Five (5) Types of Headaches You Should Never Ignore – – It’s important to know that not all headaches are created equal. Listening to our bodies and understanding our headaches, including their triggers, can help us treat them more efficiently. More importantly it can signal us that something more serious is going on and prompt us to seek medical attention.

Below are the Five (5) Types of Headaches You Should Never Ignore:

1. TENSION HEADACHE
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. It’s reported that 90% of people will experience one in their lifetime. They are the result of tightness, or tension, in the muscles of the upper back and neck usually caused by stress and fatigue.

The pain is mild to moderate and manifests itself through a dull pressure or tightness in the forehead. You can treat these headaches through natural relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, massage or even nap. If they persist, over the counter pain relievers are also an option.

2. SINUS HEADACHE

Sinus headaches happen as a result of an acute sinus infection. The symptoms of a sinus headache are pain around the nose and eyes, a runny nose and fever. The pain can range from mild to severe, and the best treatment is over the counter pain relievers and sinus medication.

3. MIGRAINE HEADACHE
Many people with migraines might not even be aware that they have one because less severe migraine headaches are often mistaken for a tension or a sinus headache. A migraine is a neurological condition that results in throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting.

Certain triggers such as a sensitivity to climate changes, hormonal imbalances, reactions to certain foods, and visual disturbances may help predict oncoming migraine pain that ranges from moderate to severe.

People suffering from chronic migraines are usually under a doctor’s care, which includes a remedy along with lifestyle changes.

4. CLUSTER HEADACHE

Cluster headaches are rare, affecting only 1% of the population. They tend to occur at the same time every day, so doctors believe the hypothalamus is involved as it’s responsible for controlling our body’s clock.

They are called cluster headaches because they come in clusters daily over several weeks. It begins with excruciating pain behind the eye and usually begins shortly after sleep. Cluster headaches are triggered by alcohol and are also more common in smokers.

Treatment for cluster headaches are treated through your wellness professional and can include medications, nerve blocks and even melatonin.

5. THUNDERCLAP HEADACHES

Thunderclap headaches are named for their sudden, explosive pain. These severe headaches peak within 60 seconds, but the pain can linger for more than a week.

It’s important to pay attention to the warning sign of a thunderclap headache because it usually a sign of more serious illness. It is extremely important to seek medical help right away when experiencing one.

Thunderclap headaches are attention-getting and dramatic, and its symptoms include pain that:

• Strikes severely without warning
• Starts to diminish after 60 seconds
• Is constant, lasting anywhere from an hour and ten days
• Involves the neck, lower back or head
• Can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or loss of consciousness

When seeing a doctor for a thunderclap or any a headache, prepare by bringing as much information about the episodes as possible. Note the symptoms, triggers, any medications, and write down questions for the doctor. The more information we have, the better equipped our doctor is to formulate a course of action.

Headaches are a warning sign, and they are trying to tell us something. Whether they are saying slow down and relax or alerting us to a more serious condition, it will do us good to pay attention to what they are saying and seek professional help when they are severe and persistent.

Nonso Ifeanyichukwu Ofoma