Understanding Headache: Its Types And Causes

Dr Santosh Prabhu July 9, 2024
The news of spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev undergoing brain surgery was a cause of concern for millions of his followers and the nation as a whole, earlier this year. Fortunately, Sadhguru is now on the road to recovery, bringing a sense of relief to all of us. Doctors are of the opinion that he was suffering from a  Chronic subdural hematoma, where bleeding near the brain can occur even without  a head injury. Its symptoms include a  headache and slurred speech to appear immediately following an injury, indicating a neurological emergency.    According to experts, Sadhguru had been experiencing severe headaches for many days before his brain surgery. Due to his hectic schedule, he had been neglecting these headaches, which worsened into a major issue. This simply suggests why we must not neglect our bodies’ call for help and take every minor change in the body, signs and symptoms seriously; no matter how small or common they may seem - including a headache.  In this article, we will learn about the different types of headaches and their prominent causes. 

What Is A Headache?

A headache is a type of discomfort in the head or face that is frequently characterized by a sharp and throbbing pressure. The kind, intensity, location, and frequency of a headache might vary substantially. Although the majority of headaches are not harmful, most may indicate a more serious illness. Hence it becomes crucial to understand the types and the reasons behind headaches. 

Types Of Headaches

Although there are over 150 different types of headaches, they can be broadly classified as primary and secondary headaches. 

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are caused by pain-sensitive brain characteristics. They don't indicate or result from any underlying medical issues. Types of primary headaches include:
  • Tension-type headaches
  • Migraine headaches
  • Cluster headaches
  • New daily persistent headaches (NDPH)

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are generally caused due to an underlying medical condition. They are seen as an indication or symptom of a disease. Secondary headaches, though uncommon, can signify more serious conditions triggered by pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head. They typically start from nowhere and are excruciating. They can be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition, including:
  • Brain tumors
  • Aneurysm
  • Meningitis (a bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation of the brain)
  • Neck or brain injury
Types of secondary headaches include:
  • Medication overuse headaches
  • Sinus headaches
  • Spinal headaches
  • Thunderclap headaches

Understanding The Reasons Behind Headaches

Headache pain arises from the interplay of signals involving the brain, blood vessels, and adjacent nerves. When a headache occurs, various mechanisms trigger specific nerves that influence muscles and blood vessels. These nerves then transmit pain signals to the brain, resulting in the sensation of a headache. In addition to this, there are various other causes of severe headaches or triggers that can precipitate headaches such as:
  • Consumption of alcohol
  • Consumption of certain foods that contain nitrates
  • Nicotine consumption
  • Inadequate sleep
  • Poor posture
  • Skipping meals

Are Headaches And Migraines The Same?

The neurological condition known as migraine is frequently lifelong and is marked by recurrent moderate to severe headaches, typically on one side of the brain. On the other hand, headache is used to characterize a wide range of distinct pain sensations that originate from various parts of the head.

Understanding Brain Bleed

A brain bleed, also known as intracranial hemorrhage, is a form of stroke where blood accumulates between the brain and the skull. This pooling of blood restricts oxygen flow to the brain, posing a life-threatening situation that necessitates prompt treatment for optimal recovery.

Tips For Headache Relief

Headache Relief And Treatment For Migraine Headaches

The pain from migraine headaches can be a severe, throbbing pain that can last for many days. Many people who suffer from migraines have a family history of migraine headaches. Effective treatment for migraine headaches includes:
  • Rest in a quiet, dark room
  • Hot or cold compresses
  • Massage
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (a therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate nerve cells in the brain)

Headache Relief And Treatment For Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are also known as ‘hatband’ headaches. This is because the pain from these headaches is located around the back of the head, the temples and the forehead. They can last from a few hours to a few days. Some treatment options that are effective for tension headaches include:
  • Physical therapy
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Over the counter pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen)

Headache Relief And Treatment For Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache is a type of headache that is relatively short-lived, lasting usually between 20 minutes and two hours. Symptoms include a stuffy nose and tearing. Effective treatment options for cluster headaches include:
  • Injectable medications
  • Prescription nasal sprays
  • Oxygen therapy (breathing pure oxygen via mask)
  • Preventive medications

Headache Relief And Treatment For Hypnic Headaches

Hypnic headaches predominantly affect post-menopausal women and occur during nighttime sleep. Effective treatment options for hypnic headaches include bedtime doses of:
  • Calcium channel blockers (it increases blood and oxygen supply to the heart)
  • Caffeine
  • Lithium

The Final Takeaway

Ignoring persistent or recurring headaches can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially serious health consequences. Your healthcare provider can help diagnose the cause of your headaches and recommend appropriate treatment to improve your quality of life. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice for effective management and relief.

FAQs:

  • Are over-the-counter medicines helpful in relieving headaches?
This class of medications (aspirin, acetoaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, often taken with caffeine) can be highly helpful for individuals whose headaches are mild to moderate and very infrequent. The danger comes with overuse. Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) is a chronic, daily headache syndrome caused by overuse or excess dosage of certain medicines. 
  • What are some non-medication therapies for headaches?
Although taking medicine can be very helpful, treating headaches involves many different factors and medicine is only one part of headache management. Many 'non-medication' therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, and biofeedback, are used to treat headaches. Traditional, non-medical techniques including physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and analysis are also used to treat headache. 

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