Headache Types and How to Treat Them
There are a variety of headache types that affect people all over the world. Tension headaches are very common and can usually be successfully treated with aspirin or ibuprofen but some people experience the excruciating pain from migraines. Some people experience cluster headaches which can be quite painful while most people are familiar with the pain from ice cream headaches. Let's tale a look at the various categories of headaches and look at ways to treat them or to prevent them form occurring.
Cluster Headaches
These types of headaches are quite painful and unfortunately they usually happen in cyclical patterns that can last for weeks as well as for months and then are typically followed by a period of remission. While in a remission period, headaches do not occur for months and for some people they are not felt for years. Cluster headaches typically attack very quickly and sharp pain is felt on the same side of the head during the cluster period. People who are heavy drinkers or who smoke, sometimes experience cluster headaches as well as people using certain types of medications including nitroglycerin.
An acute medication is often used to treat cluster headaches. Since the pain peaks very quickly doctors recommend injections or the use of an inhaler as opposed to pills. Doctors usually create a preventive program for people dealing with this type of headache. If you have cluster headaches talk to your doctor about the possibility of using oxygen treatments or taking Sumatriptan. Dihydroergotamine, Octreotide and some local anesthetics have been effective at dealing with cluster headaches.
Chronic Headaches
You probably have chronic headaches if you experience headaches for more than fifteen days during a one month period. They can come in headache types such as tension headaches or daily persistent headaches which can occur due to an infection, after a surgery had been performed or from dealing with a very stressful event in your life. The pain is typically a throbbing, dull sort of pain however some people describe a stabbing pain.
A rare type of chronic headache is known as Hemicrania Continua which usually occurs daily. People typically report moderate amount of pain from this type of chronic headache. Patients often use over the counter pain relievers but some doctors want to focus on preventing them from occurring and recommend prevention strategies such as the use of antidepressants, beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, muscle relaxants, and NSAIDs.
Some people acquire a headache type known as exercise headaches due to strenuous exercise and activities such as running and weight lifting. Ice cream headaches cause the brain freeze effect that most people are familiar with. Ice cream headaches might be caused by a temporary change in blood flow in your brain. A headache type known as migraines are very painful and are usually associated with nausea and a high sensitivity to noise as well as light and are quite debilitating. Triptans have been effective at relieving the pain associated with migraine attacks. For some people Butalbital combinations, codeine, anti nausea medications and other types of drugs have been effective. There are various medications that are effective for most headache types that people experience.
