Headache

Alternative Names

Headache; Pain - head; Rebound headaches; Medication overuse headaches

What is Headache

Headache is a pain in the head or upper neck.

There are 3 major categories of headaches:

• primary headaches (tension, migraine and cluster headaches)
• secondary headaches
• cranial neuralgias, facial pain and other headaches

Signs and symptoms

The most popular symptoms of headache are the following:

• Mild, moderate or severe pain that affects the whole head, a part of the head, forehead or the eyes
• Nausea
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling of uneasiness

Possible complications

You should get an emergency medical care if you have serious complications of headache such as:

• gets worse over days or weeks
• is accompanied by impaired neurological function (loss of balance, weakness, numbness or speech disturbance) and double vision
• is accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting
• is accompanied by seizures, mental disturbances and loss of consciousness
• is associated with a fever or stiff neck (could signal meningitis)
• is different than the usual pattern of headaches you have experienced
• strikes suddenly with great intensity
• wakes you from sleep or is worse when you lie down

What causes

The most common headaches are possibly caused by tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. Overworking, not getting enough sleep, missing meals and using alcohol or street drugs can make you more likely to get them. Headaches can be caused by:

• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Caffeine
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Exerting yourself too much
• Holding your head in one position for a long time like at a computer, microscope or typewriter
• Poor sleep position

Prevention

The following healthy habits can reduce your chance of getting headaches:

• Getting enough sleep
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Learning proper posture
• Learning to relax using meditation, deep breathing, yoga or other techniques
• Quitting smoking
• Stretching your neck and upper body, especially if your work involves typing or using a computer
• Wearing proper eyeglasses if needed

Treatment

Headache treatment often depends on the type, the severity and the frequency of occurrence. Tension headache can be effectively treated using lifestyle modifications (e.g., improvements in diet and sleep patterns) and over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen). Cluster headache and migraine headache may require prescription medications and preventative (prophylactic) treatment.