Understanding Headaches

Nearly every human being has suffered from a headache at some point, while some might have taken on more than others; there is no way you could avoid at least one headache in your life. It does not matter if the headache is minor, or crippling- both require careful treatment to keep them in check. 

Minor headaches are a small nuisance that can be relieved with the help of over the counter painkillers, coffee, a short rest, and some foods. 

Severe headaches are harder to handle and come with a looming threat of stroke, tumour, or blood clots. Fortunately, these issues are rare, but that does not mean you should avoid treatment.

Only by understanding headaches and their causes, will you be able to tell when your headache can become threatening. 

What Causes Headaches?

While it is not completely clear as to what causes most headaches, what is clear is that human brain tissue and skull are not involved. These two parts of your body do not have the nerves to register pain. However, the blood vessels in your head and neck area, major nerves, and tissues surrounding the area carry the ability to signal distress. Additionally, the scalp, teeth, muscles, sinuses, and joints of the neck can cause headaches. 

When Should You Worry About Headaches

Fortunately, you can take care of most headaches on your own, and do not require medical attention. However, some headaches require instant medical attention and can cause a great deal of harm in a short period of time. These are the headaches you need to worry about, and the ones you should look out for. To help you out, we have listed down some warning signs to look out for: 

• Headaches that develop after the age of 50 are considered dangerous and need a thorough examination.
• If you feel a significant change in the pattern of your headaches, it's best to consult your doctor.
• Suffering from unusually severe headaches is not normal, even if the headache has passed you must consult a doctor.
• When coughing or movement causes head pain, it's time to get a check-up.
• Some headaches get worse with time, these headaches can become excessive and dangerous with time.
• When you feel a significant change in your personality or mental functionality.
• Headaches that are accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, decreased alertness, decreased memory, confusion, or other neurological symptoms such as slurred speech, visual disturbance, weakness, seizures, and numbness.
• Headaches that cause pain and redness in your eye.
• Headaches that come with pain and tenderness on or near your temples.
• If you feel a headache is coming on after a blow to your head.
• Headaches that keep you away from normal activities are considered a danger to your well being.
• Abrupt headaches that come on as soon as you wake up, or headaches that wake you up from sleep.
• Headaches in patients suffering from impaired immune systems or cancer.

Along with these, there are many headaches that can bring on excessive damage. The rule of thumb is to monitor your headaches as best as possible and get in touch with a doctor as soon as you feel the headache is getting out of hand. 

Yours in self-care,

Adrian Wilk