Headaches – Types, Causes, Symptoms,

Diagnosis, and Treatment

By Dr. Kadam Nagpal

February 27, 2023

Headaches can be a real pain – literally! They can really disrupt our daily lives from mild discomfort to a debilitating
throb. But did you know that there are different types of headaches, each with its own unique symptoms and
underlying causes? Understanding these differences is key to effectively controlling and treating them.

This article will dive deeply into headaches, exploring everything from their types and causes to diagnosis and
treatment options. Get ready to say goodbye to those pesky headaches for good!

This guide explores types and causes of headaches to help relieve pain and discomfort, whether you suffer from
normal headaches or chronic migraines. So, let’s get started and discover the causes and treatment options for
various types of headaches!

What are the Types of Headaches?

There are several types of headaches, and various elements can cause them. Some of the most common types of
headaches include:

Tension headaches: These are the most common types of headaches and are usually driven by tension, anxiety,
or muscle stress in the neck and head.

Migraines: Migraines are a type of headache that can be excruciating and debilitating. They are usually
accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disorders.

Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are rare but quite painful headaches that occur in clusters or cycles. They
generally cause extreme pain on one side of the head. Head and may be accompanied by other signs such as eye-
watering and nasal congestion.

Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation in the sinuses and are usually accompanied by
signs such as facial pain, anxiety, and congestion.

Rebound headaches: Rebound headaches can occur when someone overexposes headache medication, leading
to a rebound effect when the medication wears off.

Hormone headaches: Hormone headaches are generally experienced by women and are usually related to
hormonal transformations during the menstrual cycle.

Exertion headaches: Exertion headaches are induced by physical work, such as exercise, and are usually
described as a throbbing pain that begins at the base of the skull and radiates to the forehead.

Other less common types of headaches include thunderclap headaches, which are sudden and intense, and ice
pick, which generate short, stabbing pain.

It’s essential to note that the types of headaches and causes can be complicated and alter from person to person.
Some common reasons include anxiety, lack of sleep, dehydration, specific foods, environmental factors, and
underlying medical ailments. If you are undergoing regular or severe headaches, it’s essential to talk to your
healthcare provider to resolve the underlying cause and make an appropriate headache treatment plan.

What are the Causes of Headaches?

Headaches can have a variety of causes, and the exact reason they occur is not always clear. Possible causes of
daily headaches include:

Illness: Headaches can be a sign of many illnesses, such as infections, colds, fevers, sinusitis, throat or ear
disorders, and head injuries.

Stress: Emotional tension and depression, as well as lifestyle aspects such as alcohol use, missing meals,
differences in sleep patterns, and taking too much medicine, can all contribute to headaches. Poor posture and
neck or back pressure can also cause headaches.

Environment: Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, intense odors from household chemicals or fragrances,
allergens, and specific foods can trigger headaches. Other possible triggers are pressure, pollution, noise, lighting,
and temperature changes.

Genetics: Headaches, particularly migraines, tend to carry forward in families. Children and teens with migraines
usually have other family members who also experience them.

Migraines: The actual cause of migraines is not fully understood, but one theory indicates that a problem with the
electric charge through nerve cells causes a series of changes that lead to migraines. Too much physical activity
can also activate migraines in adults.
Headache treatment relies on the underlying cause. Lifestyle modifications like getting enough sleep, staying
hydrated, managing anxiety, and avoiding triggers may help control headaches. Over-the-counter pain medications
can help relieve headaches.

If headaches are recurring or severe, a doctor may specify stronger medication or suggest other treatments, such as
physical therapy, biofeedback, or acupuncture. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to choose the
cause of daily headaches and develop a suitable treatment plan. PSRI Hospital has a team of expert doctors who
have experience in providing the best-suited headache treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Headaches?

The symptoms of a headache can differ depending on the type of headache and its causes. Common symptoms of
headaches include:

Suppose a headache comes on suddenly, is too severe, or is accompanied by other signs such as confusion,
weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking. In that case, you must seek treatment for the severe headache.

