Headaches are a common ailment that so many people deal with. Many will not give them much thought and simply take a pain killer to get relief. Since the surge of Covid-19, however, many people have considered visiting a clinic in Gold Coast because they fear they might have contracted the coronavirus.
But before you run to the doctor, it is important to know the different types of headaches and what may cause them. not every headache requires a visit to the clinic in Gold Coast.
What Causes Headaches?
There are mainly four reasons a person would develop a headache, these are:
- Physical injury
- Emotional stress
- Environmental factors
- Illness
Understanding the cause of your headache would help in managing it. A continuous headache can interfere with a person’s life. Doctors will classify a headache as either primary or secondary. A primary headache is one that is a result of structures affected in the head or neck. The headache is not a symptom.
Secondary headaches on the other hand are symptoms of illnesses. For example, high blood pressure can cause the ache.
What Cause Primary Headache?
Particular parts of the body can be overactive and this will result in a primary headache. If for example, nerves are a common cause of primary headaches. A problem with the nerves will create tension. Neck muscles, the brain, blood vessels, and medication can all cause primary aches.
What Causes Secondary Headaches?
There are several illnesses that can be associated with headaches. These include brain tumors, fever, dehydration, stroke, as well as pregnancy.
When is Headache Serious?
Secondary aches may present a severe threat and it may be necessary to see a doctor. Some of the serious headaches may include:
- Aches that present with other symptoms of serious diseases. If a headache comes with flu, sore throat, coughing, fever, loss of appetite, and stiffness of the neck, seek medical attention. These could be symptoms of a more serious disease.
- If it is persistent despite taking pain medication.
- When it prevents you from getting on with your life.
- If it reoccurs.
Types of Headaches
Migraine
Migraines are usually on just one side of the head and they present a throbbing pain. Sometimes, this pain will switch from one side to the other. It is common to feel lightheaded and be sensitive to light or sharp sounds. Sometimes, vision can be affected.
A migraine may reoccur and lasts about 3 days. Many people will find it hard to concentrate when they have a migraine.
Cluster Headaches
These happen several times a day and can last a few minutes or a few hours. It is common for them to happen at the same time every day and keep on doing this for as long as 12 weeks and then subside. Some of the identifying traits of a cluster headache include intervals of severe pain, reduction of the pupil in one eye, pain in the eye, and sweating particularly on the face.
Thunderclap
This is a secondary headache with severe pain that hits like thunder. In most cases, it is sudden and can last 5 minutes before it disappears. This is usually an indication of a major problem that could cause death. Problems like blood clots, brain tumors ruptured vessels may cause a thunderclap headache. Immediate treatment needs to be sought.
Medication Headaches
These occur if a person has been taking pain relief medication for too long and the body gets addicted to the medication. This is common with opioid pain medicine. The effects of this dependency may include poor quality of sleep, irritability, restlessness, and neck pain.
How are Headaches Treated?
The most common headaches can be managed with rest, relaxation, and pain killers. It is best to have a doctor prescribe medication as opposed to self-medication. Sometimes a doctor can recommend medications to prevent headaches that reoccur.
Treatment can also be achieved by finding out the cause of secondary headaches. Brain scans, x-rays, and other diagnostic methods can be employed by doctors to find out what is causing the headaches and by treating the primary cause, the headaches will be dealt with.
Some headaches are caused by dehydration for example those caused by excess consumption of alcohol. In such a case, rehydrating is an effective treatment for such headaches.
Stress headaches, especially those caused by emotional stress can be managed by avoiding stressful situations. Overworking or lifting heavy weights may also cause stress headaches.
For people who have been using medication for too long, a doctor can manage the tempering off process. Less and less doses will be prescribed until eventually it is stopped altogether.
Final Advice
Not every headache needs medication, however, if the pain continues for more than a day, medical attention should be sought. Headache can be a symptom of something worse and quick response may be needed to prevent the worst from happening.
