Identifying various types of headache

In our daily lives, we suffer from many types of headache. However, we often don’t know the exact type of headache and its root causes.

Common types of headache

Headache is a discomfort that we feel in our head, eyes, and face. Also, it can affect our neck and project towards our shoulders.
Let’s discuss the types of headaches we often come across.

Following are the common and uncomfortable types of headaches that we suffer from

Tension headache
Ice pick headache
Cluster headache
Allergy/sinusitis headache
Migraine headache
Caffeine headache
Hormonal headache
Rebound headache
Hypertension headache

Tension headache

It is one of the most common types of headaches in daily life. As its name indicates, it usually triggers stress and tension.
In a tension headache, a constant dull, discomforting sensation surrounds the whole head. It is more like a painful arch around the whole head. But, it can be managed well with stress management and rest.

Ice pick headache

Usually, it occurs for a short time but with severe stabbing sensations in the head. It feels like a painful stabbing at multiple points in the head.

Cluster headache

It feels like an unexplained piercing and burning sensation behind the eye. Also, it can cause nonspecific flushing and increased sweating on the similar side of pain. Watery eyes and nasal congestion are also possible in this type of headache.

Allergy/sinusitis headache

Environmental allergens or sinus problems often cause this type of headache. This leads to pain in the cheeks and facial bones with watery eyes. Furthermore, we can also feel pain in the nasal bones and forehead.

Migraine headache

This is the most common and painful pulsing type of headache that affects one side of the eye, head, and neck. Most doctors associate migraine with family history and daily life habits.

Migraine headaches can express variable symptoms, including light sensitivity, nausea, sound sensitivity, and severe stabbing pain. However, we can manage it with lifestyle changes and the identification of triggers.

Caffeine headache

A person who drinks coffee/tea daily and skips caffeine intake can suffer from caffeine headaches. Taking caffeine daily makes changes in brain chemistry. So if we skip the regular amount, withdrawal causes headaches.

Hormonal headache

This is more common in females who are near their menstrual cycle. This occurs due to changes in hormones on certain days. This starts three days before the cycle and lasts for three days during it.

Rebound headache

As its name indicates, overuse of pain management medication causes this type of headache. Interestingly, OTCs that help with headaches can cause rebound headaches. Avoiding common pain relievers and overuse of over-the-counter medicine can help manage this type.

Hypertension headache

Hypertension induces this type of headache, and it may show multiple symptoms Moreover, it starts by affecting the eyes and forehead. Later, it covers the whole head with a stabbing sensation.

It also affects the neck and shoulders and can induce vision changes. Hypertension headaches should be dealt with as a matter of medical emergency.