Headaches Classifications and Home Remedies
Headaches can be hard to describe, and sometimes a throbbing and squeezing feeling accompanies them. The ache could be on one side or the whole head. They are onset or chronic, and at times you may experience nausea.
Classification of Headaches
For appropriate treatment and diagnosis, headaches are classifiedbased on whether the cause is an underlying problem or not. They can be either primary or secondary.
Secondary Headaches
Secondary head pains are a symptom of an underlying medical problem. They can be as a result of serious medical issues. This class of headaches can be caused by brain tumors, pregnancy, brain tumors or infections, etc.
Rush to an emergency room near you if you experience some of the following symptoms:
- If the pain is associated with other signs such as a stuffy neck, fever, or confusion
- Severe, persistent, and regular pain
- An ache that won’t reduce after medication
Types Of Secondary Headaches
Thunderclap
They usually indicate a life-threatening condition. The maximum pain level is experienced under a minute and can last for 5 minutes. Immediate medical care is needed for this type of headache.
They could be due to internal bleeding or a blood clot in your brain, aneurysm or meningitis, etc. Seek medical attention at an er near you if you suspect you are having this type of headache.
Menstrual Headaches
They occur due to hormonal changes in women. They happen before, during, and after the periods. Preventive measures for hormonal head pains include:
- Alternative contraceptives if the current ones cause headaches
- Taking appropriate drugs when you are about to have your periods
Sinus Headaches
Swelling of your sinus due to an infection or allergy will cause head pains. The pain will be around your eyes, forehead and cheeks. At other times it could spread to your teeth and jaws. Common symptoms are a thick yellow or green nasal discharge, fever, sound or light sensitivity, or blocked nose.
Antibiotics are used if its an infection or antihistamines in the case of allergies. To treat the underlying medical condition, our doctors at Express Er (Waco) will refer you to an ear, throat, and nose doctor for a check-up.
Primary Headaches
They are not symptoms or caused by any underlying issues. They evolve from head and neck structures problems. Overactivity of brain muscles, blood vessels, nerves, or chemicals can cause primary headaches.
Types of Primary Headaches
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches could appear one to eight times a day. Mostly occurs at the same time every day they attack. Symptoms include:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Severe short pain
- Droopy eyelid
- A teary or red eye
Tension Headaches
They are gradual, and you can self medicate using painkillers. The pain is experiencedon both sides of the head and spreads to and from the neck. You may also experience a feeling of tightness around your head.
Types of tension headaches include:
Chronic – They occur on 15 for days for at least three months.
Episodic – Lasts for a few hours a day and can last for several days.
Migraines
They are the most common. The pain is experienced on one side of the head. Migraines could last for two hours and could appear once a week or even a year. Some signs of migraines include nausea, light and sound sensitivity, dizziness, and sensory disturbances.
Home Care Tips for Headaches
There are several home care tips that you can do to relieve headaches before you seek emergency care at our office in Waco. They are as follows:
- Hydrate
Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Drinking water and liquids have been proven to relieve headaches within an hour. To prevent dehydration head pains, take a lot of water and food rich in liquids throughout the day.
- Adequate Rest
Adequate rest can be achieved by sleeping within the required hours. Lack of sleep or oversleeping is known to cause headaches. Seven to nine hours per night are enough for you to relieve pain and prevent any headaches.
- Ice packs
Pressing an ice pack on your neck or head will decrease headaches. The cold will reduce the inflammation, nerve conduction, and constrict blood vessels.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils contain fragrant compounds from various plants. Lavender and peppermint oils help in relieving head pain. Peppermint oils are massaged on your temples while lavender can be inhaled by applying it on your upper lip.