Headache is one of the most common health issues in the world. Almost everyone suffers from a headache at one time or another in their lives. Most often, headaches are not serious and go away on their own or with a few lifestyle modifications. But in certain situations, a headache could be a symptom of a more underlying health problem that should be checked.
Understanding the difference between recurrent headaches and those that should not be ignored is important to save you from any further health problems.
What is a recurring headache? Is It Normal?
A recurring headache is a headache that occurs more than 2 times a week. It is not usually a symptom of a serious disease. There are several common causes of recurring headaches, such as:
- Dehydration.
- Fever.
- Muscle tension.
- Decreasing caffeine intake.
- Stress.
- Pain from a tooth.
- Lack of sleep.
- Hormonal changes or pregnancy.
- Nerve irritation.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Certain foods.
- Side effects of certain medicines.
This type of headache is usually called a primary headache, as it does not result from another disease. Headaches that occur most days of the month are known as chronic headaches.
Some types of headaches can become chronic, such as:
- Migraines.
- Tension-type headaches.
- Cluster headaches.
A high percentage of people who have chronic headaches also have anxiety or depression, and relieving these conditions can have a positive impact on the frequency and severity of the headaches.
Common types of headaches
It is essential to understand the pattern of your headache to establish whether it is normal or not. There are various types of headaches, including:
Tension headache
It is the most common type of primary headache. It is normally related to physical and emotional stress. It is characterized by:
- Mild to moderate headache.
- Bilateral headache.
- Does not increase with physical activity.
- Feels like pressure or tension on the head.
- Not often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Rarely accompanied by sensitivities to light and sound.
Tension headaches are considered episodic if occurred for fewer than 15 days per month, and chronic if happened for 15 days or more per month for a period of 3 months.
Migraine
This is a recurring neurological condition which may last for an individual’s whole life. It may start with visual symptoms like flashing lights and blind spots. Migraines may be associated with changes in nerve pathways and brain chemicals.
Migraine headache symptoms:
- Painful and throbbing headache.
- Usually on one side of the head.
- May include nausea and vomiting.
- Made worse by movement.
- May include sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine headaches are common in women and may be associated with hormonal changes, which include:
- Pregnancy.
- Taking oral contraceptive pills.
- Menopause.
- Menstrual period.
- Hormone replacement therapy.
Hypnic headache
Hypnic headache is a rare headache disorder that strikes during sleep. It is sometimes referred to as the “alarm clock headache” because it wakes the patient from sleep.
It strikes at the same time on some nights of the week and affects females more than males. Hypnic headache could be severe or mild and could manifest as stabbing, throbbing, and burning pain. It mostly affects individuals above the age of 50.
New daily persistent headache (NDPH)
A rare type of headache disorder that strikes suddenly without any prior signs or symptoms. Though it is rare, it could be very exhausting to the patient.
It lasts for at least 24 hours from the onset and may continue for several months. It occurs daily, although its intensity may vary. It is often difficult to treat because it does not respond easily to conventional treatment.
Causes that require urgent medical evaluation
Although headaches are not life-threatening in most cases, some headaches could be a symptom of a medical condition that requires urgent medical evaluation, such as:
- Heatstroke.
- Head injury or concussion.
- Severe dehydration.
- Stroke.
- Tooth/gum infection.
- Brain tumor.
- Brain infection.
- Cancer.
- Cerebral aneurysm.
- Brain hemorrhage.
- Preeclampsia (pregnancy high blood pressure).
In these instances, it is not simply a matter of a headache; it is a symptom of a medical condition that needs proper medical evaluation and care.
Symptoms that need immediate emergency care
Headache accompanied by the following symptoms requires emergency care:
- Sudden and extremely severe headache.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Seizures.
- Numbness or weakness only on one side.
- Severe dizziness or loss of balance.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Headache caused by a head injury.
- Confusion or sudden personality change.
- Need for pain relief medication almost every day.
- Severe nausea and vomiting.
- Fever accompanied by neck stiffness and rash.
- A headache that affects normal functioning.
- Headache experienced for the first time at the age of 50 or older.
- Headache that rapidly worsens.
- Headache accompanied by coughing, bending, or during sex.
When does a headache become chronic?
When a headache occurs 15 days a month or more, or lasts for at least 3 months, it is considered a chronic headache. It is essential to seek early treatment for a headache to prevent the condition from becoming chronic. A chronic headache affects not only the physical state but also the social and psychological state. It may affect:
- Social functioning.
- Work functioning.
- Mental state.
Ignoring the headache may cause:
- Sleep problems.
- Jaw muscle problems.
- Mood swings.
- Depression.
How is a headache medically evaluated?
Generally, doctors start with:
- Detailed medical history.
- Associated symptoms.
- Comparison with ICHD-3 criteria.
- Eye examination.
They may also recommend:
- Blood tests.
- MRI scans.
- CT scans.
- Lumbar puncture (cerebrospinal fluid analysis).
Imaging is done to exclude other conditions like stroke, tumor, blood loss, and infections.
How are serious headaches treated?
Treatment varies according to the cause and may include:
- Blood pressure medications.
- Intravenous fluids for dehydration and heatstroke.
- Bacterial and viral Infection medicines.
- Migraine drugs.
- Monitoring for stroke and blood loss.
- Medicines for anxiety and depression, if they contribute to headaches.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Conclusion
Headaches occur naturally and can be easily managed. However, some headaches need prompt medical care. It is important to differentiate between normal and warning headaches so that you can make informed decisions.
If you experience headaches, book an immediate consultation with a doctor through iDoc if symptoms are recurring, concerning, or worsening.