Headaches can be Serious. Don’t Take Them Lightly!

Most of us are familiar with headaches and have suffered from some form of headache at one point or the otherin our lives. According to Harvard Health Publishing, headaches are so common that at least 90% of men and 95% of women have at least one, in any given year. In this article we’ll explore some of the different kinds of headaches. What could be some of its common causes, some headache cures and finally, when should red flags of concern be raised and when toconsult your doctor.

Let’s begin with the most common question: what is a headache?

A headache is any pain in the head, face or neck area. Headaches can be of different intensities, can occur due to several reasons and are of various different types.

What are some of the causes for headaches?

There are several different reasons for headaches. Muscle tension, dehydration, nerve pain, certain food and drink or even some medications are some of the common reasons for headaches. Too much of stress can also bring on a headache.

How many different types of headaches are there?

According to Headache Australia there are 36 different types of headaches. And according to Harvard Health Publishing, there are more than 300 types of headaches, but only 10% are known to have a cause. There are two main types of headaches: primary and secondary. Some of the common primary headaches include:Headaches that just happen without any underlying serious illness or injury, such as tension headaches, cluster headaches or migraines. Secondary headaches could be due to an underlyinginjury, or illness, side effects from certainmedication, certain foods (even ice creams are known to cause a headache), toothache, high blood pressure, sinuses and many more.

What are some simple remedial measures you can take for relief from headaches?

Headaches could be caused due to several factors. Some simple and effective steps you can take when you suffer from a headache:

• Keep yourself hydrated: Headaches could be the result of dehydration, so drink plenty of water.
• Use an ice pack or a cool cloth and place it over your head.
• Just splashing your face with cold water can also help relieve a headache.
• If it’s a tension headache, try massaging your neck, shoulders, jaw and head.

How can we prevent headaches from occurring in the first place?

One of the first things we must do to prevent headaches is to make changes in our lifestyle. Long hours at work, too much sitting with hunched shoulders poring over our computers, standing for hours, alcohol, smoking andevenour diet, all need to be completely reset if we want to remain healthy. From eating the right, nutritious food to regular exercise, getting outdoors more often and breathing in fresh air andgetting regular healthcheck ups, these are some of thethings you can do to prevent headaches.

How do I know when to consult a doctor for my headache?

In case you suffer from any of the following, then you must consult a doctor or a neurologist:

• You are unable to understand what people are saying, or feel confused.
• If your headache is accompanied by high fever, then you must consult a doctor immediately.
• If you feel nauseous, or suddenly faint, or even have numbness on one side of yourbody, then it’s time for medical intervention.
• Headaches that start when you cough or sneeze or due to any exertion can also be a symptom of some serious underlying condition.
• Athunderclap headache that reaches maximum intensity and severity very quickly, perhaps maybe in 2-3 minutes and requires immediate medical attention.
• A stiff neck, trouble talking, walking, or seeing, means it could be something serious and you need to consult a neurologist.
• A constant headache that seems to persist and doesn’t go away, so much so that it impairs your day to day life, could also be a very strong reason for you to consult a doctor.

Most headaches are common and often come and go. But the root cause of some of the headaches could lie elsewhere. It is best to be mindful of your headaches, when they occur, their pattern, their frequency, what triggers them and so on, so that in case of any anomalous behavior, you can get it investigated by a doctor. If you have any questions on any type sof headache that you are experiencing, please feel free to write to us or take an appointment.