4 common types of headache

Chances are you or someone you know has suffered from a headache recently. That’s because there are multiple types and causes for headaches. The health professionals at NurseWise (www.nursewise.com), a national multilingual nurse triage and health education provider, have put together a quick resource to help you determine which type of headache you’re suffering — and tips for how to feel better as soon as possible.

• 1. Tension headaches: A continuous pain typically caused from stress or fatigue, tension headaches are also attributed to physical and psychological issues and depression — and are the most common of all types of headaches in adults. During a tension headache you feel a constant ache, like a rubber band tightening around your head. The pain primarily occurs in your forehead, temples and back of your head and neck. Reducing the occurrence and severity of tension headaches is a result of maintaining healthy habits, such as using stress reduction techniques, getting regular exercise and deep breathing techniques. Some people also benefit from other nonmedication treatments like massage and acupuncture. Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can help, but repeated use of them can actually become a cause of headaches. Try to lessen your pain through nonmedication methods, and talk to your primary care provider about medication options.

• 2. Migraine headaches: Everyone suffers migraines in their own way, but typically the pain begins as a dull ache before developing into a constant pulsating pain in the temples or one side of the head. The pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting plus sensitivity to light and noise. Vision disturbances (sometimes called auras) can happen as a “warning sign” for about 20 percent of sufferers. Most migraines last at least four hours, although severe ones can last up to a week. For mild migraines, over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen may help lessen the pain. For moderate migraines, there are over-the-counter options that use a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine to ease suffering. For more severe migraines, there are two prescription medication options: medication to treat migraines when they occur and preventative medications that are taken regularly to help to reduce recurrence and pain levels if they do occur. All migraine suffers can benefit from learning relaxation techniques.

• 3. Allergy-induced headaches: If your pain is in your sinus area or is throbbing on one side of your head, you may be experiencing an allergy headache. As the name implies, these headaches are the result of external triggers, which can include foods, smoke and natural pollutants. While there are over-the-counter medication options available, the best course of action is to identify what your triggers are and avoid them. If you feel that you’ve done your best to avoid your triggers, talk to your PCP about seeing an allergist for prescription medication options.

• 4. Cluster headaches: Characterized by severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head, cluster headaches have related unilateral symptoms such as same-side jaw pain, watery eye or nasal congestion. Often described as the most painful headache type, cluster headaches are brief but recurring. Unlike migraine and tension headaches, males are more likely to develop cluster headaches than females. While there is no cure, there are medical treatments that can help. Over-the-counter medications are less effective with this type of headache, but fast-acting treatments are available through your medical provider.