A headache is defined as pain located in any area of the head. Headaches occur when pain-sensitive nerves in the scalp, blood vessels, and other brain tissues send signals that register as pain in the brain cells.
Other definitions describe a headache as pain being above the eyes or ears, behind the head (occipital region), or in the back of the upper neck. Some definitions use the term “continuous pain” instead of just the term “pain,” but do not specify what “continuous” means. Since there are many types of headaches, some of which localize to certain areas of the head and others that do not.
A migraine headache is defined as a severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation, most often on one side of the head, which is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. People with migraines (migraineurs) often have certain symptoms termed “an aura” (visual or other sensory symptoms) that occur before the migraine, although some people experience auras during and/or after the migraine. Many migraine sufferers find the pain is debilitating and interferes with daily activities. Migraine headaches occur more frequently in women than men.
Just a note of caution, even if you have experienced migraines and/or other headaches, but suddenly develop “… the worst headache of your life…,” you need to be seen by a doctor immediately. This type of headache may indicate a medical emergency other than a recurrent migraine or other headache type.
In most instances, migraine pain is different from other headache pain since to classify as a headache as a migraine, the pain must have at least a combination of three of five features. The pain is 1) moderate to severe, 2) is pulsating, and 3) is only on one side of the head (unilateral location), and it is accompanied by either 4) nausea and/or vomiting or 5) photophobia and phonophobia.
The most common type of headache is considered by the International Headache Society to be a tension headache (also termed a tension-type headache or TTH). There are over 22 types of headaches that have been described. Many are common (hangover headaches, eyestrain headaches). However, this article will be limited to migraine, tension, cluster, sinus, and hormonal headaches as these are common types.
Migraines and other headaches cause discomfort and/or pain in the head. Some headaches, like migraines, may cause a pulsating pain. Migraines usually occur on one side of the head and/or neck, and some other kinds of headaches (for example, cluster headaches, and hormonal headaches) may cause the same symptoms.
Usually, but not always, migraine headaches are preceded by an aura that most commonly is a visual band with a shimmering or glittering border that precedes the head pain, and lasts about 5 to 60 minutes. However, migraine auras may consist of many different perceptions and vary from person to person. These signs and symptoms usually are present in migraine headaches:
Researchers have suggested that the cause of migraines has a strong genetic component since approximately 70% of people with this type of headache have a relative with the history of migraines. Some researchers suggest that migraines are related to or caused, or partially caused by blood flow changes in the brain.
Although some doctors suggest that tension in muscles cause other types of headaches, most now think that the specific cause of headaches is unknown, and likely due to several factors, for example:
Many things can trigger migraines and other types of headaches (for example, tension headache). Here is a list of examples of products and medical problems that may trigger headaches, including migraine. (This is not a complete list).
Triggers for migraines and other headaches are both highly variable and unique to each individual.
There is no test to diagnose a migraine headache, so the diagnosis usually is based on your history and symptoms for migraines or another type of headache, like cluster or tension headaches. The International Headache Society criteria for diagnosis of migraine headaches state that a patient must have at least five headache attacks that have lasted 4 to 72 hours, and that the headache must have had at least two of the following characteristics:
In addition, the patient must have one of two criteria, either nausea and/or vomiting, or photophobia and phonophobia.
Finally, these symptoms listed here do not occur due to any other disorder or condition the patient may have.
People that have migraine headaches can benefit from consultation with a neurologist, neuro-ophthalmologist and/or neurosurgeon. People with other headache diagnoses also may benefit from such consultations, especially for cluster headaches.
Treatment of migraine headaches depends on the patient’s condition. Does the patient need treatment for an ongoing migraine (moderate, severe or extreme pain), or does he or she need preventive (or reduction of migraine occurrences) therapy?
There are many different choices of drugs to treat migraine headaches. Your doctor, neurologist, or pain specialist will treat you based upon your medical condition, any other health problems, and the type of migraine symptoms you have.
Migraine headache pain can be severe enough to affect a your quality of life. Try using these six natural home remedies for migraine pain.
