examinations to determine what type of headache that you are suffering from. Once this has been established, and you know which type of headache that you have, you will learn the best course of action for treating it and overcoming it.