A dull, persistent pain. Tightness or pressure on both sides of the head.
If these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. About three out of four people in the United States suffer from tension headaches at some point in their lives. And women get them more often than men.
Although tension headaches are common and not life-threatening, symptoms can vary from person to person. So how do you know if what you’re experiencing is just a headache or something more serious?
Primary vs. secondary headache
The big difference between primary and secondary headaches is that primary headaches are not caused by a disease but occur on their own.
A secondary headache is the result of an underlying health condition, medication, or something serious like a brain tumor, blood clot, or aneurysm.
“This is the question doctors think about every time a new patient comes in with a headache that needs to be evaluated,” said Dr. Rashmi B. Halker Singh, headache neurologist and member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council. “We’re wondering whether this is a primary headache disorder, such as migraines or tension-type headaches, or a secondary headache disorder, which is something else.”
Symptoms of secondary headaches may include:
- Sudden, severe headache with a stiff neck
- Severe headache with nausea or vomiting and fever
- Headache with double vision or blurred vision
- A headache that becomes more and more painful over time
- Headache with weakness or numbness in any part of the body
- Headache with cramps or breathing problems
- Two or more headaches per week
- Recurrence of headaches beginning after age 50
- A headache triggered by coughing or exertion
“The biggest problem is what we call thunderclap headache,” Halker Singh said. “You have the worst headache of your life that goes from 0 to 10 in less than 60 seconds. If this occurs, you should go to the emergency room immediately as this could indicate that something serious is going on that may be life-threatening.”
If you have symptoms of a secondary headache, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How to tell the difference between a headache and a migraine
While secondary headaches can be potentially life-threatening, primary headaches can also be serious and significantly impact quality of life.
Migraine attacks can have a variety of symptoms, but some common symptoms of a migraine attack include:
- Pulsating or throbbing pain on one side of your head
- Pain that lasts 4-72 hours without treatment
- Sensitivity to sound, light, smell and/or touch
- Nausea or vomiting
“If you have at least two of these symptoms, it’s probably migraine,” Halker Singh said. “And if that’s the case, it’s a good idea to see a doctor because there’s a lot we can do to help.”
Treatment options such as hormone therapy, prescription triptans in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and CGRP antagonists may be helpful for migraines.
Read: Migraine Toolkit >>
Perimenopause increases the risk of migraines
“Migraines are very common in women, much more common than in men. In fact, about one in five women suffer from migraines, whether they know it or have recognized it or not,” said Halker Singh.
This is particularly important to note for perimenopausal women, as migraines may flare up or even begin during this time due to fluctuating estrogen levels. Women may also have heavier or more frequent periods during perimenopause, which can trigger menstrual migraine attacks.
Read: Perimenopause and Migraine Disease >>
Don’t ignore headache symptoms
Headaches are common and, for some people, just an occasional nuisance. However, if you notice new or developing symptoms, including more frequent headaches or headaches that don’t go away, talk to your doctor. And any sudden or serious symptoms should be investigated immediately.
“If someone is concerned about their symptoms, it’s worth getting checked,” Halker Singh said. “It could be a secondary problem or it could be a primary headache disorder like migraine, and we can put them on a treatment plan that can really impact their quality of life.”
From your website articles
Related articles on the Internet
