Headache and Migraine Awareness & Emergencies
National Headache Awareness & Migraine Awareness Month
Americans complain of headaches more than any other medical condition, with roughly one in every 6 Americans and one in five women reporting having a headache within the last three months. In addition, some eight million patients visit their doctor yearly because of migraines and severe headaches.
Given the high frequency and the disruptive nature of severe headaches, the month of June is dedicated to raising awareness of this condition.
Types of Headaches
Headaches have multiple causes, but there are three main types of severe headaches, namely:
- Tension Headaches
- Migraines
- Cluster Headaches
Tension Headaches
This is the most common type of headache; chances are most of us have already experienced one or will during our lives.
Tension headaches produce a dull, constant pain that is not throbbing on both sides of your head, and they frequently have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Tenderness in the scalp, forehead, neck, shoulders, and face
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Light and sound sensitivity
- It can last between 30 minutes up to several hours
Causes and Triggers
The exact cause of tension headaches is unclear. Still, stress, anxiety, and depression play a role in this type of headache.
There are other potential triggers, such as:
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Exposure to loud noises
- Bad posture
- Lack of exercise
- Eye strain
- Skipped meals
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are severe headaches that affect 12% of the U.S. population. They are characterized by intense, deep pulsing or throbbing pain on one side of your head.
Aside from the throbbing pain, most people also experience the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach or abdominal pain
Additionally, about 25% of sufferers experience vision disturbances known as migraine aura. Aura can make people see:
- Shimmering lights
- Flashing lights
- Zigzag lines
- Blind spots
- Stars
Some people who share migraine aura report feeling a tingling sensation on their face o arm and trouble speaking.
Causes and Triggers
- Genetics
- Certain nervous system conditions
- Gender – Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men
- Having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Common triggers include:
- Sensitivity to some foods
- Skipped meals
- Dehydration
- Hormone fluctuations
- Sleep disruption
- Exposure to chemicals
Cluster Headaches
These headaches are severe and recurring. They cause burning and piercing pain behind one eye or side of the head.
Cluster headaches get their name because they occur in series; after one headache resolves, another develops shortly after. Most people can experience four headaches or more in a day. Each headache can last between 15 minutes up to three hours.
The attacks start at the same time every day, usually a few hours after falling asleep at night. Although recurring, people can go for months without an episode.
Common symptoms include:
- Swelling, flushing, redness, and sweating on the affected side
- Watering eyes
- Swollen eyelid
- Nasal congestion (blocked or runny nose)
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Feeling restless or agitated
Causes and Triggers
The cause of cluster headaches is unknown.
However, we know that men are six times more likely to suffer cluster headaches than women.
Common Triggers
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Exposure to potent smells (perfumes, chemicals, paint)
Signs of an Emergency
Sometimes a headache is more than just a nuisance. Please seek immediate medical attention should you experience any of the following symptoms along with a headache:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Loss of vision
- Paralysis in any part of your body
- Numbness or tingling
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Additionally, stroke symptoms can closely resemble those of a migraine headache. Therefore, if you don’t usually get migraines and experience any of their symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention at one of our locations.
At Prestige ER, your well-being comes first. Our locations in Plano and Mesquite are open 24 hours every day of the year. We are always here to help you get back to being healthy.
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