It is funny how we naturally just tend to classify certain ailments as being serious and classify others as not really serious, it is not even our fault sometimes, because some of us are convenient with an uncomfortable, throbbing pain in the head. Meanwhile, headaches could be an underlying symptom of very serious diseases, they can turn out to become a more severe and complicated case than a lot of people will know, there are certain headaches that will get so intense that the individual may not get himself for a long time, the rule of the headache symbol is for you never to ignore a severe headache, especially not after it persists for some extra days. The common forms of headaches are; tension headaches, cluster headaches, hemicrania continua, migraine headaches, thunderclap headaches, ice pick headaches, hormone headaches, exertion headaches, caffeine headaches, post-traumatic headaches, spinal headaches and rebound headaches.
Some of these occurring headaches may need constant medical attention, how do you know if you require medical attention with the headache felt, you would notice certain symptoms like; vomiting, having slurred speech, confusion, rash, a more severe headache, fever, paralysis in certain body parts and even when you experience a visual loss with the headache, please check into a medical centre instantly.
Surprisingly, there are more than 150 types of headaches, but these vast headache types can be categorized into two; Primary and Secondary Headaches.
Primary Headaches:An over-activity of pain-sensitive features in the head or dysfunction, causes primary headaches. Primary headaches are not really a symptom to show an underlying condition, some people may just have the genes that will make it more likely for them to develop primary headaches naturally. Common primary headaches include;
Some food types like processed meats contain nitrates, these ones are food-triggered headaches, you will notice that after consuming these meal types, you just begin to feel the headache again.
Alcohol, particularly red wine consumption can trigger headache.
Poor sleeping posture.
Vigorous crying and laughing.
Coughing, sneezing seriously.
Nicotine headache, which is a result of nicotine consumption.
Exertion headaches, triggered by physical activities.
Primary headaches are not dangerous primarily, but they can get so painful and disrupt daily activities.
Secondary Headaches:This headache type is usually a result of an underlying condition, the headache is considered a sign or a symptom of a particular condition. Although there are some secondary headaches that are not particularly dangerous, and once the condition involved is resolved, the headache goes away as well, examples are; dehydration headaches, medication overuse headaches and sinus headaches.
Some forms of headache, on the other hand, could be a sign of a dangerous and even life-threatening headache, they are;
Spinal headaches, which are really severe headaches that happen when spinal fluid gets leaked out of the membrane and covers the spinal cord, usually happen after there has been a spinal tap. Most conditions of spinal headaches can be treated at home, but a prolonged, untreated spinal headache could lead to life-threatening complications, it could start giving the affected patient seizures and subdural hematoma.
Thunderclap headaches: Another serious secondary headache type is the thunderclap headache, it is extremely painful and just like the name implies, it comes off suddenly like a clap of thunder. This form of headache gets to its peak within just a minute and could stay at that point for the next five minutes (can you imagine what that would feel like)? Sometimes, it could be a harmless feeling, other times, it could be a sign of a bleeding brain, injury to the head, and a sudden rise in blood pressure.
While reading through different existing headache types, I was wondering what category migraines would fit into and ALAS, I found out that, migraine is actually a primary headache disorder, it is quite a common neurological condition leading to various symptoms, like a sounding headache on the side of the head. Migraines would get worse when we get exposed to lights, intense physical activity, smells and sound. Intense migraines would last for at least 4 hours a day and they could even last for days.
Basically, anyone could get a headache; children, adolescents and even adults, almost everyone would have headaches at some point in their lives.
When you notice that the headache is getting intense, you should seek the help of a doctor, and discuss your symptoms with them, they will provide you with a physical examination asking about the symptoms felt and how often it happens, remember to be as honest as you can, describing the symptoms you feel in details. In most cases, there wouldn't be a need for any special diagnostic tests, but sometimes, a CT scan or MRI is in order to identify the problems with your brain that may be responsible for triggering headaches. If the headache symptoms fail to go away or it gets worse even after getting treatment, then ask that you get referred to a headache specialist.
Those who have constant headaches, usually feel that the headache is coming even before it comes, which could be a strong signal to take prescribed medications and simply follow these simple personal therapy procedures;
For headaches that are triggered by some food and lifestyle habits, that can be adequately controlled as well by;
Headaches could either be a result of a serious ailment or just something out of the ordinary, but you will know that the headache felt is no longer ordinary when the headache begins to affect your daily activities when you are unable to concentrate on important things and of course, headache's that lasts for days.
