Ouch! A headache’s nagging, throbbing pain is common and, most of the time, not a cause for concern. Anyone can have a headache, including children, adolescents, and adults. About 96% of people will experience a headache at least once in their lives. About 40% of people will have tension-type headaches, and 10% of people experience migraine headaches.
Not all headaches are created equal. Understanding the difference between a regular headache and a migraine can help determine the best course of treatment. Most headache pain can be managed with simple remedies. But what happens if the pain comes after a head injury? We’ll walk you through the different types of headaches and ways to tell if your head pain is a sign of a bigger problem.
What is a Headache?
Headache pain results from signals interacting with your brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. Multiple mechanisms activate specific nerves during a headache that affect muscles and blood vessels. These nerves send pain signals to your brain, causing a headache. They can be triggered by stress, dehydration, or even that third cup of coffee.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Headache:
- Dull, aching pain
- Pressure or tightness around the forehead or sides of the head
- Sensitivity to light or sound
There are several types of headaches, and tension headaches are the most common. Headaches can differ greatly in pain type, severity, location, and frequency.
How to Treat a Headache
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective.
- Rest: Find a dark, quiet room to relax in.
- Compresses: Cold or warm compresses can help alleviate the discomfort.
What’s the Difference Between a Headache and Migraines?
Migraines are more than just bad headaches. They are a type of primary headache disorder and a common neurological condition that causes various symptoms, such as throbbing on one side of the head. Migraines often get worse with physical activity, lights, sounds, or smells. They usually last at least four hours to several days.
Identifying migraine triggers, such as certain foods, stress, or changes in sleep patterns, can help you manage them more effectively.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine:
- Throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Visual disturbances, such as auras
How to Treat a Migraine
- Prescription medications: Triptans or beta-blockers prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoiding triggers: Keep a diary to note what might trigger your migraines.
- Relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Drugs for high blood pressure, seizures, and depression can sometimes prevent migraines. Your healthcare provider may recommend trying one of these medications to reduce headache frequency.
When To Go to the Emergency Room for Head Pain
- A sudden, new, and severe headache.
- Headache with a fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck, or rash.
- Headaches that occur after a head injury or accident.
- Getting a new type of headache after age 55.
Don’t wait to seek emergency care if your headache is associated with these neurological symptoms:
- Weakness.
- Dizziness.
- Sudden loss of balance or falling.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Paralysis.
- Speech difficulties.
- Mental confusion.
- Seizures.
- Personality changes/inappropriate behavior.
- Vision changes (blurry vision, double vision, or blind spots).
Head Injuries with Headache
Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe trauma. They often result from falls, sports injuries, or accidents. With a head injury, it’s common to have a headache and nausea. You may be dizzy or disoriented right afterward.
Warning Signs of Head Injuries:
- Confusion or memory loss
- Ringing in the ears
- Neck pain
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- A headache that worsens over time
- Nausea or vomiting
- Emotional or vision problems
Treatment After a Head Injury
- Rest: Avoid activities that could lead to another injury.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications can help with mild pain.
- Follow medical advice: For more severe injuries, go to the emergency room or urgent care to be evaluated by a doctor.
If the headache persists, doesn’t get better after medication, or your vision changes, go to the emergency room or urgent care.
Headache Prevention
The key to preventing headaches is figuring out what triggers them. Triggers are specific to each person, and what gives you a headache may not be a problem for others. Once you determine your triggers, you can work to avoid or minimize them. For example, you may find that strong scents set you off. Avoiding perfumes and scented products can make a big difference in how many headaches you have. The same goes for common triggers like troublesome foods, lack of sleep, and poor posture.
Many people, however, can’t avoid triggers or are unable to identify triggers. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider to develop a wellness plan and adopt healthy lifestyle changes to support your body.
Get Immediate Care for Your Headache or Migraine
Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.
