Recurring Headaches

Yes, it is a pain to have those dreadful and horrible headaches frequently. Personally, I would hate them with a passion, had the stress caused by the hatred not given me a headache. I am a typical classic case of a victim of recurring headaches. It affects my work life, productivity, personal life, love life (If I would have one) as well as social life. It makes me irritable, tired, stressed out and many more things that one would associate with a headache. Just about 3 weeks back I found myself asking, for the millionth time, WHY?? So, I decided to take the reins in my hands and find out exactly what is causing these headaches everyday. I am not a fan of going to the doctors so, I figured, research on my own would be a good start. (I will consult my doctor once I have a clue about what's happening in my head) Here are all the causes.

Disclaimer: The causes and diagnosis in this article are not a substitute to consultation with a doctor.

Reasons for Frequent Headaches

Migraine
Migraine is the most common cause of repeating headaches. Hence, it is the first option that we are going to learn about. The symptoms of a migraine are any two (or more) of these:

• Throbbing headache for 4 to 72 hours
• Light bothering you
• Loud sounds or strong smells (like perfume) bothering you

In addition to these, one may experience one (or more) of these symptoms:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Loss of appetite during the headache
• Vertigo or dizziness

Wow!! Looks like I am suffering from migraine. If you are suffering from migraine as well, visit your doctor asap! Migraine is also one of the most common such headaches in children.

Cluster Headaches
Cluster headache is quite a common cause of repetitive headaches in men. There isn't much literature available on it. There have been some cases of women suffering from this type of recurring headache also observed. So, pay attention to the symptoms, this could be your demon.

• One sided stabbing headache
• Red eye and tears
• Stuffy nose
• The headache builds up in 15-20 minutes and reaches its peak
• Patient will not be able to stay still during the stabbing headache, they will feel the need to move around or rock back and forth to relieve the pain

If one experiences the pain for more than six weeks, then it is a chronic cluster headache. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor and consult him at the earliest.

Cervicogenic Headache
A cervicogenic headache is, actually, a pain in the neck. It is a fact that neck pains and headaches often go together. Hence, if you have excessive strain on the neck, or if you have had a minor accident causing strain on the neck muscles, then the chances that you are suffering from this kind of a headache are quite high. It is also closely related to a tension headache. In fact, the reoccurring headaches at night, that people may be suffering from, could be this one due to a wrong pillow. If you have a doubt that you are suffering from this kind of a recurring headache, contact your doctor at the earliest. This kind of a headache requires physiotherapy and medication. Hence, get help soon.

Analgesic Rebound Headache
This kind of a headache is caused due to an overdose or reaction due to over the counter headache medication. Hence, it should be clear to all that it is very important to take medication only as prescribed by doctors. People who already face terrible headaches reach out for any possible medication at any possible time during the pain. This tends to cause this analgesic rebound headache. So, beware of a medication overdose. If you surmise that this is the pain that you are suffering from, I suggest you get your pretty backside to the doctor at the earliest. Better figure out a way to get out of the vicious circle with a professional at hand!

Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia is also called tic douloureux. It has a tendency to occur all of a sudden and become completely disabling. The condition affects the trigeminal nerve which is one of the largest nerves in the head. Neuralgia is basically a nerve pain. As such, the pain travels and increases very fast. It can be the reason for the recurring headaches behind eyes, that many people complain about. Here are ways to recognize it as a cause for the pain.

• The headache will be sudden, severe and will have an electric shock like or stabbing effect
• It will be felt on one side of the jaw or cheek
• It will, mostly, not be experienced by someone below 50 ears of age
• The pain can get triggered by brushing teeth, talking, touching the face, chewing, swallowing and even a bout of cold air brushing the face

If this is the pain that you are experiencing, you will be prescribed certain drugs to relieve the nerve of the pain. Medicines used for migraines will be rendered useless for this kind of a headache.

However, before going ahead and self-prescribing any kind of medication, get it checked out by a doctor, to be on the safe side. This is where I sign off!! Get well soon!!