8 Normal Headaches and 3 That Mean Trouble

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, with most people experiencing them at some point. There are many different types, and while some are nothing to worry about, others can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Many circumstances can trigger a headache, including stress, dehydration, hunger, eye strain and muscle tension. Hormone changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can also be a cause. In rare cases, headaches can be a symptom of a more acute condition, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.

Typical Headaches

If you suffer from headaches, talk to your primary care physician. If they still have a significant impact on your quality of life after trying the first or second line of treatment, contact a headache specialist.

While there are more than 150 types of headaches, here are eight you should know about.

1. Tension headaches are the most prevalent. They create a dull aching feeling in your head that is sometimes accompanied by irritation or sensitivity in your neck, forehead, scalp or shoulder muscles. They’re typically brought on by stress.
2. Migraines are a severe type of headache that can cause throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light. Many people with migraines feel a pulsing sensation in their head that may last for days. The discomfort and adverse effects can severely limit the ability to function normally. Visual abnormalities, such as flashing or glittering lights, zigzag lines, stars, or blind spots, often appear just before a migraine begins. Women are three times more likely to get migraines than men.
3. Cluster headaches are throbbing, or a sharp pain usually felt behind one eye or on one side of your face. They typically occur in a series of one to four a day, each lasting 15 minutes to three hours. They are more common in men and often develop at the same time every day.
4. Allergy or sinus headaches are caused by inflammation or infection in the sinuses. Sufferers often experience fever, facial pain and nasal congestion. Migraines are often mistaken for sinus headaches. A study by the American Migraine Foundation showed that nine out of 10 sinus headaches were migraines.
5. Rebound headaches are an uncommon type of headache caused by overuse of pain medication. They have many characteristics in common with other types. They can be dull and feel like a tension headache, or they might be more powerful, similar to migraines. Restricting or stopping the use of pain medication often resolves the issue.
6. Ice pick headaches are sudden, sharp attacks that last a few seconds. They can occur a few times daily and come on without warning. Most ice pick headaches move to different parts of the head. Those that remain isolated in one area could indicate an underlying condition, but most are harmless and don’t require treatment.
7. Pressure headaches are a result of increased pressure in the head, which can be due to pregnancy, sinus infections or trauma. Treatment often involves relieving the underlying cause of the stress.
8. Hormone headaches: Taking birth control pills, being pregnant or experiencing hormonal changes during menstruation can all be causes. Those related to the menstrual cycle, known as menstrual migraines, may occur before, during, or after your period, as well as during ovulation.

3 Headaches You Shouldn’t Ignore

While many headaches indicate something is amiss, some may signal an impending medical emergency. If you experience any of the following, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately by going to your local emergency department or urgent care center.

1. Thunderclap headaches are severe and sudden, like a hammer hit to the head. Patients often describe them as “the worst headache of my life.” They can indicate aneurysms, arterial dissection (a tear in the inner wall of an artery) or cerebral venous thrombosis (a blood clot in the brain).
2. Meningitis: Head pain accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, or mental confusion could be meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be life-threatening. Infections, head injuries or cancer can bring on meningitis. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
3. Hypertension headaches: A headache on both sides of the head can indicate that your blood pressure has become dangerously high. These can also be accompanied by vision impairment, numbness or tingling, nosebleeds, chest pain, or shortness of breath. See a doctor immediately.

If you develop headaches regularly, it’s important to pay attention to the patterns and severity of your pain and any other symptoms. Explaining the details of your experience can help you and your doctor determine the best course of treatment.