There several types of headaches, and their causes and symptoms can vary. While most of them are short-lived and seldom a cause for worry, being able to understand what kind of headache a person is having will tell them if it is necessary to call our Sotogrande home GP service for headache.
Types of Headaches
The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) describes more than 150 different forms of headache. These are classified into two major categories: primary and secondary.
Primary headaches
Primary headache is one which is not triggered by any condition. These are:
1. Migraines
A individual may experience enhanced sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. About one third of people feel an aura before the migraine begins. Auras are visual and auditory hallucinations that typically last between 5 and 60 minutes. They include:
- seeing zig-zagging lines, flickering lights, or spots
- partial loss of vision
- numbness
- pins and needles
- muscle weakness
- difficulty speaking
2. Tension headaches
Tension headaches are very common and they present as a dull, persistent discomfort on both sides of the head. Other symptoms can include:
- tenderness of the head, face, neck, and shoulders
- a feeling of pressure behind the eyes
- sensitivity to light and sound
3. Cluster headaches
These are intense and persistent headaches, which are six times more likely to occur in men than in women. Individuals report severe burning or piercing pain behind or around an eye.
Other symptoms can include:
- watering eye
- swollen eyelid
- a blocked or a runny nose
- sensitivity to light and sound
- restlessness or agitation
4. Exertional headaches
Exertional headaches are caused by intense physical activity and can be induced by:
- running
- jumping
- weight lifting
- sexual intercourse
- bouts of coughing or sneezing
If you are experiencing cluster headaches for the first time we recommend you see a doctor. They could be a sign of something serious.
5. Hypnic headaches
Hypnic headache is a unusual condition that usually starts for the first time in the 50s but may start earlier. They are also called “alarm clock” headaches, as they wake people during the night.
It consists of a mild-to-moderate throbbing pain on both sides of the head that lasts for up to 3 hours. Other symptoms may include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is a symptom of something else, like medication-overuse, sinus headaches, caffeine related, head-injury headaches or due to menstruation.
When to call Sotogrande home GP service for a headache
Most headaches are rarely a sign of something critical. Most times they can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
However, please call our Sotogrande home GP service for a headache immediately for headaches:
- that come on suddenly and are very painful
- that are recurring in children
- following a significant blow to the head
- associated with confusion or disturbed vision, balance, or speech
- associated with numbness or weakness
- associated with fever, seizures, or unconsciousness
- accompanied by a stiff neck or rash
- associated with persistent vomiting