There are several forms of headaches, each with a unique set of symptoms and causes. The majority are transient and hardly have a reason for worry. However, understanding the type of headache a person is having might help them decide how to cure it and whether to consult a doctor.

Nearly half of all individuals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) , would have suffered from at least one headache in the previous year.

While they can occasionally be unpleasant and incapacitating, the majority of them can be treated with straightforward painkillers and will disappear within a few hours. But recurrent bouts or specific sorts of headaches could point to a more serious medical issue.

A primary headache is caused by the condition itself, as opposed to a secondary headache. Migraine headaches and tension headaches are two examples. A secondary headache, on the other hand, is caused by something other than a headache, such as a head injury or abrupt caffeine withdrawal.

Types of headaches:

Primary headaches and secondary headaches are two of the more than 150 different forms of headaches. A migraine is a primary headache, which means it isn't brought on by another illness. There is no blood test or imaging scan needed to diagnose primary headache disorders because they are clinical diagnoses. The following headache can be brought on by another medical problem.

Migraine:

An aura is a collection of sensory, motor, and verbal symptoms that typically serve as precursors to the onset of a migraine headache. It normally occurs before the headache pain, although it can occasionally emerge during or even after. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a seizure or stroke. Auras have a duration of 10 to 60 minutes. Auras are present in 15% to 20% of migraine sufferers.

Auras are felt by around 25% of migraine sufferers before the headaches begin. These sensory and visual disruptions normally last between 5 and 60 minutes, and they include:

a) Seeing spots, flashing lights, or zigzag lines

b) Partial blindness and numbness

c) Tingly, feeble muscles

d) Having trouble speaking or forming words

Phases of migraine:

People can better control their condition by being aware of the various stages of a migraine attack. One can take action to stop a migraine episode from worsening once they are aware of its initial signs and symptoms. Here is a description of each stage, along with its duration and the most typical symptoms that one could encounter:

Prodrome: The first phase might last a few hours or even days. You might or might not experience it because it doesn't always happen. Other names for it include the "pre headache" or "premonitory" phase.
Aura: The aura phase may last for up to 60 minutes or only for five. Auras are uncommon, and some people even experience them together with their headaches.
Headache: The duration of the headache ranges from four to 72 hours. The pain is occasionally modest, so the word "ache" doesn't do it credit. Instead, it's more commonly characterised as drilling, throbbing, or feeling like an icepick in your brain.
Postdrome: The postdrome phase lasts for one to two days. 80% of people with migraines get what is commonly referred to as a migraine "hangover."

The four steps can be completed in eight to 72 hours.

Causes:

Knowing the origins and triggers of migraines can help individuals avoid them and stop a migraine episode from happening.

Although everyone has distinct triggers, some typical ones are as follows:

a) Caffeine and alcohol

b) Glaring lights

c) Weather variations

d) Hormonal

e) Changes in nutrition

f) Dehydration

g) Smells

h) Excessive drug usage

i) Stress

Treatment:

Numerous migraines lose some of their severity over time. Some individuals discover that a 1- to 2-hour snooze is sufficient to alleviate their symptoms. Children might just require a little break to experience the effects. The resolution phase is recognised as this.

The recuperation phase may start when the headache starts to fade. This could involve feelings of exhilaration or even fatigue. Moodiness, vertigo, confusion, and weakness might also be present.

Frequently, the symptoms you have during the healing phase will coincide with those you had during the warning period. For instance, you could now discover that you're ravenous if you lost your appetite during the warning period. After your headache, these symptoms may last for one or two days.

Conclusion:

Headaches are common and can often be relieved by taking OTC painkillers, such as NSAIDs.
Sometimes, headaches may indicate a medical issue requiring attention.
Professional treatment and prescription medication may help with various types of headaches, including those caused by drug misuse, migraines, and cluster headaches.
Persistent headaches should be evaluated by a doctor, as they can signal an underlying condition.
Severe migraines often come with symptoms like nausea and neurological issues.
Migraines have four phases, each lasting a different amount of time, with an episode potentially extending up to 72 hours.
Migraine sufferers may identify specific triggers, which can help in preventing future migraines.
Immediate medical attention is advised for severe migraine attacks, sudden or intense headaches, or headaches accompanied by fever or seizures.