Ufarlige hodepiner
Headaches are a common ailment that affects most of us from time to time.
Luckily, most headaches are harmless and go away on their own within a short time.
But how do you know when you can relax and when you should see a doctor?
Primary headaches are the most common type of headache, and include migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches.
These headaches are not symptoms of an underlying disease, but rather are caused by problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head.
They can be triggered by stress, alcohol, caffeine, lack of sleep, and even certain foods.
A headache can be considered harmless if it is not accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss of consciousness, or changes in vision or speech.
These headaches tend to disappear after rest, activity or proper treatment.
However, it’s important to note that if the headache is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other serious symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.
This could be a sign of a secondary headache, which is a headache that is a symptom of another condition, such as a brain hemorrhage, meningitis, or a brain aneurysm.
Common examples of harmless headaches:
- Tension headache: The most common type of headache, often described as a pressure or band around the head.
Can be caused by stress, anxiety, lack of sleep or poor posture. - Migraine: A severe, pulsating headache that often affects one side of the head.
May be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines are hereditary and can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain foods or lack of sleep. - Cervicogenic headache: Mild to moderate, unilateral headaches that originate in the neck.
Can be caused by stress, inactivity, neck injury and degeneration. - Jaw headache: Mild to moderate headaches that originate in the jaw.
Can be caused by stress, sleep problems and trauma.
When you should see a doctor:
- The pain is severe or persistent.
- You have a new type of headache.
- You have other symptoms, such as fever, stiff neck, confusion, vision changes, altered speech, altered strength or numbness.
- The headache is new or different than you’ve experienced before.
- You’re worried about your headache.
Read more about when to seek help and when it’s serious here .
Remember that this is only general information.
If you are unsure about your headache, it is always best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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