In such cases, it’s necessary to seek headache treatment immediately. Emergency treatment of headaches may
involve medicine to relieve pain and diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or MRI to identify any underlying conditions
that may be causing the headache. Talking to a healthcare provider about any unusual or severe headaches you
experience is important, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Diagnosis of Headaches
Headaches can have different causes and may be diagnosed based on several factors, including:

Medical History: A doctor will generally ask questions about the nature of the headache, including its area,
intensity, frequency, time, and any associated signs such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or vision
modifications. They will also ask about any past medical records, such as a history of head damage or a family
history of headaches.

Physical Exam: During a physical examination, a doctor will look for symptoms of physical issues that could be
causing headaches. They may also conduct neurological tests to evaluate brain function.

Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or X-rays may be utilized to identify any structural
anomalies in the brain or neck that could be causing headaches.
Blood tests: Blood tests can help determine any underlying medical ailments that may be contributing to the
headaches.

Based on these factors, a doctor may analyze a specific type of headache, such as tension headaches, migraines,
cluster headaches, or cervicogenic headaches. In some cases, a doctor may refer a patient to a specialist for further
evaluation and headache treatment.

How to Cure Headache?

Now, it’s time to get some knowledge about headache treatment. The treatment of a headache depends on its
cause and severity. Here are some common treatments:

Over-the-counter medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can
help reduce pain and decrease inflammation associated with stress, headaches, or migraines. Acetaminophen
(Tylenol) can also be effective for some types of headaches.

Prescription medications: Triptans are pharmaceutical drugs used to treat migraines. Other medicines, such as
beta-blockers, antidepressants, or antiepileptic drugs, may be used to control or reduce the frequency of migraines
or anxiety headaches.

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding stimuli such as specific foods, stress, and enough sleep can help prevent headaches.
Engaging in routine exercise, keeping a healthy diet, and controlling stress through relaxation techniques or
headache treatment may also be helpful.

Emergency treatment: Emergency treatment may be necessary for severe headaches, such as those associated
with a brain hemorrhage or stroke. Treatment may have medications to relieve swelling and discomfort, surgery to
repair damaged blood vessels, or other necessary interventions.

It’s essential to consult with a doctor to decide the best treatment approach for your specific type of headache. In
some cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires emergency treatment of
headaches, so a proper diagnosis is important for effective treatment.

Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are experiencing regular or severe headaches, you must consult a healthcare professional for
an exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. With the correct approach, most people with headaches can
actually manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Look no further than PSRI Hospital for the best expert advice and treatment. Our team of experienced professionals
is well-versed in providing the most suitable treatments for those in need of the best or emergency treatment.

First Aid Kit List

First aid kits are sold at many pharmacies and department stores, but you can also
make your own. You should keep one in your vehicle and in your home.

A basic first-aid kit should contain:

 Adhesive bandages in multiple sizes and shapes

 Gauze pads in multiple sizes
 Compress dressings
 Adhesive cloth tape
 A roll of gauze
 Latex gloves
 Antiseptic wipes
 Antibiotic ointment
 Hydrocortisone ointment
  A breathing barrier for performing CPR
 An instant cold compress
 Baby aspirin
 Tweezers
 An oral thermometer
 An emergency blanket

First Aid for Nosebleeds

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Nosebleeds can have various causes. In children, the most common cause of a
nosebleed is digital trauma—better known as picking your nose. 20

Other causes of a bloody nose include:

 Dry or hot air

 High altitudes
 Chemical fumes that irritate the nasal passages
 Colds and allergies
 Blowing your nose hard or often
 Trauma to the nose
 Deviated septum (crooked nasal cartilage)
 Nasal polyps (non-cancerous or cancerous growths in the nasal passage and
sinuses) or nasal tumors
 Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia and leukemia)
 High blood pressure
 Pregnancy
 Frequent use of nasal sprays, decongestants, and antihistamines
 NSAIDs
 Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
 Cocaine and other drugs that are inhaled or snorted

