Common descriptions of headaches
Headaches are a common condition that most of us experience from time to time.
There are many different types of headaches, and the symptoms can vary significantly.
This guide will help you understand some of the most common headache symptoms so you can recognize and seek the right treatment.
1
Pulsating headache:
A pulsating headache can feel like a rhythmic, throbbing pain.
This is a typical symptom of migraine.
2
Tingling headache:
A tingling headache can feel like a prickling or stabbing sensation in the head.
This can be a symptom of post-traumatic headache.
3
Pressing headache:
A pressing headache can feel like a constant pressure, often described as if the head is in a vice.
This is a typical symptom of tension headaches.
4
Headache like a band around the head:
This is also a common symptom of tension headaches.
The pain can feel like a tight band around the forehead or back of the head.
5
Burning headache:
A burning headache can feel like a hot or stinging sensation, which someone with trigeminal or occipital neuropathy may experience.
6
Shooting headache:
Shooting headaches can feel like sudden, sharp pains shooting through your head.
This can be a symptom of trigeminal neuralgia, a condition that affects the facial nerves.
7
Headache that spreads from the neck forward:
This is a common symptom of cervicogenic headache, a type of headache that starts in the neck or back of the head and spreads forward towards the forehead.
8
Sharp headache:
A sharp headache can feel like an intense, stabbing pain in a specific part of the head.
This type of headache can be short-lived or persistent, and the intensity can vary.
This is a typical symptom of cluster headaches but can also apply to migraines and post-traumatic headaches.
9
Headache like an awl:
This can be a symptom of cluster headaches, a very painful type of headache often described as a drilling or stabbing pain behind one eye.
10
A bang, with a sudden extreme headache.
Thunderclap headache is very rare, and may be indicative of serious vascular causes.
This must be investigated immediately.
Accompanying symptoms
Sometimes headaches can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
Light and shyness:
This is common with migraines, post-traumatic headaches and cluster headaches.
Nausea:
This is often associated with migraines and post-traumatic headaches.
Disco ball:
Tingling and flashing sensations in the visual field, which are also present when the eyes are closed, are typical signs of visual aura in connection with migraine.
These are transient visual disturbances that often precede the actual migraine headache.
Nye symptomer?
If you experience a new type of headache, a new pain in your neck, or new signs or symptoms, you need to be checked quickly.
It’s important to note that headaches can be a symptom of a number of different conditions, and it’s important to seek medical help if the headache is severe, persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, rash, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, dizziness, pronounced weakness, loss of balance, numbness or speech difficulties. See here for insights into Red flags and severe headaches and When to take your headache seriously.
This information is based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, ICHD-3, and other recognized headache sites.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you discuss them with your healthcare professional in order to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Keep in mind that this information is intended as a guide, and does not replace professional medical advice.
