Headaches come in many different varieties. There's the all-time classic
tension headache (think vanilla), so common that just about anyone who's
got a head has experienced one. Eyestrain, fatigue, and stress (mental or emotional)
are all key ingredients in this flavor.
Next on the list is the sinus headache. It often comes on during or
after nasal congestion or a runny nose. Pain is usually felt at the front of
the head. It is commonly worse in cold, damp weather and in mornings; it lessens
in afternoons.
Then there's the cluster headache, which, just as the name implies,
typically occurs in "clusters" ranging from two attacks a week to
several a day. Episodes usually last for six to eight weeks or sometimes longer.
Unlike with tension headaches, stress isn't a triggering factor. For some unknown
reason, they affect more men than women.
Ice-pick headaches are fairly rare - but when they strike, watch out!
Severe pain is localized to one small spot and comes without warning, like you've
just been hit over the head with an ice pick. The medical name for ice-pick
headache is chronic paroxysmal hemicrania. Attacks usually last less
than an hour - generally 10 to 15 minutes.
Finally, we have the migraine - no ordinary headache. Pain ranges from
mild to severe and isn't necessarily the only symptom. Migraines can also trigger
nausea and vomiting. In some people with migraines, visual disturbances called
"auras" (like seeing zigzag flashes and shimmering lights) may show
up for about 10 to 30 minutes right before the migraine starts. A migraine "attack"
can last from two to 72 hours. The agony usually stops people in their tracks.
It disrupts work and play activities, and many sufferers need to retreat and
rest until the migraine is over.
Rarely, certain headaches can be a sign of a serious problem. For example,
headaches that appear out of the blue with fever and a stiff neck could point
to a brain infection called meningitis. Headaches plus signs of
imbalance and double vision can be a warning of a stroke.
The take-home message: Headaches are a pain, but they usually disappear
on their own. But if your headaches are severe and long-lasting, see your doctor
immediately - so you can put your mind at rest.