Headache Health: Recognizing Symptoms and Treatment Options

jennifernavarro292
Jan 20
3 min read

Jennifer Navarro MSN, RN NPD-BC

Understanding Headaches

Headaches are very common and usually not serious. There are different types of headaches, including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.

Headaches can be classified as primary or secondary:

Primary headaches mean the headache itself is the main problem (like migraines).
Secondary headaches happen because of another health issue.

Common Types of Headaches

Migraines

What they are: Migraines are a common type of headache that can last from 4 to 72 hours. They often affect people between 25 and 55 years old, but children can have them too. Sometimes, migraines come with visual symptoms like flashing lights or blind spots (called auras).
Symptoms: Throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, which worsens with activity. You might also feel nauseous, vomit, or be sensitive to light and sound.
Who gets migraines: More common in women, and things like hormones, family history, and the environment can play a role.
How they are diagnosed: Doctors ask about your health history, look at your symptoms, and may do scans (like CT or MRI) to rule out other problems.
Treatment: Avoiding triggers (like certain foods or stress) is important. Resting in a dark room, using ice packs, and medications can help. Medicines might include pain relievers or special migraine drugs.

Cluster Headaches

What they are: These headaches mostly affect men aged 20 to 50. They cause severe pain around one eye or side of the head, often with tearing, drooping eyelids, runny nose, or nausea.
Pattern: They occur in “clusters,” meaning many attacks happen over days or weeks, then go away for months or longer.
How they are diagnosed: Just like with migraines, doctors diagnose cluster headaches by reviewing your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. They may also order medical tests, such as brain scans or other examinations, to make sure the headaches are not being caused by another underlying condition.
Treatment: Doctors may give medicines that prevent attacks, such as certain muscle relaxers or anti-seizure drugs. Some forms of cluster headaches respond very well to a specific medicine called indomethacin.

Tension Headaches

What they are: This is the most common type of headache that all ages can experience. It feels like a tight band or pressure around your head.
Symptoms: Mild to moderate pain, often lasting hours or a few days. Some people get these headaches frequently.
How they are diagnosed: Doctors check your symptoms and may do tests to make sure the headache isn’t caused by something else.
Treatment: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually work well. For frequent headaches, certain antidepressants might help.

Preventing Headaches

There are many non-medication ways to help prevent headaches, including:

Eating regular meals and staying hydrated
Getting enough sleep every night
Managing stress through activities like walking, biking, or yoga
Weekly massages to reduce muscle tension
Other therapies, like acupuncture or physical therapy, may also help some people
Some vitamins and supplements, like magnesium, riboflavin, or coenzyme Q10, have been shown to reduce headaches for some.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, keeping a journal to track your headaches and what might trigger them can be helpful. Share this information with your doctor to personalize your treatment plan.

References:

Rosenfeld, J. (2019). Managing patients with migraines: Tips for primary care. Medical Economics, 96(22), 18-19. Retrieved from http://westcoastuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.westcoastuniversity.idm.oclc.org/trade-journals/managing-patients-with-migraines-tips-primary/docview/2351557914/se-2?accountid=162765

Woo, T.M., & Robinson, M.V., (2020). Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board