Two of the most common types of headaches aretension headachesandmigraines.
The pain of a tension headache is dull and happens on both sides of the head.
You may feel tightness orpressure in your head.
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Migraines, on the other hand, occur on only one side or are worse on one side.
They are characterized by a severe throbbing or pulsing pain.
A headache brought on by an underlying condition is known as a secondary headache.
Causes
The cause of migraines and tension headaches isn’t fully understood.
Research has shown that children of both sexes have similar rates of headaches.
However, when female children hit puberty, they begin to experience headaches significantly more than male children.
Researchers do not know the exact reason why this happens.
Women are affected by migraines more than men because fluctuations in female sex hormones contribute to headaches.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencingchronic tension headachesor migraines, you should see aneurologistto find out the cause.
Migraine
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take a detailed health history.
Your doctor will take note of your symptoms and pain levels.
The diagnostic process for both migraines and tension headaches is similar.
Your doctor will typically perform physical exams and take a detailed history.
People with chronic or recurrent tension headaches may be prescribed amitriptyline, an antidepressant.
Other forms of therapy can be done to either further alleviate pain or replace pain relievers.
Prevention
Prevention of migraines and tension headaches involves avoiding triggers.
Migraines and tension headaches are treated using pain relievers, but other forms of treatment can also be used.
That will go a long way toward managing and preventing your headaches.
The most important thing to remember is that you have some control of your headaches.
Migraines typically begin as a dull ache.
If left untreated, the pain will become so severe that it will interrupt your daily activities.
Both migraines and tension-pop in headaches have the same triggers.
The typical migraine will last about four hours.
They will likely reexamine the treatment you are currently using and possibly investigate an underlying cause.
The medication of choice for headaches is either Tylenol or NSAIDs such as Advil or Motrin.
Updated August 31, 2021.
Ha H, Gonzalez A.Migraine Headache Prophylaxis.Am Fam Physician.2019 Jan 1;99(1):17-24.
Informed Health.Migraine: Overview.
