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What is a headache?

Almost every person has once in his/her lifetime experienced a headache. While many are harmless and will fade away with simple medication or rest, there are some which may be an alarm about serious underlying health conditions. It is important to learn how to differentiate between a normal one and the one which requires medical attention. If we listen to our body and interpret the warning signal with proper understanding, it can make a huge difference.

Types of Headaches

Headaches are of different types. The difference is in the intensity, cause and duration for which they last. Migraine is one of the most common ones. It is accompanied by throbbing pain usually one sided, nausea, or sensitivity to sound and light and worsened by movement. Another common one is a tension headache, it feels as if a band is tightening around the head area, the causes of this type is poor posture or stress.

Some people also suffer from chronic headaches, its duration is much longer. 15 days or even more than that, for at least 3 months. It affects day to day life and the emotional health of a person.

Understanding these different types will help us know when there is a need for medical attention.

Warning Signs of Headaches

Not all headaches are a serious issue. But some of the headache symptoms should never be ignored. If you experience the following symptoms, do not wait and please do consult a doctor.

Sudden, severe headache: A very painful ache that happens out of nowhere, one moment you are feeling perfectly normal and the next moment is the worst headache you have experienced ever. This is a red flag. It may be signaling towards a bleeding inside the brain or other serious conditions.

Headache with fever, neck stiffness, or confusion: These could point to an infection like meningitis, which requires immediate treatment.

Vision changes: Blurred vision or double vision, or a temporary loss of vision along with a headache can signal towards a neurological problem or even a chance of stroke.

Headache after injury: If you fell or had trauma on the head and even at the time of impact it seemed mild, but then it still keeps on paining, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out internal injury.

Pain that worsens over time: Headaches that keep growing and become more frequent in intensity may suggest underlying headache causes which may be brain tumors or increased pressure inside a part of the skull.  

New headache in people over 50: Any headache that starts after your first innings of life should be examined with utmost care and not be taken lightly.

Headache with numbness or weakness: If your headache is with a trouble speaking, numbness on one side of the head, or weakness in your limbs, it might be a sign of a stroke which should never be ignored and consulted to a professional immediately.

Constant headaches despite of medication: If the pain doesn’t stop even after taking some medication from a medical store, it is time to consult a doctor and get it checked and opt for proper headache treatment, because you never know what might be the hidden cause of it. It may be a simple headache or not, it is always better to be safe and cautious about our health.

All these symptoms can be tough, but timely cure can help better the condition and reduce the risk of any bigger problem.

Conclusion

Headaches are common but should not be dismissed when they become unusual and intense. Your body has a way of telling you when something is wrong, and you should listen to it. If you are experiencing any of the signs as mentioned above, do not wait. Consulting a neurologist for headache evaluation can help find out the root cause.

At Adi Arogyam, we have a dedicated team of experienced neurologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of headaches. Be it an occasional discomfort or an ongoing pain, we are here to make you feel normal again and help you live a better and a healthier life.