Types of headache: symptoms, causes and treatment

Some examples of the types of headache are tension headache, migraine, headache associated with sinusitis and cluster headache, which have very characteristic symptoms.

A headache is also known as a headache and, depending on its cause, other symptoms may also appear such as fever, nasal discharge, swelling in the face and a feeling of stiffness in the muscles of the neck or shoulders. Understand better what headache is.

To correctly identify the type of headache, it is recommended to consult a neurologist. Headache treatment may involve the use of medications, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, according to the doctor’s advice.

1. Tension headache

In tension-type headaches, there may be a feeling of pressure or tightness in the head and last from 30 minutes to 7 days in the most severe cases. Although it can be uncomfortable, it usually does not harm the person in their daily tasks.

Tension headaches are believed to be caused by stress and muscle tension, and can sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of stiffness or tightness in the muscles of the shoulders or neck. Learn more about tension headaches.

How to deal with: Tension headache treatment is usually done with the use of analgesics, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline to prevent the pain from returning.

To complement the treatment, the doctor may also recommend physiotherapy sessions to improve posture and relax muscles and/or alternative therapies, such as massage and acupuncture, to relieve stress.

2. Migraine

A migraine is a type of throbbing headache that normally affects only one side of the head, worsens with movement and is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity of the eyes to light.

This type of headache can be disabling, requiring the person to rest in a dark, quiet place, and lasting up to 72 hours in some cases. Learn how to recognize migraine symptoms.

How to deal with: Migraines can be treated with medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or sumatriptan. In addition, the doctor may also prescribe other medications, such as valproic acid or propranolol, to prevent the pain from returning in some cases. See other remedies used to treat migraines.

Measures are also recommended, such as avoiding stress, getting enough sleep and always at the same times, not fasting for too long, exercising regularly and drinking plenty of fluids, to prevent this type of headache.

3. Headache associated with sinusitis

The type of headache associated with sinusitis tends to affect the face, especially the region around the nose and/or around the eyes, and be accompanied by other symptoms, such as yellowish nasal discharge, stuffy nose, cough and fever. Check out more symptoms of sinusitis.

This type of headache can also cause a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the face that worsens when you lower your head and lie down.

How to deal with: To treat headaches associated with sinusitis, the doctor may recommend nasal washing with saline solution, nasal decongestants and analgesic medications, such as paracetamol or dipyrone.

Additionally, if an infection develops, you may need to take an antibiotic as directed by your doctor. Understand better how sinusitis is treated.

4. Cluster headache

Cluster headaches cause a type of headache that is most common in the region of one of the eyes or orbits. On the same side as the pain, it is common for other symptoms to appear, such as a runny nose, swelling of the eyelid and tearing of the eye. See more cluster headache symptoms.

How to deal with: Treatment of cluster headache is usually done with inhalation of 100% oxygen and, in some cases, the doctor may also prescribe medications, such as verapamil or lithium, to prevent the attacks from returning.