Headaches are common conditions that most people experience at various points in their lives. The primary symptom of a headache is a pain in the head and face, but the sensations can vary based on the type and source of headache. Depending on the type of headache, you may experience constant, sharp, dull, or throbbing pain. A migraine is a particularly severe type of headache that causes severe throbbing pain on one side of the head.
Types of Headaches
Primary Headaches
Primary headaches don’t occur because of other underlying medical conditions. The most prominent examples of primary headaches are tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and new daily persistent headaches (NDPH).
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headaches occur because of underlying medical conditions, such as tumors, trauma, sinus congestion, medication overuse, infections, high blood pressure, head injuries, and diseases related to the blood vessels in the brain.
Migraine Headaches
A migraine is a type of primary headache that causes pulsing sensations and throbbing pain on one side of the head. The symptoms of migraines may also involve extreme photosensitivity, vomiting, nausea, and sound sensitivity. The specific symptoms of migraines can progress through various stages — prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Researchers believe migraine might occur when unstable nerve cells overreact to external triggers, such as alcohol use, stress, caffeine, changes in weather, etc.
Symptoms of Headaches
Symptoms of Tension Headaches:
- Consistent headaches without throbbing pain
- Mild to moderate headaches
- Bilateral headaches (on both sides)
- Worsen while bending over or walking upstairs
- Respond to over-the-counter pain medications
Symptoms of Migraine Headaches:
- Moderate to severe headaches
- Pounding and throbbing sensations
- Pulsing sensations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Last for up to 3 days
- Increases sensitivity to light and noise
- Accompanied by abdominal pain
Symptoms of Cluster Headaches:
- Occur in groups or clusters of headaches
- Most common in the sprint or fall
- Occur one to eight times a day
- Last for up to 3 months
- Intense burning and stabbing sensations
- Occurs in the eye region
- Constant throbbing pains
Symptoms of New Daily Persistent Headaches:
- Occur suddenly
- Last for up to 3 months
- Persistent headaches
- Bilateral headaches on both sides
- Not responsive to over-the-counter medications
Symptoms of Sinus Headaches:
- Congesting and inflammation in the sinus
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Constant pain in the forehead and cheekbones
- Sensations of fullness in the ears
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Worsening symptoms due to sudden head movements
- Discharge of mucus
Common Triggers for Migraine Headaches:
- Hormonal changes due to birth control, hormone replacement therapy, or pregnancy
- Extreme stress
- Certain foods, such as alcohol and cheese
- Caffeine
- Weather changes
- Loud noises
- Bright lights
- Strong smells
- Medications that dilate the blood vessels
- Exercise, sex, and other physical activities
- Tobacco usage
- Changes in sleep patterns
Non-Surgical Migraine Treatment in Edison
If you have the symptoms of migraines, the pain doctor will use MRI scans and CT scans to diagnose the root cause of your migraine headaches. Your migraine or headache treatment may include pain medications, anti-nausea drugs, Botox injections, and other non-surgical solutions. Each treatment plan is designed according to your unique needs, and we only provide minimally invasive solutions that don’t involve opioids or surgeries. Please contact our pain specialists to find the ideal headache treatment.
Schedule an Appointment
Edison Spine & Pain Management is an interventional pain management practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various pain conditions. Our board-certified pain specialists use cutting-edge technologies to identify and treat the root cause of your headaches and migraines. We only provide conservative and minimally invasive treatments — not opioids or surgeries. If you have the symptoms of severe headaches or migraines, please schedule an appointment to explore your treatment options in Edison.