Many of these things dry out or damage the delicate membranes in your nostrils,
causing them to get crusty and burst when irritated.21

Household Items That Can Be Dangerous

What to Do
First aid for a nosebleed has a few simple steps.22

Beck R, Sorge M, Schneider A, Dietz A. Current approaches to epistaxis treatment in primary and
secondary care. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018;115(1-02):12-22. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0012

If your nose is bleeding:

1. Lean slightly forward, not back.

2. Pinch your nose just below the bridge. It needs to be high enough that the nostrils
are not pinched closed.
3. After five minutes, check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If not, continue
pinching and check after another 10 minutes.
4. Apply a cold pack to the bridge of your nose while you’re pinching.

In some cases, you will need to let your provider know if you have a bloody nose. 20

Call your provider if:

 You get frequent nosebleeds.

 You have anemia symptoms (e.g., weakness, faintness, fatigue, and pale skin).
 You’re taking blood thinners.
 You have a clotting or bleeding disorder.
 You just started a new medication.
 You also have unusual bruising.

You might need to seek emergency medical care for a bloody nose. 20

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if:

  The bleeding will not stop even after more than 15 minutes of direct pressure.
 There is a lot of blood loss.
 You have a hard time breathing.
 You’ve swallowed a lot of blood and vomited it up.
 You’ve had a serious injury or a blow to the head.

How to Stop a Nosebleed

First Aid for Blisters

Rattanakorn Songrenoo / Getty Images

Blisters protect damaged skin while it heals.

Some blisters need to be treated and others don’t. Whether you need to treat a
blister depends on how bad it is and your overall health.

What Is a Blood Blister?

What to Do
If the blister is small, not open, and doesn’t hurt, it’s best to leave it alone. You can
cover it to prevent rubbing, which could cause it to swell and burst.

Do not pop a small blister.14 This could let bacteria get inside it and cause an infection.

If the blister is big or painful, you need to take different steps to treat it. 15

Here are the first-aid steps to take for a more serious blister:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Sterilize a needle with alcohol.
3. Make small holes at the edge of the blister.
4. Gently push out the fluid.
5. Apply antibiotic ointment.
6. Put on a bandage.
7. If possible, take steps to protect the area from further rubbing or pressure.

What to Do If You Spill Bleach on Your Skin

If you have a compromised immune system, you are more likely to get an infection and
should not drain a blister on your own.15 However, your healthcare provider may want
to drain it to help prevent infection.

If a blister breaks open on its own:

1. Gently wash the area with clean water only.

2. Smooth the flap of broken skin over the newly exposed skin, unless it’s dirty, torn,
or there is pus under it.
3. Put petroleum jelly on it.
4. Cover it with a bandage.

Change the bandage any time it gets wet. Take it off when you go to bed to give the
area a chance to air out.

Can You Take First Aid Kits on a Plane?

First Aid for a Broken Bone or Fracture

Odilon Dimier / Getty Images

Any injury to your limbs, hands, and feet needs to be treated as a broken bone until an
X-ray can be done.

While broken bones or fractures do need medical treatment, they do not all require an
emergency trip to the hospital. First aid steps can help stabilize the bone until you can
see a healthcare provider.

What to Do
In some cases, you will need emergency medical care to deal with a broken bone. 16

Call 911 if:

 The person is bleeding a lot, is unresponsive, is not breathing, or has more than
one injury.
 You think a person has a fracture or other serious injury in their spinal column,
head, hip, pelvis, or thigh. In this case, do not move the person.
 A broken bone is poking through the skin (open or compound fracture).
 The area below an injured joint feels cold and clammy or looks bluish.
 You cannot keep the injury from moving well enough to transport the person.

Otherwise, you can use first aid, then go to urgent care or contact your healthcare
provider for guidance.

What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?

Here’s what to do next:

1. Do not try to straighten the bone.

2. For a limb, use a splint and padding to keep it still, then elevate it.
3. Put a cold pack on the injury—but not directly on the skin. Use a barrier between
the ice and the skin to keep the tissue from being damaged. If all you have is ice,
put it in a plastic bag and wrap it in a shirt or towel before applying it.
4. Give the person anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve
(naproxen) for pain.

