What Kind of Headache Do I Have? A Look at the Most Common Headache Types

You wake up and you have a headache. But what type of headache do you have?

There are so many different types of headaches that it can be difficult to know what type best matches with the symptoms you are experiencing. To help you figure out what type of headache you have and which remedies will help, here are the most common ones you might experience.

Have regular headaches? Read: 6 Techniques to Prevent Migraine Headaches Before They Start.

Tension Headaches

If you have a headache that is throbbing or tightening, it could be a tension headache. You might also experience muscle pain throughout the body along with your headache and may feel very tired too. This type of headache can occur at any time but they are most common in people who hold their stress in the neck muscles.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headache symptoms are sharp, severe pain around one eye or the temple. These headaches generally last less than three hours and occur in groups lasting several weeks or months at a time. This headache is very different from a tension headache because it occurs on only one side of your head rather than both sides like you would find with a tension headache.

Migraines

A migraine headache is throbbing in nature, but it also comes with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. You might even feel sick enough that you lose your appetite when you have a migraine headache. This headache type generally occurs on one side of the head only, while tension headaches can be felt on both sides simultaneously.

Allergy and Sinus Headaches

If you find yourself with headache symptoms that are accompanied by nasal stuffiness, postnasal drainage, or sneezing then it is likely that what you have is an allergy headache. You might also experience sinus headache pain if your headache seems to be worse when laying down flat and relieved when sitting up.

Hormone Headaches

If you have headache symptoms that are linked to your menstrual cycle, then it is likely that what you have is a hormone headache. These headaches usually occur just before, during, or after your period but can also be experienced at other times in the month when progesterone levels peak, such as around ovulation time.

Caffeine Headaches

Some people can experience headache symptoms if they cut down on caffeine too quickly. If you feel headache and fatigue when your body is going through withdrawal from its normal amount of caffeine intake, then it is likely that this headache type will pass in a few days once the addiction to caffeine has passed.

Hypertension Headaches

If you have an urgent headache that is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision then it might be a headache associated with high blood pressure. These types of headaches need to be treated immediately because high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems if left untreated for too long.

Now that you know the different headache types you might be experiencing, now is the time to seek treatment. Contact Midwest Pain Clinics for headache treatments in Omaha.

 

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