Headaches

At one point or the other in life everyone experiences a headache which could be as a result of stress, bad posture, eye sight problems, dehydration, drinking too much alcohol and even too much consumption of pain killers. I actually have been diagnosed with a migraine headache for quite a long time and thanks to my doctor, news channels and the internet I'm getting all the help I need.
It would be interesting to know that there are more than 150 types of headaches and they fall into two categories: primary and secondary, but I'd be discussing the most common headaches, symptoms as well as treatment.

[Google] (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm)

The most common types of headaches are;

1. Tension type headache
2. Migraine headache
3. Cluster headache

1. TENSION TYPE HEADACHE (TTH)
   This is a very common type of headache and is often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. It's the most common type of headache yet it's causes aren't understood but it could be a response to stress, depression, head injury or anxiety and is common in older teens and adults.
   The most common symptoms of TTH are dull aching head pain, fever with headache, stuff neck, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulty.
   For treatment, it is very important to visit the doctor to get drugs, lifestyle changes and home remedies which could be managing stress level, hot or cold compress and perfecting posture. Alternative medicine include acupuncture, massage, biofeedback and therapy.

[Google] (https://pharmeasy.in/blog/types-of-breathing-exercise-your-body-will-love/)

[Google] (https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/29/health/acupuncture-chronic-tension-headaches-relief-wellness/index.html)

1. MIGRAINE HEADACHE
   This is a type of headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.

[Google] (https://www.urgentcarebakersfield.com/blog/migraine-treatment-in-urgent-care)

Fortunately for me, I now experience it less often but from time to time I still see a doctor and take some pills.
There are different types of migraine, they are,

1. Migraine with aura: specific warning signs before the migraine begins such as flashing light.

2. Migraine without aura: this is the most common type and there is no specific warning sign before the headache.

3. Migraine aura without headache: there are symptoms but a migraine does not occur. It is possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

The exact causes of migraine headache is unknown but they are believes to be as a result of changes in the hormones, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Around half of the people the experience migraine headaches also have relatives that experience it so genes might play a role ( guess I got mine from my mum).

Some people, me included experience migraine attacks from certain triggers like starting periods, stress, loud noises, certain foods or drinks.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraines but treatments to reduce symptoms are available and these includes,

1. Pain killers and over the counter medicines

2. Home remedies such as scalp massages, sleep, hydration, dim the lights and essential oils ( lavender mostly)

[Google] (https://www.allorganics.ng/product/lavender-carrier-oil/)

[Google] (https://nationaltoday.com/world-sleep-day/)

1. LASTLY, CLUSTER HEADACHE
   The exact causes of cluster headaches is unknown but it's pattern suggests that abnormalities in the body's biological clock play a role. Unlike migraine and tension headache, it isn't generally associated with triggers. Fortunately, it's rare and not life threatening.

[Google] (https://tidsskriftet.no/en/2015/08/cluster-headache)

Common symptoms include,

1. Pain that is generally situated behind or around one eye but radiates to other areas of the face, head and neck

2. One sided pain

3. Excessive tearing

4. Redness of eye on affected side

5. Forehead or facial sweating on affected side

6. Swelling around the eye

7. Drooping eyelid

   People with cluster headache unlike those with migraine are likely to pace or sit and rock back and forth, some migraine like symptoms including sensitivity to light and sound can occur though usually one sided.

Treatment include pain killers and home remedies as mentioned for migraine headaches but most importantly VISIT A DOCTOR .

In summary,
Headaches location and names.

[Google] (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000797.htm)

take care of yourselves, and have a headache- free weekend.