Head’s up on Headache

Headaches rank high as annoying ailments go because they’re so common and yet so hard to pin down and cure. But don’t settle for the “take two pills...” approach! Here’s what you need for a D.I.Y. diagnosis of the most common types of headaches.

Where it hurts: usually on one side of the head around the eye area, temple, or back of the head

Ouch factor: Severe, throbbing, “my head-is-beating/pounding” pain.

Other Symptoms: Warning signs, called “the aura,” occur right before the headache strikes. Aura can be visual (flashing lights, seeing spots) sensory (sensations up and down the arms or traveling to face, lips, and tongue), linguistic (“elaborate dream states”), or motor-related (weakness, feelings or immobility). Nausea and vertigo often accompany this type of headache.

You have a migraine!

Migraines are complex and deserve a page all their own so it’s best to see a doctor if you suspect you’re having one. Girls may regularly get migraine-like headaches around the time of their monthly period because of changes in estrogen levels. If your headache occurs regularly, you can ask your doctor to prescribe preventive measures instead of waiting till the headache happens.

Where it hurts: Cheek and nasal area, especially by the bridge of the nose.

Ouch factor: dull, bearable, “my-nose-feels-like-it’s-about-to-explode” pain

Other symptoms: Always accompanied by a runny nose and fever

You have a sinus headache!

This type of headache is a symptom of a larger ailment: sinusitis. Its causes— sinus infection, blocked nasal passages and a deviated septum—are better treated by a doctor

Where it hurts: front, back, or both sides of the head.

Ouch factor: tolerable, steady, “my-head’s-being-squeezed-like-a-grape” pain.

Other symptoms: insomnia, irritability, and muscle contractions in head or neck.

You have a tension headache!

Avoid stress. It’s called a tension headache for a reason. Missed meals, lack of sleep, and any kind of emotional or sustained muscle strain can bring on these nagging noggin-aches. Over-the-counter medicine and some good old R and R is usually enough to keep this headache at bay. Don’t pass up a trip to your friendly family physician just ‘cause you feel you can handle it.

Where it hurts: begins behind one eye and spreads to a “cluster” of headaches in forehead, temple, and cheek area of one side

Ouch factor: stabbing, excruciating, “please-make-it-stop” pain.

Other Symptoms: Watery eyes or a runny nose on the affected side.

You have a cluster headache!

Guys experience this type of headache more than girls, so if you haven’t thanked God for making you a girl, do so now. If you do get these extremely painful headaches, first ditch your bad habits: smoking and alcohol are big factors in causing these headaches.