A headache is scientifically known as Cephalalgia; and has no specific symptom. It is usually pain felt around the head and may sometimes extend to the neck region. The pain is usually caused by some level of disturbance that is impacted on structures around the brain that are pain sensitive. There are actually many different types of headaches and causes. Below you will find 10 of the most common.

Tension Headache

It is the most common type of headache. They are usually mild in nature and come in episodes and are at times referred to as stress headaches. It is a relatively mild to moderate pain that tends to be band like. There is usually some pressure or tightness around the back of the head, forehead or neck area. The headache can either be chronic; where it occurs for more than fifteen days in a calendar month or episodic; where it occurs for less than 15 days in a month.

Usually caused by inadequate rest, Anxiety, overexertion, poor posture, Mental or emotional stress, fatigue or hunger. The symptoms include, irritability, Difficulty in falling and remaining asleep, Sensitivity to noise and light and moderate pain affecting the sides, top, or front of the head. These types of headaches can be treated by pain relievers, Antidepressants, muscle relaxants and over the counter drugs.

Cluster Headaches

This is a headache that recurs over a period of time. People who suffer from these types of headache get them over the same period each year i.e. over summer or fall. Nocturnal attacks do awaken someone a few hours after going to bed. Some people get day time attacks as well. They are more common in men than in women and start before the age of thirty.

Usually caused by change in weather patterns and the symptoms include; mild one sided burning sensation, Nasal discharge, excessive sweating and sensitivity to light. One should take preventive medication, abortive medication and even surgery.

Sinus Headaches

They are associated with some constant deep pain in the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead. Symptoms include nasal discharge, facial swelling, high fever and fullness in the ears. Sinus headaches are treated by having pain relieving medications and decongestants. Allergies don’t cause these types of headaches.

Continuous Headache (Hemicranias Continua)

This is a rare type of headache that doesn’t stop. It is usually felt on one side of the face and is usually described as a dull headache that is interrupted by some periods of jolting or stabbing pain. They happen 3 to 5 times a day. Patients can be treated by using anti inflammatory prescriptions. Symptoms include nosebleeds, nausea and drooping eyelids.

Rebound Headaches

These are headaches caused by overuse of pain relievers. It is caused by misuse of drugs like Aspirin, Sedatives, Sinus relief drugs etc. The Symptoms include increased dosage of drugs to get relief and continuous headache that is usually dulled by the intake of more drugs. It can be treated by avoiding over the counter drugs and taking drugs as per prescription.

Status Migrainosus

These types of migrane headaches last more than 72 hours. It usually requires hospital treatment to relieve the pain. The symptoms include vision problems and nausea. There is usually a lot of vomiting associated with this headache and treatment does involve hydration and pain relief drugs (prescription drugs).

Ocular Migraines

It is also called retinal or one eye migraine. It is quite rare and causes blindness or vision loss that lasts less than an hour; on one eye only. Symptoms include headache on one side of the eye, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or noise. Treatment usually involves the participation of health professionals who prescribe both preventive and curative drugs; it is caused by changes across nerve cells in the retina.

Mixed Headache Syndrome

It is also known as transformed migraines in other quarters. It is a combination of tension and migraine headaches. Usually caused by overuse of pain relievers and usually suffer from other health problems like high blood pressure. The best treatment is usually sticking to prescription drugs and taking the recommended dosage.

Hormone Headaches

Occurs mostly in women and is usually associated with changing levels of certain hormones in the body; this is especially so during certain periods like menstruation, menopause and pregnancy. Some birth pills have been known to induce these headaches. Symptoms include sweating, nausea and throbbing pain. The drugs used are usually prescription only and may include diuretics.

Acute Headaches

Occur mostly in children. They do occur very suddenly and then subside only to reoccur again. Symptoms include fever, sweating and periodic crying from the child. It is most commonly caused by sinus or respiratory infection. A visit to the pediatrician is usually advised and one should never give over the counter pain relief drugs.