Headache is an extremely troublesome ailment that people of all ages suffer from. It’s true that it doesn’t always mean you’re sick, but it can still be a pain. Occurs occasionally, recurs or lasts a long time and makes everyday activities very difficult.
Headache is a serious problem
The nature of the headache and its exact location may indicate the cause of the problem. However, such information is not enough to recognize the condition. People who suffer from very severe or recurring headaches and for whom over-the-counter painkillers do not provide relief should not wait to see a doctor. Certainly, such symptoms cannot be underestimated.
- Dull or throbbing pain located near the nose, cheeks and center of the forehead.This type of pain is most often associated with inflammation of the sinuses. In this case, patients feel more discomfort when staying in cool air, during windy weather, and even when bending their head. Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is also associated with nasal blockage, impaired sense of smell and rhinitis – usually there is a thick, purulent runny nose.
- Sharp and throbbing pain predominantly on one side of the headThe ailment may be the first symptom of a migraine that does not pass quickly. Symptoms last from several hours to several days. For some patients, migraine is heralded by a sensory disturbance known as an “aura.” In addition to the headache, there are also dark spots and flashes, hypersensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea and vomiting. Home remedies for headaches will not help with migraine – you should register with a neurologist who will make the right diagnosis and recommend optimal treatment.
- Moderate and persistent pain on both sides of the headIn this way, the so-called tension headache, which may be located near the back of the head or temples. Patients describe it as a tight cap that wraps around and mercilessly oppresses the head. The ailment may worsen over time and persist (with short periods of interruption) for weeks. Tension headaches are favored by stress, fatigue, sleep problems, improper diet, stimulants and body positions in which there is a long-term tension of the neck and nape muscles.
- Sudden and short-lived headache in the orbital areaA headache that comes on suddenly and goes away just as quickly can indicate a cluster headache. It is announced by pain around the eye, which over time spreads to half of the face. The ailments are usually accompanied by tearing and a blocked nose. Cluster pain is more common in men and goes away quite quickly, but it tends to recur – it can recur even several times a day or night. Short-term attacks can annoy even for several weeks.
- Acute, morning occipital painPain that makes itself felt in the morning, accompanied by buzzing or ringing in the ears and general agitation, often indicates high blood pressure. It is a dangerous disease that requires long-term, specialized treatment and changes in lifestyle and diet.
- Dull pain in the back of the head radiating to the shouldersThe pain may be related to the spine. This type of pain is chronic and intensifies when staying in one position for a long time – it is favored by, for example, sitting in front of a computer, standing body position, constant position during sleep.
Don’t underestimate the headache!
Headache should never be underestimated – the ailment can have various causes, sometimes very serious, so it is worth consulting a doctor. Sometimes the symptom has a nervous basis, but it happens that it is caused by dangerous brain tumors. Headache accompanies meningitis, chemical poisoning, diseases of the teeth and gums, infections and eye diseases.