Symptoms of Headaches

You may experience mild or severe pain or discomfort in the head and maybe above the ears or eyes from headaches. Pain may also occur behind the head or in the upper neck. In some cases, headache is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, nausea, irritability, confusion and hearing discomfort. There are three major types of headaches such as primary headache, secondary headache, and cranial neuralgias or facial neuralgias. The main types of primary headaches are tension headache, migraine headache and cluster headache. Secondary headaches are generally associated with other diseases. This type of headache is caused by common cold, meningitis, stroke, brain tumors, encephalitis and head or brain injury. One of the most common types of cranial neuralgias is trigeminal neuralgia.

Symptoms of Headaches

The severity of the symptoms of headaches can vary depending upon its cause. The symptoms of each type of headache are different. Let's take a look at the symptoms of some common types of headaches.

• Symptoms of tension headaches: Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headache. This type of headache is caused by overexertion, stress, emotional strain and loud noise. There are two forms of tension headaches such as episodic or chronic. In tension headaches, pain starts in the backside of the head and upper neck. It gives a feeling of tightness and pressure. Generally, the pain is mild, constant and occurs on both sides of the head. Tension headaches can occur frequently, even daily, in some cases. Tension headaches are not accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, nausea or sound or light sensitivity. In case of episodic tension headaches, mild to moderate pain is felt on the top, front or sides of the head. One may experience episodic tension headaches from 30 minutes to several days. In case of chronic tension headaches, the intensity of pain can vary throughout the day.
• Symptoms of cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are quite painful. The exact cause of cluster headaches is not clear, but abnormalities in the hypothalamus can be a contributing factor. Abnormal levels of hormones like cortisol or melatonin, changes in the neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) levels are also responsible for cluster headaches. Changes in sleep patterns can trigger this type of headache. Pain in cluster headaches is sharp, intense and penetrating. Pain starts as a minor symptom and burning sensation around one eye and nose. It intensifies immediately and spreads to one side of the head. Each episode of cluster headaches lasts for a short duration, from 30 minutes to an hour. Pain is usually felt around one eye, but it may also occur in the head, neck and one side of face. Cluster headaches can also cause red, watery and swollen eye, excessive tearing, drooping eyelids, sweaty, pale skin and restlessness.
  
• Symptoms of migraine headaches: Migraine headaches cause severe pain that occurs on one or both sides of the head. Migraine pain can be explained as intense, throbbing or pulsating. There are also other symptoms like vomiting, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, blurred vision and sensitivity to sound, light and movements. Migraines are often triggered by certain foods such as chocolates, red wine and aged cheese. In women, migraine headaches can occur at certain points during menstrual cycle or with the use of oral contraceptives or due to hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Headaches from migraine can last for a longer duration.
• Symptoms of sinus headaches: Sinusitis is the main cause of sinus headaches. Inflammation in the nasal passages, cheeks and eyes can lead to sinus headaches. A person experiences deep, dull or severe pain in the forehead. Pain can also occur in the cheekbones or bridge of the nose. Sudden movements of the head or straining can intensify pain. There are also some other sinus symptoms like nasal discharge, facial swelling and fever.

Headache can be a symptom of a serious disorder, hence it should not be neglected. Whenever you experience any kind of headache, you should immediately consult the doctor and seek appropriate treatment.