Headaches are common causes of pain. Worldwide, over 70% of adults have at least one headache per year. The three most common types are tension, migraine, and cluster headaches.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches, often felt on both sides of the head, are typically manageable with over-the-counter medications. They are believed to stem from muscle contractions in the scalp and neck, which can be triggered by various factors such as stress, anxiety, lack of rest, poor posture, depression, or head injury.
These headaches can be hereditary and are slightly more common in women. In addition to NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol), stress reduction techniques, application of ice or heat on neck muscles, and improving posture can provide relief.
Migraine Headaches
While severe, migraine headaches can be effectively managed. They are often confined to one side of the head and described as pulsating or throbbing. They can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, light flashes, and sensitivity to light and sound. Stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes can trigger them.
Patients can be warned by an aura, such as a visual disturbance, just before the migraine. The pain can last for several hours to days. The cause is thought to involve abnormal firing of brain cells and widening blood vessels in the brain.
However, with the right treatment, such as the following medications, the impact of migraines can be significantly reduced:
- Wigraine (ergotamine and caffeine): Works by constricting blood vessels in the head that expand during migraine attacks.
- Imitrex (sumatriptan) and Maxalt (rizatriptan): Block pain pathways in the brain.
- Reyvow (lasmiditan): Thought to inhibit pain signaling through the trigeminal nerve, a nerve that carries messages from the face to the brain.
- Ubrelvy (ubrogepant): Blocks pain transmission, inflammation, and blood vessel dilation.
- Dihydroergotamine: An ergot derivative that constricts blood vessels in the brain.
When migraine attacks become too frequent, topiramate (Topamax) can be taken daily to help prevent them.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches, characterized by sudden pain behind the eye accompanied by agitation, red and watery eyes, nasal congestion, sweating, and drooping or swelling of the eyelid, are intense and often occur in clusters, sometimes seasonally. They are believed to be triggered by disruptions in the body’s biological clock. Treatment options for cluster headaches include inhalation of oxygen through a mask, use of Imitrex (sumatriptan), or injections of local anesthetic.
Treating Different Types of Headaches with QuickMD Urgent Care
Did you know? QuickMD offers a convenient solution for managing your chronic headaches. With our telemedicine services, we can refill your medications remotely and prescribe Imitrex or other anti-headache medications online, giving you control over your health from the comfort of your home.
