15 Types Of Headaches and Their Treatment

Do you usually suffer from a headache? Are you facing a problem in identifying the pain you have and what to do? Here’s a brief description of different types of headaches and how you can deal with them.

In this article, we will be dealing with 15 different types of headaches and understand the root cause, symptoms, and the headache remedy specific to each of them. Headaches may seem normal to you, but there can be many underlying causes to it, and therefore, it is necessary to know about them. Let’s first begin with the causes before we move to the different types of headaches.

Causes Of Headache

There can be numerous causes that can trigger headaches. However, some of them are very common. Here we have tried to list the most common reasons a headache can occur so that you can pinpoint the exact headache cure.

1. Stress Can Be A Major Cause

One of the major causes of headaches is stress and anxiety. Most of the time a headache is one of the symptoms of excessive headache and anxiety. Therefore, it becomes important to know how to deal with stress or you can even take the help of stress management counseling, in case it becomes severe and unmanageable.

2. Improper Or Lack Of Sleep

These days, poor sleep quality is a part of everyone’s routine, but few people know that it is one of the causes of headaches. Lack of sleep can trigger headaches along with other issues. It is better to have some time to manage your sleep cycle or go for sleep disorder counseling because it can affect your overall well-being.

3. Some Of The Food Can Also Trigger It

Do you know how food affects our mood? Some foods can trigger headaches, like wine, mainly red wine, food that contains nitrates, and even nicotine and caffeine, which can lead to severe headaches. It is not known, but it is one of the most common causes of headaches and even causes significant harm to your health.

4. Exposure To Allergens, Odors and Perfumes

Knowing how to deal with a headache will not work until and unless you are aware of the causes of headaches. Sometimes headaches are triggered by exposure to things you are allergic to, some odors, and even strong perfumes as a side effect. It is specific to each person based on what they are allergic to and sensitive to.

5. Certain Medical Conditions

Many people are not aware of how lifestyle affects mental health, but it can cause many issues like sinus, fever, dental or jaw problems, infections, eye problems, medications, brain tumors, and others. It can lead to a headache which must be treated by a doctor, just like you take migraine treatments in case you have a migraine.

15 Types Of Headaches

There are various types of headaches that are common or rare in occurrence. Here, we will be talking about 15 of them along with the headache cure to help you treat them and get relief.

1. Cluster Headache

Cluster headache is usually characterized by severe pain on one side of the head around the eye. It can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours and can occur multiple times during the day in cycles or clusters. It can be triggered by lack of sleep, stress, strong smells, alcohol and smoking. Therefore, looking for reasons for sleep disorder and others can help you deal with it. The treatment of headaches includes using cold and warm compresses, using essential oils and herbal tea, resting, staying hydrated, practicing relaxation methods, taking steroids and oxygen therapy, avoiding triggers, and making necessary lifestyle changes to reduce their occurrence or cycles.

2. Migraine Headache

Another one among the list of types of headaches is migraine. Migraine refers to a neurological disorder that leads to severe, throbbing pain on one side of the full head. People are usually sensitive to light, sound and smell as they trigger it. It is accompanied by dizziness and vertigo and goes through aura symptoms that are zigzag patterns and flashing lights. Some of the migraine treatments include anti-proper treatment, medication, aromatherapy, acupuncture, multivitamin supplements and also chiropractic care. For home remedies, you can go for taking herbal tea, have a proper sleep schedule, track your triggers and avoid them. Further, you should reduce your screen time and others.

3. Tension Headache

It is one of the most common types of headache and is usually around your head, neck and shoulders, with dull or mild pain. There are no accompanying symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or sound. It is usually triggered by excessive stress and anxiety, and therefore, knowing the tips and strategies to manage anxiety and stress can help cure it. The headache remedy Includes taking some pain relievers or muscle relaxants, working on managing stress, exercising regularly and putting a limit on caffeine and alcohol. Further, you should also work on improving your sleep schedule, hydration, posture and going for gentle stretching and massage.

4. Sinus Headache

Sinusitis, which is the inflammation of the Sinus, is also one of the major causes of headaches, and it is categorized into different types of headaches as Sinus headaches. Usually, in this, you will have pain and pressure around your face, basically in your forehead and cheeks, fatigue and even suffer from nasal congestion along with headache and loss of smell. The treatment of headaches in the case of sinus Includes going for steam inhalation, Using different essential oils like peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil, sleeping with your head elevated slightly, and rinsing your nasal passage with the saline solution. Apart from this you should drink plenty of water and avoid any kind of allergens.

5. Hormone Headache

There are many different headaches, among which hormone headache is usually caused by hormonal reasons. The fluctuations in the level of estrogen, usually during menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, certain pills or menopause, can trigger hormonal headaches. In case of hormone headache, you must use hormonal contraception which can help you regulate the hormonal imbalance, use certain pain-relieving medications, go for headache remedy at home like taking supplements of Vitamin B2, Magnesium, herbal teas, going for hot or cold compression, taking rest, acupuncture, chiropractic care, managing stress, limiting caffeine or alcohol, exercising regularly, and having a balanced and healthy diet.

6. Thunderclap Headache

Thunderclap headache is also one of the types of headaches that is characterized by a severe and sudden headache reaching its peak in just 2 to 5 minutes.  the person may feel an explosive and debilitating pain that occurs without warning completely by vomiting or nausea at times. Usually, the causes of thunderclap headaches are due to bleeding in the brain, inflammation of the blood vessels, infection in the brain or spinal cord, high blood pressure or bleeding in the pituitary gland. The thunderclap headache remedy Includes immediate medical attention along with an MRI or CT. The person may be hospitalized for further treatment and medicines may be subscribed. There are no home remedies for it.

