Types and causes of headaches
Headaches are one of the most common health problems we experience in our daily lives. Given the fast-paced, stress-driven, unhealthy and addiction-laden lives we lead, headaches are no longer an uncommon issue. While some abate on their own, others force us to gulp an over-the-counter painkiller.
Headache is a non-specific symptom, and can arise due to several causes. It is often tough to tell why one is suffering from a headache at any particular point of time. The causes may be anything benign, or even serious, ranging from stress, skipping a meal, sleep deprivation, fatigue, or recreational drugs. Other factors associated with frequent headaches include depression, stress or anxiety, sleep disturbances, excessive weight and heavy dependence on stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine.
Common medical conditions causing headaches are tension, a migraine or cluster headache condition, stroke with subarachnoid haemorrhage, cortical venous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, brain arteritis, hydrocephalus, increased pressure inside the brain, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Rebound headaches (from medication overuse) are another kind of headache that happen to people who indulge in excessive consumption of painkillers. In India, it is seen that people often take headaches lightly and self-treat them with over-thecounter analgesics even when the pain is recurring, and causing discomfort and loss of productivity. In fact, due to lack of awareness, some people often live with chronic migraine for years without seeking medical attention. It is this lack of awareness that keeps society indifferent and unsympathetic to the condition of patients suffering from migraine, which is actually a neurological condition. Even family members may be disdainful or apathetic, often refusing to understand their condition.
Therefore, it is important to consult a neurologist if one experiences severe or repeated headaches. You may need investigative tests such as brain imaging or an eye or ENT check-up. With the advancement of neuroscience, the treatment for most of the causes of headache is available. Avoid exposure to hot weather, drink a lot of water, engage in regular exercise, get rid of excess weight, avoid alcohol, practice yoga and meditation, and get 6-7 hours of sleep daily. Common headaches can also be kept at bay by reduced exposure to screens (phones, computers, and television), and avoiding fizzy carbonated drinks and excess coffee and tea.
Disclaimer: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the concerned hospital/doctor.