Headaches

There are many types of headaches, but we can distinguish three main types, which include

• Tension  headache
• Migraine
• Cluster headache

Tension headache

The most common type of headache is a tension headache, which we think of as an ‘ordinary’ headache. At such times it is possible to feel constant pain on both sides of the head, tension and pressure in the muscles of the neck and in the area behind the eyes. The pain is usually not severe at this time and does not interfere with our daily activities. The pain usually lasts for 30 minutes to a few hours, but can last for days. Most people have experienced tension headaches. It can develop at any age and is particularly common in women. It is called a chronic type of headache.

The exact cause of this type of headache is unknown, but specific triggering factors are known, such as:

• Stress and irritation
• Strabismus
• Standing or sitting in a bad posture
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Skipping meals
• Loss of physical activity
• Strong light
• Noise
• A specific smell

A tension headache is known as a primary headache, which means it is not caused by another illness.

Headache - treatment and prevention

Tension headaches are not a life-threatening condition and are usually treated with painkillers or by maintaining a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise and rest are important for reducing stress and tension. In addition, warm bandages on the forehead and neck can help relieve tension headaches. Proper sitting and standing habits as well as avoiding dehydration will prevent headaches.

When is it necessary to see a specialist?

A visit to a specialist is necessary if the pain recurs several times a week.

You should seek immediate emergency medical help if:

• the headache is sudden and unlike any other previous cases
• is accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting and confusion
• after an accident, especially a head trauma
• accompanied by weakness, lack of mobility, difficulty speaking

Migraine

A migraine is characterized by an intense, moderate to severe headache which feels like a stabbing (explosive) pain on one side of the head.

Other symptoms may also be present, such as

• nausea
• vomiting
• increased sensitivity to sound and light

In exceptional cases, migraine may also present with symptoms such as sweating, disturbance of concentration, fever or chills, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Migraine is a common illness, particularly among women. The disease usually begins in adolescence.

Forms of migraine

There are several forms of migraine:

Migraine with aura - in which a migraine starts with warning signs, such as an image of flickering light.

Migraine without aura - in which a migraine starts without warning signs.

A migraine with aura without headache is also known as silent (acephalgic)  migraine. In this case, the patient has other migraine symptoms, although he or she does not suffer from a headache.

Causes of migraine

The exact cause of migraine is unknown, although there are several theories - vascular diseases, neurodynamic disorders and others.

The triggering factors are:

• hormonal
• emotional
• physical
• food
• environment and others.

Treatment and prevention

One of the best ways to prevent migraine is to identify and avoid factors which trigger it. Migraine treatment is considered successful when the intensity of attacks and pain are reduced (one attack in a few months).

If you think you know the triggering factor, such as stress or eating certain foods, avoiding them can reduce the risk of migraine attacks. A healthy lifestyle can also help, including regular exercise, proper sleep and diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption. In addition, make sure your body is not dehydrated.

When should I see a specialist?

Be sure to see a specialist if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms (more than 5 days a month). Even if you can control it with medication, it is better to consult a doctor, as preventive treatment can improve your condition. Botox injections - botulinum therapy - are also used to treat migraine headaches.

Cluster headache

A cluster headache is characterized by a severe onset of pain. It begins suddenly and is more severe than a migraine or other headache. It is called cluster headache because it occurs 2, or 3 times a day, for a week or a month. After an attack, the free interval sometimes exceeds one year.

Types of cluster headaches

There are two types of cluster headaches:

Episodic - there is a free period between headaches that can last more than 1 month

Chronic - there is less than 1 month between headaches.

Causes of cluster headaches

The causes of cluster headaches are not known, but there are several factors that contribute to them:

• consumption of alcohol at the time of the headache
• fever
• taking inhaled nitroglycerin.

Cluster headaches are a rare condition that can occur in anyone, although smoking men are statistically more at risk.

Additional symptoms

Cluster headaches are accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms

• Swelling and inflammation of the eye
• Swelling and drooping eyebrow
• Constriction of the pupil of the eye during the attack
• Tearfulness of the eye
• Facial sweating
• Nasal congestion or increased nasal secretion.

Treatment for cluster headache

A cluster headache is characterized by severe pain, although it is not a life-threatening condition. The pain is relieved by medication, and in some cases, preventive treatment is required. A cluster headache cannot be dulled by painkillers; during an attack, the appropriate specialist must be consulted. If the cluster headache lasts for more than 3 weeks, prophylactic treatment is required, which is carried out under the supervision of a specialist.