Headaches are not only the most common disease in humans, they are also the most enduring and tolerable. With other types of pain, the person concerned usually takes a break from work, but with headaches that are all over the place, many usually tolerate this and move on. Medical research shows that more than 60 million people in the United States experience headaches, and nearly half of them have a special category known as migraines. One-fifth of children and adolescents also get headaches.
Surprisingly but true, diagnostic tests have identified about one hundred and fifty types of headaches; it is truly a staggering number for such a common disease. However, the most common forms of headaches fall into four main categories.
Tension headaches are common in adults and adolescents; they are also called non-progressive headaches. Tension headaches can be episodic, which occurs intermittently, or chronic, which is almost continuous. In most cases, tension headaches are caused by tension in the back of the head and neck muscles. Tension headaches are not hereditary and can be caused by many factors such as anxiety, inadequate rest and sleep, emotional stress or depression, exercise, or fatigue or hunger. Women are twice as likely to experience tension headaches as men.
Migraine headaches are often described as migraine attacks because of the severity of the attacks; The disease is characterized by throbbing pain and recurrent strokes. Migraines can last from four hours to three days and recur up to four times a month. While medical research has not identified the exact cause of migraines, research suggests that migraines are most likely linked to genetics, as well as changes in the brain due to fatigue, sensitivity to light, or changes in the weather. Migraines are often accompanied by cyclical gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness.
Nearly seventy percent of migraine sufferers are women; This is because female hormone levels are lowest before menstruation; Therefore, premenstrual migraine is very common and very severe in women. This type of headache is also known as a hormonal headache.
Another category is cluster headaches, so named because they occur in clusters or groups over a period of time. Cluster headaches are usually episodic and can occur one to three times a day, and the cluster period can vary from two weeks to three months. These headaches sometimes go away for months, then suddenly reappear with all their weight. These headaches usually occur at night and appear to be linked to a biological clock. This category usually affects young people under the age of 30 and is more common in men than women. While the specific cause of the disease has not been identified, cluster headaches are believed to begin due to activation of the trigeminal nerve at the base of the skull, which controls all sensation.
Another common form is sinus headaches and this condition is synonymous with colds and flu. The term sinus refers to air-filled spaces located in various areas of the face, such as: B. Forehead, cheeks and nose. When these cavities become infected, the resulting blockage causes a buildup of mucus and a painful headache. Sinus headaches are characterized by runny nose and swelling of the face and usually subside when the cold and temperature subside.
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