A headache may sound like a minor thing. But it can last for hours, and curb/disrupt even the most basic daily activities.
The term “headache” applies to a range of uncomfortable sensations, from a dull constant ache to sharp migraine pain. But while some episodes pass without any intervention, those that linger, recur, intensify, or are accompanied by other symptoms, need a deeper look. Let’s understand the types of headaches and their possible causes, so you’re better equipped to navigate the pain.
Figuring out the invisible foe
The nature and frequency of your discomfort point toward the source of the pain.
The most common type of headache, a tension headache, manifests as a mild to moderate tightness around the head. While it can’t be pinned to one specific cause, it arises when the muscles between your head and neck knot up, due to physical or emotional stress. Respiratory infections are commonly accompanied by sinus headaches, signaled by pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead; they usually recede once the congestion clears up. Cluster headaches, on the other hand, are a rare type of headache that you may experience due to physical exertion, exposure to bright light, or at high altitudes. They show up as ‘clusters’ or frequent episodes of intense pain around the eye on one side of the head, multiple times a day.
Now here’s the key part. A lot of these signs overlap with the symptoms of migraine— a chronic neurological condition that affects over a billion people globally. Distinguishing a migraine from a regular headache may be tricky, but the former has some distinct features that set it apart. Although each individual’s experience is unique, a typical migraine episode unfolds in four stages— the pre-headache phase includes mood swings or stiffness of the neck, followed by the ‘aura’ phase that brings sensory disturbances like blurred vision or slurred speech. The headache comes next, causing mild to extreme pain that may worsen with physical activity and stimuli like light, sound, or a particular smell. In the final phase, the pain subsides but could leave you feeling exhausted or confused.
You don’t have to wait for a debilitating event to address them. If your headaches are short-lived and the pain is tolerable, they can be tackled with a combination of rest and tweaks in lifestyle. But if the discomfort starts rising in intensity or regularity, disrupting your daily activities, you require your healthcare provider’s guidance to identify the cause of the headache, make changes in your routine, and assess the need for medication or clinical intervention.
Caring for migraine on the go
With your doctor’s help, you can understand your symptoms and learn to identify your triggers better, to keep attacks at bay, even on busy days. Tune in to your body’s cues, to know how to minimize the episodes of pain.
In some cases, unexpected sources like hormonal changes such as fluctuations in estrogen levels in women, can lead to migraine episodes, while in others, environmental factors like loud noises or strong smells can set off headaches.
Lifestyle changes like managing stress, following a healthy sleep schedule, and managing your diet help to curb the pain. Digital tools like health tracking apps can be the companion you need to keep your schedule in check. They encourage you to achieve small daily tasks that build healthy habits for long-term wellbeing. Remembering to take your medicine on time, ensuring you clock in eight hours of rest, and tracking your food intake, becomes easier with these devices.
Headaches are not uncommon. We all encounter them and have our own ways to tide over them. However, pain is the body’s way of drawing attention to something that might not be okay.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
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