HEADACHES

Headache is a pain in any region of the head. Patient can experience sharp pain, throbbing sensation or a dull ache.  Headaches can be different in duration lasting from several minutes to several days, also developed gradually or suddenly.

Headaches could be primary as cluster headaches, migraines, tension headaches and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, also chronic daily headaches, cough headaches, exercise headaches and sex headaches.  There are several lifestyle factors that can trigger primary headaches as alcohol consumption, certain foods consumption, changes in sleep patterns, poor posture, skipped meals and stress.

Secondary headaches are usually related to infection, vascular trauma or dysfunction, blood clots, malignancy, cervicogenic, concussion, hangovers, high blood pressure, overuse of pain medications, panic disorders, stroke, brain of vascular pathology.

Headache can be a presentation for serious condition and needs to be evaluated by a specialist. Patient needs to seek doctor's immediate advice if severe headache is accompanied by confusion, slurred speech, fainting, high fever, numbness, weakness or paralysis, stiff neck, visual disturbance, difficulty with ambulation, nausea or vomiting, difficulty to manage bowel or bladder.