Headache
Headaches are a common form of pain localized in the head or the upper neck. Most everyone suffers from headaches at some point in their lives. Some people suffer from headaches chronically and must undergo complex diagnostic examinations and complicated treatments. Sometimes headaches can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition, and sometimes, they stand alone symptomatically. The majority of headaches are easily treated. However, the correct treatment relies on correctly diagnosing the cause and type of headache. This diagnosis may be done without a doctor in some cases. A full diagnosis requires a physical exam by a physician. Online medical consultations may also sufficiently diagnose many types of headaches.
Types of Headaches
Headaches can be categorized as one of five different types. The types of headaches are as follows:
• Migraine Headache – This type of headache is usually severe and recurs on a regular basis. It is caused by vascular stress, in most cases.
• Vascular Headache – This type of headache is also caused by stress on the blood vessels in the head, but it is usually not as severe as a migraine headache and does not regularly recur.
• Myogenic Headache – Myogenic headaches are caused by the muscles in the head, neck or back tightly contracting.
• Cervico Genic Headache – This type of headache is due to spinal trauma.
• Inflammatory Headache – Also known as a traction headache, it is thought to be the most severe because of the severity of the cause, which is hematoma or tumor.
Causes of Headaches
Tension is the most common cause of headaches. The tension headache falls into the category of vascular headache. It is felt by pain as a tight band around the head or at the base of the neck. Some people feel tension headaches more pronounced in the forehead area.
Migraines are another cause of headaches. Migraines may be caused by many different factors, including eating or drinking certain foods or beverages, disturbances in sleep, stress and hormonal imbalance. Migraine headaches are often experienced with other symptoms. The most common symptoms experienced with migraine headaches are nausea and vomiting.
Several other causes of headaches exist. One common cause is low blood sugar. When people are used to eating at regular intervals and the pattern becomes disrupted, they can experience headaches. Dehydration and overheating can cause headaches. Anyone who has been out in the sun too long without regularly drinking water can attest to the fact of this cause. Finally, headaches can be caused by eye strain or uncorrected vision problems.