Headaches: causes, types and treatment.

 

Headaches are common, especially when sick or tired. However, they can also indicate a more serious condition like a brain tumor, meningitis, or aneurysm. Seek medical attention if you have unusual symptoms along with your headache, like double vision, difficulty speaking, or seizures. Different types of headaches have unique causes and symptoms. Tension headaches are caused by stress and can be treated with relaxation techniques, while migraines may require medication to manage. Don't ignore headaches, they can interfere with daily life. Manage symptoms effectively by gaining knowledge and taking appropriate measures.

I had a sudden, severe headache that was new to me..

@ The headache worsened over a few weeks to a month.

@ It's hard to feel the headache and nausea .

@ My headache worsened after I fell and hit my head.

What are the diseases that cause headaches?

Headaches are divided into two main categories: primary and secondary headaches.

Primary headaches, such as migraines or tension-type headaches, can cause painful symptoms but are not immediately life-threatening.

Secondary headaches are caused by a disease and appear as one of its symptoms. Causative diseases include cerebrovascular disorders, such as cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and serious diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis, which require immediate attention.

If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, convulsions, dizziness, strange appearance, numbness, or tingling are present along with a severe headache, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Diseases that Cause Headaches

Common causes of headaches include:

Disorders to Watch Out For

The most pressing secondary headaches are:

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a condition where bleeding occurs under a membrane on the surface of the brain called the arachnoid. Most cases are caused by a ruptured blood vessel, known as an aneurysm, in the brain.

The pain associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage is often described as being hit with a bat or experiencing a level of pain never felt before. It is a very serious condition that can lead to loss of consciousness. Therefore, if you suddenly experience a headache like you have never before, seek medical attention immediately.

Brain Hemorrhage

Cerebral hemorrhage is a condition in which the brain bleeds. It is known to be a risk for people with high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. Other symptoms may include nausea and inability to move a limb. In many cases, the headache is not as intense as it is for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Encephalitis / Meningitis

Encephalitis and meningitis are diseases that affect the central nervous system, such as the brain. They are commonly caused by viruses and bacteria.

These diseases tend to worsen over time, usually several days, rather than suddenly. Some people experience neck pain. If you have a headache, fever, or disturbance in consciousness, such as a strange appearance, seek medical attention immediately.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Chronic subdural hematoma is a condition that causes headaches and nausea due to the accumulation of blood between the brain and the dura mater, the membrane that surrounds the brain. Depending on the location of the blood, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and convulsions can occur.

This condition is characterized by the gradual accumulation of blood over a long period of time, usually one to three months, and is often caused by minor head injuries. Symptoms do not appear immediately after the injury, but gradually worsen over about a week. Chronic subdural hematoma is especially common in older people who take blood thinners or have weak blood vessels.

Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is a mass, either malignant or benign, that forms inside the skull. As the tumor grows, it presses on the surrounding normal brain tissue and causes symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.

In the early stages, there are often no symptoms, and even if headaches do appear, they are often overlooked because they are relatively common. Beware of progressively worsening headaches.

Disorders that Can Cause Sudden Headaches

In addition to the particularly dangerous diseases mentioned above, secondary headaches mainly include:

accompanied by fever, etc.

Infectious diseases, such as a cold or flu caused by a bacterial or viral infection, can cause a sudden headache along with a fever.

There are various diseases that can be considered, but if you have severe headaches accompanied by high fever or pain in the back of your neck, it is recommended that you visit a medical institution as soon as possible.

acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is a condition in which the bony cavities around the nose (sinuses) become inflamed due to bacterial or viral infection. The pain may be aggravated by patting the forehead or cheek. As it progresses, sticky, yellow mucus and phlegm appear, and pain may be felt between the forehead and eyebrows.

Acute Glaucoma Attack

An acute glaucoma attack is a disease in which intraocular pressure rises rapidly, causing sudden vision loss, nausea, headache, and eye pain.

Conjunctival redness and dilated pupils (dark areas of the eye) can usually be seen during seizures. If left unattended, it will cause visual impairment, so be careful. People who have never been diagnosed with glaucoma can get glaucoma.

Disorders That Can Cause Recurrent Headaches

Disorders classified as causes of primary headache include:

Tension Headache

Tension-type headache is a chronic headache known to be caused by mental and physical stress, such as muscle tension. It is characterized by tightening from the neck to the back and side of the head. In addition to headaches, dizziness and eye fatigue may also appear. Bathing can relieve muscle tension and often relieve headaches.

Migraine

A migraine is a severe headache caused by sudden dilation of blood vessels in the brain. It is characterized by throbbing in sync with the pulse. Other symptoms, such as nausea, may occur depending on the situation. Prodromal symptoms, such as narrowed vision and blinking, may occur before seizures occur. Drinking alcohol or taking a bath can make headaches worse.

Climatic conditions, such as stress and barometric pressure, are known to trigger pain attacks. Women often experience headaches before or after menstruation.

Health Checkup Tips and Precautions

If you experience severe headaches, numbness, tingling, or convulsions, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

It is also recommended that you see a doctor if your daily headaches persist for a long time or if you experience other symptoms than usual.

Depending on the cause, the department of treatment may be different. However, if headache is the main symptom, neurology is the most appropriate. It is often difficult to find a neurologist outside of a general hospital.

When you see your doctor, you should provide details such as when your headaches started, where and how often they occur, if you have any symptoms other than headaches, and if you are experiencing any warning signs.

Headache is an invisible symptom, so it is very important to communicate it. It is also a good idea to write down your symptoms so you can discuss them in as much detail as possible.

Causes and Countermeasures in Daily Life

Headaches can be caused by illness as well as daily activities and habits.

Due to Stress

Severe stress can disrupt the autonomic nervous system and cause headaches.

When Stress is High

Relieve stress by exercising, getting some rest, or changing your environment. Each person has a different way of relieving stress, so it's important to find what works best for you.

Stiff Shoulders and Eyestrain

Staring at a computer in the same position for a long time can tire your muscles and cause stiff shoulders and eyestrain.

If You Feel Stiff Shoulders or Eyestrain

A stiff neck and strained eyes can cause headaches. If you start to feel stiff shoulders or eyestrain, it's important to lightly relax the muscles in your shoulders and neck. It's also important to take regular breaks while working.

Changes in Hormonal Balance

Women may experience headaches due to hormonal changes before and after menstruation.

If You Think It May Be Due to a Hormonal Imbalance

During the period before and after menstruation, avoid overworking and stress. If the symptoms before and after menstruation are painful and interfere with daily life, it's a good idea to consult a gynecologist.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep disturbs the autonomic nervous system, making it easy to cause headaches.

If You Feel Lack of Sleep

To get enough sleep, avoid staying up late or taking long naps. Refrain from using your smartphone before going to bed if possible. Be careful not to oversleep as it can cause headaches.

When Things Don't Get Better

If symptoms persist even after evaluating your daily routine, there may be an underlying cause. Do not hesitate to consult a physician if symptoms persist.