Headache Information

Almost everyone gets headaches. A lot of the time, they are caused by something simple – such as staying up too late, running around in the sun too long, or the stress of a big exam. But some people get headaches that come often or last for a long time.

So, how do you know if a headache is just a passing pain or something more? And what should you do about it?

Almost everyone gets headaches. A lot of the time, they are caused by something simple – such as staying up too late, running around in the sun too long, or the stress of a big exam. But some people get headaches that come often or last for a long time.

So, how do you know if a headache is just a passing pain or something more? And what should you do about it?

Anatomy of a Headache

Although it may feel like it, a headache is not actually a pain in your brain. The brain tells you when other parts of your body hurt, but it cannot feel pain itself.

Most headaches happen in the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that cover a person’s head and neck. Sometimes the muscles or blood vessels swell, tighten, or go through other changes that stimulate the surrounding nerves or put pressure on them. These nerves send a rush of pain messages to the brain, and this brings on a headache.

Different Kinds of Headaches

The most common type of headache is a tension, or muscle-contraction, headache. This happens when the stressed-out head or neck muscles keep squeezing too hard. With this kind of headache, the pain is usually dull and constant. It might feel as though something is pressing or squeezing on the front, back, or both sides of your head.

Sometimes people also get headaches when they are sick – you may have had a sinus headache when you’ve had a cold, flu, or allergies, for example.

People who drink a lot of caffeinated drinks might get caffeine-withdrawal headaches. Some headaches are the side effects of taking a particular medication.

Pain that is especially sharp and throbbing can be a sign of a migraine headache. Migraine headaches are not as common as tension headaches. But for the people who do get them, the pain can be strong enough to make them miss work/class or other activities if the headaches are not treated.

One big difference between tension headaches and migraines is that migraines sometimes cause people to feel sick or even throw up. Tension headaches typically do not cause nausea or vomiting, and they are usually not made worse by physical activity – which is another thing that can happen with migraines. Most migraines last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Some can last as long as a couple of days.

Strong headache pain can be frightening for people who have not had it before. But a headache is rarely a sign of something serious. If something is wrong – like a brain tumor or meningitis – the person will most likely notice other signs as well.

What Causes Headaches?

Many different things can bring on headaches. Most headaches are related to:

Stress
Dehydration
Computer or television watching
Loud music
Smoking
Alcohol
Caffeine
Skipping meals
Lack of sleep
A bump to the head
Taking a long trip in a car or bus or airplane
allergies

The following kinds of infections can also bring on headaches in some people:

Flu
Sinus infections
Strep throat
Urinary tract infections
Ear infections
Lyme disease
Common cold

For some people, hormonal changes can also cause headaches. For example, some women get headaches just before their periods or at other regular times during their monthly cycle.

Migraine headaches often are hereditary. So, if a parent, grandparent, or other family member gets them, there is a chance you may get them too (but that does not mean you will get them). Certain things (called triggers) are known to bring on migraine headaches in people who are predisposed to getting them. Some of the things that can trigger migraines are certain foods, stress, changes in sleep patterns, or even weather.

Getting Relief

Most headaches will go away if a person rests or sleeps. When you get a headache, lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room and close your eyes. It may help to put a cool, moist cloth across your forehead or eyes. Relax. Breathe easily and deeply.

If a headache does not go away or it is really bad, you may want to take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can buy these in drugstores under various brand names – and your drugstore may carry its own generic brand. It is a good idea to avoid taking aspirin for a headache because it may cause a rare but dangerous disease called Reye syndrome.

If you are taking over-the-counter pain medications more than twice a week for headaches, or if you find these medications are not working for you, then see your doctor.

When to See a Health Professional

If you think your headaches may be migraines, you will want to talk to a healthcare professional to discuss strategies to avoid getting the headache. Sometimes relaxation exercises or changes in diet or sleeping habits are all that is needed. But, if necessary, you may be prescribed a medication to control headaches.

Headaches are rarely a sign of something serious. But, see a health care professional if you have headaches more than three times a month or have a headache that:

Is particularly painful and different from the kinds of headaches you have had before
Does not go away easily
Follows an injury such as hitting your head
Causes you to miss work/classes

You will want to see a health care professional if you have any of these symptoms in addition to the headache:

Changes in vision, such as blurriness or seeing spots
Tingling sensations along with the headache (for example, tingling sensations in the arms or legs)
Skin rash
Weakness, dizziness, or difficulty walking or standing
Neck pain or stiffness
Fever

When you see a healthcare professional, they will want to do a physical exam and get your medical history to help figure out what might be causing the headaches.

Sometimes, you may be referred to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system.

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