The high stakes of headaches

Headaches are almost like hurricanes —  they emerge at a time when least expected. Having a headache is common and looking out for it, vital. Although most headaches are not fatal, there are certainly a few that could indicate a graver health problem. Be it mild or severe, up to 20 per cent of headaches are the result of shoulder or neck tension. Compiled from the International Headache Society website, Prevention magazine, Mayo Clinic and viral-hairstyles.com, here are critical types of headache you could experience and signs that may signal red on your health radar.

1. Tension headache

Over-worked or stressed? You’re more than likely to suffer from a tension headache. It’s also called muscle-tension or stress headache. There’s no need to fret if you’re facing a tension headache. Such headaches usually lead to mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head but if not treated, can cause long-term damage. It doesn’t cause throbbing and isn’t accompanied by nausea.

You may feel a pressing or tightening sensation as emotional stress or muscle tension act as triggers, but there’s no need to worry. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches occur between one and 14 episodes per month on average, where each episode may last from 30 minutes to seven days. Keep calm and buy a light pain-reliever but don’t make it a habit. Stopping consumption of a painkiller after frequent use may result in a rebound headache.

2. Thunderclap headache

Living up to its name, a thunderclap headache often grasps your attention like a clap of thunder.  If you get frequent headaches that develop quickly, then this could be a sign that you’re experiencing this type of headache. It can be a result of post-stroke brain bleeding, head injuries or an aneurysm. The pain of such a headache may develop within 60 seconds and fade away within an hour. Note: such headaches could be fatal so consult your local physician.

Read: 7 surprising headache triggers

3. Post-injury headache

If you feel a headache developing following a head injury, you should instantly seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a concussion. Even if it’s a minor injury to the head, bleeding in the brain could be the reason why you’re having a headache. In the case of even a minor accident, always make your way to the hospital for a general check-up. Time is money but it’s not so precious when your health is at stake.

4. Headache while walking

Experiencing a headache while exercising or walking is a serious red flag. Studies suggest that this could be a symptom of a brain tumor. Instances include going to bed with a headache, which worsens when you wake up, even causing vomiting. Other symptoms may be constant nausea, fatigue and dizziness. In some cases, you may also experience insomnia. If you feel uncomfortable, you should immediately get in touch with a doctor. It may not be anything serious but why dig a trench for your own self when early diagnosis has the fastest cure? It’s not about being a hypochondriac, just about looking out for yourself.

5. ‘Out of the blue’ headache

Undergoing a sudden headache may also include experiencing numbness and pain on one side of the body. Feeling weakness in arms, legs and face muscles isn’t a good sign. Similarly, you may have difficulty speaking and balancing while walking as well. Visual impairment and a hazy feeling are all symptoms of a sudden headache. In worst cases, this could mean you’re experiencing a heart attack. If in doubt, immediately visit a cardiologist to throw your fear out.

Read: Six quick remedies to relieve headaches

6. Unusual headaches

If you’re facing an unusually weird headache that just feels ‘off’ for some reason, then check with a doctor. Seizures, inability to perform normal routine activities, memory loss, confusion and shortness of breath are a few common signs of an unusual headache that can eventually result in brain damage.

You may not know it but you may be experiencing a migraine, which, if not treated, can go from bad to worse with age. So, make sure to detect your migraine at the right time. If you’re having throbbing pain around your temples, nausea, vision changes and sensory sensitivity, it’s a migraine glaring at you.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2015.

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