7. Hemicrania Continua Headache

Hemicrania Continua or HC is a very rare occurring chronic headache that is unilateral,  with fluctuating intensity of pain around the eye or temporal or both. The symptoms of headache include red eye or conjunctival on one side, runny nose, facial sweating and drooping eyelids. The treatment of headaches in the case of HC Includes taking certain medicines like Indomethacin, triptans or other preventive medications; you can also work on identifying and avoiding triggers like stress, lack of sleep or other food items, staying hydrated, taking rest and going for gentle massage around your shoulders and neck.

8. Hypertension Headache

Hypertension headache is another category under types of headaches. It is also known as a hypertensive crisis headache and is caused by extremely high blood pressure that is usually above 182/120 mmHg. Usually, the symptoms include throbbing headaches on both sides of the head along with dizziness, confusion and, in very severe cases, seizures. Knowing how to overcome mental exhaustion can help but it is not the treatment. The treatment for this headache includes immediate attention and hospitalization with regulation of blood pressure. There are no home remedies that can be used for hypertension headaches, as they require immediate medical attention and emergency service.

9. Caffeine Headache

What might be the other different types of headaches? One is a caffeine headache, or the one that usually goes through when they don't have caffeine on time. It is caused by the drawing from caffeine and occurs when either the caffeine intake is excessive or suddenly stopped. The symptoms of headache include dullness and throbbing on both sides of the head accompanied by irritability, anxiety and difficulty in concentration. The treatment includes taking caffeine in very small amounts and then gradually withdrawing. Drinking plenty of water, using certain pain-relieving medicines, going for herbal teas and relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

10. Ice Pick Headache

The ice pick is another of the different headaches, which are also known as primary stabbing headaches.  It is usually a rare and brief headache disorder that is characterized by stabbing pain on one side of the head, often near the forehead or temple. It usually lasts for a few seconds,  and you may experience it multiple times a day, along with a runny nose and redness or tearing of both eyes. There is no such treatment for this headache because it is very brief. However, you can take certain medicines, but they are also ineffective because they do not last longer than seconds. Home remedies for headaches Can include tracking the headache frequency, resting, and applying ice on the affected area.

11. Exertion Headache

Exertion headache is also another of the different types of headaches, which is also known as exercise headache and is usually triggered by excessive physical exercise, heavy weight lifting, sexual activity, bending or straining and even sneezing. It can be sudden and severe on both sides of the head,  which causes pain for about 5 to 30 minutes or even hours. A person may suffer vomiting or dizziness along with sensitivity while having this headache. The natural remedies for headaches include taking rest, avoiding heavy lifting, practicing meditation, doing cool-down exercises and warm up and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise.

12. Spinal Headache

Spinal headache or post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is another of the different headaches that can be found. It is caused by leaking of the CSF or Cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal and occurs after a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia or trauma. You may experience a throbbing headache which worsens while you are standing or sitting upright along with sensitivity, dizziness and fatigue. These are the symptoms of headache and The treatment includes bed rest and hydration along with pain management with the help of medicines. Using epidural blood patches to seal the leaks is also useful.

13. Rebound Headache

Among the different types of headaches, one is rebound headache which is also known as medication overuse headache as it is caused by the overuse of medication. Teddy is caused by the excessive use of pain-relieving medicines, and sudden withdrawal from those medicines can trigger it. You may experience daily headaches, which worsen over time, along with anxiety and irritability. The home remedies for headaches are tracking the headache frequency and intensity, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, having a proper sleep cycle balanced diet, working on stress management and regular exercise and consulting a doctor for medicines.

14. Post-traumatic Headache

PTH or Post Traumatic Headache is among the different headaches that occur after you suffer an injury on the neck or head, like neck strain, skull fracture or head trauma, concussions, whiplash or another traumatic brain injury. The symptoms include dull and aching headaches on both sides of the head which worsens with physical activity along with blurred vision, sleep disturbance and mood fluctuations. The natural remedies for headaches include Going for cold and hot compression on the affected area, practicing relaxation techniques like muscle relaxation, maintaining your sleep cycle, going for stress management techniques and improving your net mobility and strength with regular exercises. Seek medical attention to avoid complications.

15. TMJ Headache

When it comes to different types of headaches, one of the types is TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Headache. It is caused by disorders that affect the TMJ and surrounding muscles. The symptoms include pain around the face, jaw and temple, clicking of the jaw, Difficulty in chewing or opening the mouth wide, and headache usually on both sides of the head, which worsens with jaw movement. Home remedies for headaches include Applying warm compresses to the jaw or temple area, practicing relaxation techniques, avoiding chewing hard foods and moving to a soft food diet. You can also massage the areas gently. You can go for a physical therapist and mouth guard to stabilize the jaw. Further seeking dental treatments can also help.

Conclusion

Now, as we conclude the article, we have come to understand the different types of headaches and their natural remedies for headaches along with the medical treatment. Going for treatments, therapy like physical therapy, aromatic therapy, and light therapy can help you with lots of headaches. At times extensive exercises can also cause headaches. Have you thought does meditation cause headache? It is a rare occurrence, yet it can happen. Therefore, it is important to know the triggers and work on them to avoid them. Now that you are aware of how to deal with a headache, we hope that you take essential care of yourself and seek help if necessary!

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