Some research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like
Advil and Aleve can slow bone healing. However, short-term NSAID use appears to have
little or no effect on healing.17

Wheatley BM, Nappo KE, Christensen DL, Holman AM, Brooks DI, Potter BK. Effect of NSAIDs on
bone healing rates: a meta-analysis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019;27(7):e330-e336.
doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00727
How to Avoid Ice Pack Injuries

First Aid for Sprains

Adam Burn / Getty Images

A sprain is an injury to the connective tissues that hold bones, cartilage, and joints
together (ligaments).

Sprains are most often caused when the twisting of a joint overstretches or tears these
tissues. They tend to happen in the ankles, knees, and wrists.18

The symptoms of a sprain are similar to those of a broken bone. A person will need
to have an X-ray to figure out which injury they have.

Sprains vs. Strains

What to Do
The first thing to do is make sure that the injured person stops any unnecessary activity,
as moving can make the injury worse.

Sprains often don’t require emergency treatment.19 However, you should get immediate
medical care if the injured person:

 Has severe pain when they move or are touched

 Cannot put any weight on the injured joint
 Has increased bruising
 Has numbness or pins-and-needles near the sprain
 Shows signs of infection
 Has little or no improvement during the first week after the injury happens

If emergency care is not needed, follow these first aid steps: 19

1. Keep the limb as still as possible.

2. Apply a cold pack.
3. Elevate the injured part if you can do so safely.
4. Use NSAIDs for pain.
5. Ask your provider about any other treatment for a sprain you might need.

R.I.C.E. vs P.O.L.I.C.E. for Sprains

First Aid for Bleeding

Zero Creatives / Getty Images

If someone is injured and bleeding, there are a few basics about how blood works that
will be helpful for you to know.

The color of the blood and how it’s leaving the body can give you a sense of the extent
of the injury:

 Capillaries: Bleeding from the smallest blood vessels (capillaries) looks like a
trickle. This kind of bleeding usually stops on its own.
 Veins: A consistent blood flow and blood that’s a dark red color is most likely
coming from the veins. This type of bleeding can range from mild to severe.
 Arteries: Arteries are the largest blood vessels and carry a lot of oxygen. If they
are injured, bright red blood will spurt out. Blood can be lost very fast with this
kind of bleeding.

Almost all bleeding can be controlled with first aid. If severe bleeding keeps going, a
person can go into shock and may die.4

First Aid for Puncture Wounds

What to Do
While it is important to stop bleeding, begin with the ABCs of first aid.5

The next steps are to:

1. Wash your hands or put on disposable gloves if you have them. This will protect
you from infectious diseases like viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS that can be spread
in a person’s blood.6
2. Rinse the wound with water.
3. Cover the wound with a gauze or cloth (e.g., towel, blanket, clothing).
4. Apply direct pressure to stop the flow of blood and encourage clotting (when blood
naturally thickens to stop blood loss).
5. Elevate the bleeding body part above the person’s head if you can.
6. Do not remove the cloth if it becomes soaked. Removing the first layer will
interfere with the clotting process and result in more blood loss. Instead, add more
layers if needed.
7. Once bleeding has stopped, put a clean bandage on the wound.

Get medical help if:

 The wound is deep.

 The wound has widely separated sides.
 The injury oozes blood after pressure has been applied.
 The injury is from an animal or human bite.
 The injury is a puncture, burn, or electrical injury.
 You think there is arterial bleeding.
 Blood is soaking through the bandages.
 The bleeding is not stopping.5

If you are taking the person to the hospital, make sure that you have someone else who
can keep administering first aid while you drive.

