Headache is a condition that causes pain in the head. It can be a throbbing, constant, dull or sharp pain in nature. Headache is one kind of illness that is very common in adults around the world. It is understood that around 75% of the adult population have a headache episode every year. It is also one of the common reasons for absence in many fields especially work and educational fields. There are many types of headache that can be found. This article will discuss five kinds of headache that occur commonly in our society.

1. Migraine

The word migraine itself is very common and is often used by almost everyone with a headache. However, migraine is not just a normal headache. It can be defined as having a throbbing moderate to severe pain at one side of the head. Other symptoms might include having a blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity toward light, sound or smell, seeing flashing lights and lightheadedness. People with migraine always notice the trigger for their migraine. It can be anything such as not enough sleep, too much stress or even food. If you are having a migraine, it is best to lie down in a quiet dark room in order to make it go away.

     2. Cluster headache

Cluster headache is a stabbing or burning pain that centered over one eye or temple. It can be the most excruciating headache pain that you can suffer from. This type of headache can last from minutes to a few hours. There is often no reason for it. However, same as migraine, it can be triggered by certain things such as a strong smell or cigarettes. Other symptoms include red and watery eye, drooping or swollen eyelid, blocked or runny nose, shrunken pupil and sweating. Unfortunately, there is no immediate cure for cluster headache. If you think you are having this type of headache, it is recommended to seek your doctor help immediately.

3. Tension headache

Tension headache happens when there is dull or aching pain at both sides of your head. Other symptoms that you might experience are feeling or pressure behind the eyes, tightness at the back of the head and tender neck or shoulder. Some people found out that doing yoga or meditation helps to improve the symptoms. Others found out that they may need painkillers to help release the pain. You might also want to try applying cold ice packs onto your shoulder to help with the tender neck problem.

4. Sinus headache

Sinus headache occurs when there is an infection or allergic reaction in the sinus. It is usually characterized by a throbbing pain in the cheek and forehead. Other symptoms include facial tenderness, swelling face, blocked or runny nose, nose discharge, earache and also fever. If you are having a sinus headache, it is best to visit your doctor so that he/she can exclude other causes. Your doctor will prescribe you with some medications such as nasal decongestant, nasal spray or antihistamine.

5. Giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis is an uncommon type of headache. However, this headache is very serious and needs immediate medical attention. It is characterized by a sudden pain behind the temples, behind ears and the top of the head. Other symptoms always include scalp tenderness, jaw pain, visual problems, fever, fatigue and also weight loss. This headache is considered as dangerous because it can cause vision loss. Hence, it is treated as a medical emergency. If you think you are having a giant cell arteritis headache, you need to immediately visit your doctor for an immediate treatment.