What type of headache… identify it first
The symptom of headache or head pain that we commonly experience has different factors and causes. Generally, treatment aims to relieve or eliminate the pain. Finding the cause to accurately diagnose the disease is important so that doctors can choose the appropriate and targeted treatment.
What causes headaches or head pain?
Feeling pain in the head or headache occurs because the nerves receive pain signals in the head and neck area. This sensation is sent to the central brain, which responds by producing the symptom of headache.
2 main types of headaches
- Headache caused by brain diseases results from brain abnormalities such as infections, brain tumors, or brain hemorrhage. It usually causes sudden, severe headaches with weakness in the arms and legs, numbness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or double vision.
- Headache not caused by brain diseases but occurs naturally such as insufficient rest, stress, hunger, vision problems, hot weather, or migraine. These symptoms are not serious diseases but can cause discomfort and affect quality of life.
Tension Headache
Usually causes pain at the temples, forehead, or back of the head. It is the most common type of headache and can last continuously from days to weeks. It is usually not severe but causes discomfort and reduces quality of life. Causes include stress, insufficient rest, and excessive eye strain.
Treatment: Treat with pain-relieving medication, maintain a relaxed mind and daily routine, get enough rest, exercise regularly, and consider massage or physical therapy.
Migraine Headache
Usually occurs around the forehead, eyes, temples, and jaw. It is a pain caused by stress, occurring intermittently on one side. Often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Vision may blur when exposed to bright or colored lights. The pain can last about 2-3 hours and is more common in women than men. Triggers include oversleeping, irregular sleep, irregular meals, alcohol consumption, foods with preservatives, cheese, chocolate, or environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, perfume scents, prolonged computer use, and high sex hormone levels during menstruation.
Treatment: Maintain general health, rest regularly, avoid migraine triggers, and take medication immediately when symptoms appear to reduce pain and frequency.
9 Dangerous Headache Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Consultation
- Having illness symptoms along with headache such as fever, chills, night sweats, muscle pain, or weight loss
- Neurological abnormalities such as weakness in arms or legs, or altered neurological perception
- Headache upon waking up
- Sudden severe headache
- First headache after age 50, mixed type headaches, cluster headaches, or headaches related to other diseases
- Increasingly severe headaches
- Headache triggered by coughing, sneezing, or straining
- Headache triggered by changing posture
- One-sided headache and pain at the back of the head
Even a single episode of headache can be a warning sign of a deteriorating nervous system. Therefore, it is important to undergo examination to analyze the cause and accurately diagnose the disease for timely treatment.
Dr. Ratchanee Boonyakanjanakorn
Neurologist
Brain and Nervous System Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