How to Control Bleeding

First Aid for Choking

Science Photo Library / Getty Images

Choking happens when a person’s windpipe (trachea) gets blocked by food or an object.
It is a serious event that can lead to unconsciousness or even death. 7

Signs of choking include:

 Gagging, gasping, or wheezing

 Inability to talk or make noise
 Turning blue in the face
 Grabbing at the throat
 Waving arms
 Looking panicked8

Using the Heimlich Manuever

The Heimlich maneuver is a series of abdominal thrusts that can help dislodge the thing
a person is choking on. This first aid technique should only be done if someone is truly
choking.

Before doing anything, ask the person if they are choking. Remember: If someone is
coughing or talking, they are not choking.
What Is the Recovery Position?

What to Do
If someone is choking, you should know how to use the Heimlich maneuver.8

Here are the steps:

1. Stand behind the person and lean them slightly forward.

2. Put your arms around their waist.
3. Clench your fist and place it between their belly button (navel) and rib cage.
4. Grab your fist with your other hand.
5. Pull your clenched fist sharply backward and upward under the person’s rib cage in
five quick thrusts.
6. Repeat until the object is coughed up.

For someone who is obese or pregnant, perform the thrusts around the chest instead of
the abdomen.

If someone is choking and becomes unconscious:

1. Place them on their back and kneel over them.

2. Place the heel of your hand slightly above their belly button.
3. Place your other hand on top of it.
4. Give quick upward thrusts to dislodge the object.

Helping a Choking Infant

If a baby is choking, you need to use different first aid techniques to help them. 9

Start with back blows:

1. Lay the baby across your forearm, face down.

2. Support them with your lap or upper thigh.
3. Hold their chest in your hand and jaw between your fingers (the baby’s head
should be pointed down so it’s lower than their body).
 4. With the heel of your free hand, give five quick, forceful blows to the baby’s back
between the shoulder blades.

If back blows don’t work, try chest thrusts:

1. Turn the baby face up, keeping them on your lap for support.
2. Keeping their head angled down, lower than their body, hold the back of their
head with your hand to steady it.
3. Place two or three of your fingers in the center of the baby’s chest just below the
nipples.
4. Give five quick thrusts downward so the breastbone gets pushed in about 1.5
inches.

If a choking infant loses consciousness, you may need to do CPR until emergency help
arrives.

How to Help a Choking Infant

What to Do if You're Alone and Choking

You can give yourself the Heimlich maneuver even if you are alone.

 Call 911 first, even though you will not be able to speak. Leave the phone
connected. 911 can pinpoint your location and send emergency help. Use a
landline if available. If a landline isn't available, a cell phone can be used.
 Grasp one fist with the other hand and place above your belly button.
 Thrust inward and upward with your fist. Repeat until the object is dislodged.
 You can also bend over a hard surface such as the back of a chair. Use the hard
surface to apply repeated thrusts to your abdomen. Repeat until the object is
dislodged.

First Aid for Burns

RUNSTUDIO / Getty Images

The first step to treating a burn is to stop the burning process.10

This might mean:

 Cleaning up chemicals
 Turning off electricity
 Cooling heat with running water
 Covering up or taking a person inside out of the sun

The severity of a burn is based on how deep in the skin it is and how big it is:

 First-degree burn: This kind of burn only affects only the outer layer of skin and
causes redness and swelling. It is considered a minor burn.
 Second-degree burn: This kind of burn affects two layers of skin and causes
blistering, redness, and swelling. It is considered a major burn if it’s more than 3
inches wide or is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks, or over a major joint.
 Third-degree burn: This kind of burn affects deeper layers of skin and causes
white or blackened skin that can be numb. It is always considered a major burn. 11

First Aid for Burns

What to Do
Major burns need emergency medical attention.11 Once you’ve stopped the burning
process, call 911 or get someone else to.

For burns that are not an emergency, you can take these first aid steps:

1. Flush the burned area with cool running water for several minutes. Do not use
ice.12
2. Apply a light gauze bandage. If the burn is minor, you can put on an ointment, like
aloe vera, before you cover it.13
3. Take Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain relief if you need it.
4. Do not break any blisters that form.13

The Different Degrees of Burns

First Aid for Blisters