Headache

The headache is one of the most common conditions among adults. It is a condition that in many cases interferes with both the personal, social and professional life of those who suffer from it; however, in very few cases it involves a serious health disorder . The vast majority of headaches are overcome without any problem since the treatments, both medical and natural, are very effective.

Headaches are precisely one of the main causes of medical visits , according to data provided by the World Health Organization. Its causes are very diverse; from stress to genetics to head trauma .

Headache types

Headache types are classified into two large groups.

Primary headaches

In the following points we explain the different types of primary headaches that exist.

• Migraine : migraine is a disorder that in the vast majority of cases has a hereditary basis. It is characterized because a series of recurrent headache episodes take place, which can occur only in a part of the head, or in all of it; patients experience throbbing pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. The best treatment for this type of headache is rest.
• Tension: it is a headache that is relatively easy to diagnose since it is located on the forehead; on some occasions it can reach the cervical region, although it is not the most common. The pain is of moderate intensity and lasts throughout the day. It is the most common type of headache, occurring in about 80% of cases. Stress and anxiety are two of the main triggers.
• Daily Chronicle: a set of headaches is defined as such that, as its name suggests, occur daily; the situation can last up to three and four months. In a high percentage of cases, patients suffer this type of primary headache after excessive consumption of analgesics to try to alleviate the tension headache.
• In clusters: a very special headache because it occurs together for a few days a year. It usually occurs in men in their 30s, although it can occur at any age and in both genders. Chronic cluster headache is the most serious type of all; patients suffer uninterrupted headaches for more than a year.
• Epicranial: it is defined by a pain very similar to that of a twinge that is registered in a specific area of ​​the scalp.
• Hypnic: the type of headache that occurs only during sleep is known as such, so that it is interrupted. It significantly affects the quality of life of patients.

Secondary headaches

• Trauma: they are the most frequent of all, and arise after a certain head or neck trauma. Generally, in addition to the headache there are other symptoms such as dizziness or a tingling sensation in the extremities.
• Infection: as its name suggests, it is a type of headache that occurs due to an infection, such as the flu .
• Psychiatric disorder: another type of secondary headache is the one that responds to a certain psychiatric disorder such as depression or anxiety.

Causes of headache

Here are the causes that most frequently give rise to headaches.

• Genetics: the truth is that a very high percentage of people who suffer from migraine have a family history with the same condition.
• Age: although migraine can occur in childhood, it is not the most common. It usually occurs after puberty; Due to the great hormonal changes that women undergo during this stage, the incidence among them is higher.
• Stress: some experts say that stress is the main disease of the 21st century. Well, it is a great headache trigger.
• Diet: a diet rich in junk food, such as hot dogs or hamburgers, can also cause a severe headache.
• Sleep: resting properly is essential to enjoy a high quality of life. Thus, little sleep is another cause of this condition; It is essential to rest eight hours a day to take care of both physical and mental health.

Beyond the causes of headache, there are a number of risk factors that are worth assessing. First of all, age ; As we have pointed out, this condition occurs more frequently in adults than in children. Second, gender ; headaches are more prevalent among women. And third and last, obesity is another trigger.

Headache symptoms

Headache symptoms vary significantly from one patient to another; There are those who suffer it in a generalized way , while in other cases it is located in a certain area of ​​the head. The intensity of the pain also varies; there are patients who suffer from very intense headaches, which force them to stay in bed and suspend their daily activities.

In the vast majority of cases, headache episodes occur between one and four times a month, each of which usually does not last longer than three hours; however, there have been cases of patients with headaches that have lasted up to three days.

The type of pain caused by headache can be divided into the following groups; It is very useful information when going to the doctor and explaining the symptoms.

• Electric: one who feels like a cramp is known as such. In the peaks of greater intensity, the pain is such that the patient cannot remain with the eyes open.
• Trembling: it is one of the most painful and uncomfortable of all since it feels like a drill is going through the head,
• Pulsatile: it is generally located in a certain area of ​​the head, and feels like a heartbeat.
• Oppressive: it is the type of pain that feels like a helmet pressing the whole of the head.
• Explosive: the most intense pain of all, which affects the entire head and gives the feeling that it is going to explode at any moment.

There are some red flags that require immediate medical attention: visual disturbances such as bright lights or double vision, a tingling sensation in the extremities, a stiff neck and / or fever .

Diagnosis and treatment

If the headache occurs recurrently and / or very intense, it is advisable to see a doctor. This will ask a series of questions in relation to the symptoms: type of pain, location of the same and time of evolution, triggers and symptoms associated with the headache itself . As we have pointed out, genetics is one of the main causes of headaches, so the doctor will also ask about family history.

Once the diagnosis is established, the doctor will assess the best treatment for each type of headache. To alleviate the pain, he will prescribe anti-inflammatory analgesics, which it is not advisable to take more than twice a week. In those patients whose headache occurs more than two or three times a week, the doctor will prescribe a preventive treatment with the taking of antidepressants.

Tips to prevent headache

There are some very useful tips to prevent headache as much as possible; Or, at least if this condition is triggered to do so with low intensity and mild pain.

• Orderly rhythm of life: as we have pointed out, stress is one of the main triggers of headaches. Therefore, it is important to lead an orderly life in all areas; social, professional and personal.
• Healthy eating: avoid the consumption of fats, and contribute with seasonal fruits and vegetables; This type of food provides essential nutrients for the proper functioning of the body.
• Physical exercise: Of course, exercising frequently is key to avoiding headaches. It doesn’t have to be high intensity; it is enough to swim or walk between 15 and 30 minutes a day.
• Alcohol and tobacco: alcohol and tobacco are very harmful to the health of the body and, in addition, they significantly promote headaches.

Home remedies for migraine and headache

Here are some of the best home remedies to treat this condition.

Ginger

Ginger root is one of the natural ingredients with the greatest number of properties and health benefits. In the case of migraine, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties , so that it helps alleviate pain.

To apply this remedy you simply have to prepare an infusion of ginger root. Once the drink is ready, you can take it by taking small sips; Or, soak a cotton compress in it and apply on the painful area.

Peppermint

A very popular and effective home remedy for treating any type of headache; Peppermint has great analgesic and soothing properties.

It is enough to prepare an infusion of peppermint; the ideal amount is four leaves of the plant for each cup of hot water.

Chamomile

Chamomile has been used since ancient times to combat migraine headaches , and practically any type of headache.

You just have to prepare an infusion with three tablespoons of dried chamomile for every half liter of water. Once it is ready, add a few drops of lemon and take little by little.