Symptoms: Overhead pain, potential sources, categories, and remedies
In the realm of health conditions, headaches are a common complaint that can significantly impact quality of life. To better understand and manage headaches, medical professionals categorise them as primary or secondary headaches based on their underlying cause.
Primary headaches are standalone conditions, not caused by other diseases. These disorders are mainly due to neurological or muscular issues. Common types include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, each with distinct symptoms. Tension headaches are characterised by dull, pressing pain often linked to stress or muscle tension, while migraines involve intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by sensory changes (auras), nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Cluster headaches, on the other hand, are severe, short bursts of pain around one eye, with tearing and nasal congestion, occurring in clusters over days or weeks.
Secondary headaches, however, result from an underlying medical condition or disease. They are symptoms rather than standalone disorders. Causes include infections, vascular problems, trauma, tumours, medication overuse, and other conditions such as head injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, glaucoma, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and sleep apnea. Symptoms vary according to type but secondary headaches often present with signs related to the underlying condition, potentially accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
Treatment for primary headaches typically involves pain relief medication, over-the-counter pain relief medications, prescription pain relief medications, and in some cases, preventive medication for specific conditions. For secondary headaches, treatment often involves addressing the underlying condition. For instance, medication overuse headaches, which occur in people who take medications to treat their headaches too often, can be treated by reducing or stopping the medication, with a doctor's guidance to prevent medication overuse headaches.
Interestingly, certain medical devices, such as gammaCore, Cefaly, Nerivio, sTMS, and others, may help with migraine pain relief. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to decrease the frequency of migraines in children and adolescents.
It's essential to note that headaches can be caused by various factors, including environmental factors such as the weather, physical factors like an injury, and emotional factors such as stress, depression, or anxiety.
In a study published in 2021, acupuncture therapy was found to be more effective than medications in treating chronic tension-type headaches. Another study from 2018 reported that CBT decreased the frequency of migraines in children and adolescents.
Finally, it's crucial to remember that while headaches are common, they can sometimes signal a life-threatening condition. Thunderclap headaches, for example, are sudden, severe headaches that can indicate an aneurysm, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, meningitis, pituitary apoplexy, bleeding in the brain (hemorrhage), blood clot in the brain, or other serious conditions.
In summary, understanding the difference between primary and secondary headaches can help in identifying the root cause of headaches and seeking appropriate treatment. Primary headaches are standalone conditions mainly due to neurological or muscular causes, while secondary headaches signal another underlying health problem that may require targeted treatment. If you're experiencing persistent or severe headaches, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Primary Headaches. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-headache-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20356185 [2] National Headache Foundation. (n.d.). Headache Classification. https://www.headaches.org/2018/06/headache-classification/ [3] American Migraine Foundation. (2020). Understanding Migraine: A Guide for Patients. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-guide-for-patients/ [5] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Migraine Fact Sheet. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Migraine-Fact-Sheet
- Qulipta, a medical device, may assist in relieving migraine pain, according to research.
- It's important to establish that headaches can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, like cancer or mental health issues, and not just a standalone persona.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, a study found acupuncture to be more effective than medications in treating chronic tension-type headaches.
- Personas suffering from medication overuse headaches might find relief by reducing or ceasing the use of their medication, under the guidance of their treaters.
- Nutrition plays a role in managing various medical-conditions, including headaches, and proper diet can aid in preventing headache triggers.
- Fitness-and-exercise is recommended as a strategy for alleviating stress and reducing the frequency of primary headaches like tension headaches and migraines.
