Headache


Headaches are caused by the alteration of the physiological mechanisms and processes that activate and/or involve structures sensitive to the stimulus of pain, located in certain areas of the head and neck: It is not yet clear, however, why these pain signals are initially triggered. Primary headaches are almost never caused by a single cause: in most cases, they are the result of the interaction between genetic predisposition, endogenous causes (internal to the body) and triggering factors (i.e. the stimuli that trigger the alterations). In other cases, the headache may be the result of trauma to the head or, rarely, a sign of a more serious medical condition. Secondary headaches can represent, in fact, a non-specific symptom, as they can be associated with a series of different conditions, determined by multiple causes.


 Tension-type headache


 Also known as muscle-tension headache, is the most common form of headache, typically defined as a "normal" headache. It manifests itself with persistent pain on both sides of the head, as if it were compressed by a very tight band. The pain is mild or moderate and does not impair daily activities. Normally, it lasts from 30 minutes to a few hours but, sometimes, it can last for several days. The causes of tension headaches are still unclear, but there seems to be a close link between the onset of an attack and factors such as stress, poor posture, fasting and dehydration. Usually, it can be resolved with common painkillers.  A good help is to follow a healthy lifestyle, based on a regular sleep-wake rhythm, the reduction of stressors and good hydration of the body.


Emicrainia


Migraine is less common than tension headache. It is characterized by a throbbing pain of moderate or severe intensity that generally affects only one side of the head or its front. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and excessive sensitivity to light and noise. Compared to tension headaches, it is more disabling and can prevent daily activities. Typically, it lasts a couple of hours but can be bedridden for a few days as well. It is treated with over-the-counter medications.


Cluster headache


Cluster headache is rare and manifests as excruciating and unbearable pain, located in the area around the eye on one side of the head. It is often associated with other symptoms, such as watery or redness of the eye and a stuffy or runny nose. Seizures tend to occur regularly, grouped into "clusters", hence the name, at certain times of the year. The duration of seizures can range from one to two months. This type of headache does not respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications, but your doctor may prescribe specific medications that can relieve the pain or help prevent further attacks.


Medication and painkiller headaches


Some headaches can be side effects of different types of medications generally used to treat diseases that persist over time. There is also a form of headache caused by the excessive and prolonged use of painkillers used to combat headaches. This type of painkiller headache can only be resolved by stopping taking it. Generally, the interruption of the medication leads to a momentary worsening of the pain, destined to disappear progressively within a few days of discontinuation.


Hormone headache


In women, headaches are often caused by hormonal changes related to menstruation. Other recognized triggers are the contraceptive pill, menopause, and pregnancy. To reduce headaches associated with the menstrual cycle, it can help to keep stress under control, maintain a regular sleep-wake rhythm, and make sure you never skip meals.


Other Causes of Headaches


Some of the most common causes of headaches include:


You shoul urgerly go to your doctor or the nearest hospital if you have one or more of these symptoms: