What types of headaches can occur?

Several different types of headaches can occur. The most common types of headaches are migraines and tension headaches. A migraine is a severe headache that may last for many hours or even days if the patient doesn’t receive treatment. Migraines usually affect only one side of the head at a time, and they cause throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Tension headaches typically affect the entire head. They cause a dull aching, feelings of tightness, and tenderness in the shoulders and scalp. Tension headaches aren’t usually as severe as migraines, but they can still be painful and disruptive for patients.

What causes headaches?

The exact cause of most headaches isn’t known. However, tension headaches typically occur because of stress and muscle contractions. Migraines, on the other hand, occur because of a change in the way the trigeminal nerve interacts with the brainstem. In most cases, migraines occur after specific triggers, such as changes in the weather, consumption of specific foods, hormone fluctuations and emotional stress.