Is it a headache or something else?

Over 30 million people in the United States alone suffer from migraines and/or headaches; with the majority of those with migraines unfortunately being women. Migraines and headaches can be an invasive and debilitating disease that is often times extremely intrusive. What’s most important in regards to a headache and treating the pain is finding the cause and type of headache that someone is suffering from. If the headache type is known then it can be treated correctly and more efficiently.

From sinus infections all the way to a pineal tumor (symptoms include headaches and those of which that are very common to migraines), the list of causes for headaches can be quite extensive, but with proper evaluation your physician should be able to find the direct type of headaches you are suffering from.

Types of Headaches

There are five common types of headaches to take into consideration when determining the cause of your intrusive pain, of course disregarding any serious complications, such as a pineal tumor, which can also cause headaches and migraines. There are tension headaches, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, rebound headaches and of course, migraine headaches. Tension headaches are generally the most common type of headache. The pain with a tension headache can feel like a constant ache, or even pressure, around the head. Generally the emphasis of the pain can be found in the temples and the back of the head or neck.

Tension headaches usually aren’t as severe as migraine headaches and they usually will not interfere with daily activities, but they can still be rather disturbing to one’s comfort and ability to function at 100%. Cluster headaches usually affect men more than women and they are recurring headaches that will come in groups (or clusters). They come on rather suddenly and are extremely severe in pain and cause debilitating pain often on one side of the head. Sinus headaches usually occur when a sinus becomes inflamed, commonly when an infection occurs. Usually accompanied with a fever, because sinus headaches are caused by sinus infections they can be treated with antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines.

Another common type of headaches is rebound headaches which are caused by overuse of painkillers made for headaches. As unfortunate as the cause of rebound headaches is, it’s a common fact that too much medication can cause negative effects. Last but not least, migraine headaches; this type of headache can run in families and one episode can last between 4 and 72 hours long. These five more common types of headaches can be overwhelming for some due to the mere fact that many may suffer from symptoms associated with all five forms of headache types. Because of this confusion, it is extremely important to see a specialist to help you along the way.

It seems these days that everyone suffers from a multitude of symptoms that can all be associated with disease after disease. This can cause a reasonable and understanding amount of confusion that leads to frustration and exhaustion, both of which are two features that an individual suffering from a migraine or headache would want to avoid at all costs. If you are in fact suffering from migraine pain, it’s important to try and remember that you are not alone and there is relief out there.