Other Headaches

What Is A Headache? What Are the Types of Headaches?

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints in Singapore and across the globe. They can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, significantly impacting daily life. While many people experience headaches occasionally, frequent or intense headaches may require medical evaluation.

A headache is defined as pain or discomfort in the head, neck, or scalp. Headaches can be categorised into two main types: primary and secondary headaches.

1. Primary Headaches: These are headaches that occur independently and are not caused by other medical conditions. They include:
   • Tension Headaches [link to Tension headaches]: The most common type, often described as a dull, pressing, or tightening pain around the forehead or the back of the head and neck. Tension headaches are usually caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension.
   • Migraines[link to Migraine]: These are more severe and often involve a throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines can last for hours or even days.
   • Cluster Headaches [link to Cluster headaches]: A less common but very intense type of headache that occurs in clusters or cycles. The pain is often sharp and focused around one eye, with symptoms like watery eyes, nasal congestion, or facial sweating.
2. Secondary Headaches: These occur as a symptom of another underlying condition, such as:
   • Sinus Headaches: Caused by inflammation in the sinuses, these headaches often involve pain around the forehead, cheeks, or eyes and are associated with sinus congestion or infection.
   • Medication Overuse Headaches: Also known as rebound headaches, these occur due to the overuse of pain-relieving medications for treating headaches.
   • Headaches due to Medical Conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, temporomandibular joint pain, infections, or trauma to the head can trigger secondary headaches.

What Causes Headaches?

The causes of headaches vary depending on the type and can range from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions. For primary headaches, common triggers include:

• Stress: Emotional or physical stress can lead to muscle tension, resulting in tension headaches.
• Dehydration: Especially in hot climates like Singapore, not drinking enough water can easily trigger headaches.
• Diet: Certain foods such as processed meats, aged cheese, and caffeine can act as triggers, especially for migraines.
• Sleep Issues: Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns can also contribute to headaches.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can increase the likelihood of headaches.
• Genetics: Migraines often run in families, so having a close relative who suffers from migraines may increase your risk.

For secondary headaches, causes may include infections like sinusitis, head injuries, or other medical conditions that affect the brain or nervous system.

What Are the Symptoms of Headaches?

Headache symptoms can differ based on the type. Common symptoms include:

• Tension Headaches [link to Tension headaches]: A dull, steady ache or pressure that feels like a tight band around the head. The pain is typically mild to moderate.
• Migraines [link to migraine]: Intense, pulsating pain usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people may experience a visual aura before the headache begins.
• Cluster Headaches [link to cluster headaches]: Sharp, stabbing pain around one eye, which may also cause redness, tearing, and nasal congestion on the affected side. These headaches occur in cycles, with periods of frequent attacks followed by remission.

Symptoms of secondary headaches may involve other physical issues, such as fever, neck stiffness, or signs of an underlying condition.

Is A Headache Painful?

Headaches can vary widely in intensity. While tension headaches tend to cause a mild to moderate ache, migraines and cluster headaches can lead to severe, debilitating pain that disrupts daily activities. Migraines, in particular, are often described as throbbing or pulsating and can last for hours or even days. Cluster headaches, though short in duration, are often extremely painful, with patients describing them as one of the most intense forms of headache.

Who Is At Risk of Getting Headaches in Singapore?

Anyone can experience headaches, but certain groups are more at risk due to various factors, such as:

• Women: Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause make women more likely to suffer from migraines.
• Age: While headaches can affect people of all ages, tension headaches tend to become more common in adulthood, while migraines often start during adolescence or early adulthood.
• Family History: If migraines run in your family, you're more likely to experience them.
• Environmental Factors: The hot and humid climate in Singapore can contribute to dehydration, which is a known trigger for headaches. Exposure to air pollution, strong smells, or bright lights can also play a role.
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, high stress levels, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity can all increase the risk of headaches.

How Is A Headache Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a headache typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. During the consultation, the doctor may ask about the nature of the headaches, including frequency, intensity, and any accompanying symptoms. A headache diary, where the patient tracks triggers and patterns, can be helpful in diagnosis.

In some cases, further testing such as imaging (MRI [link to MRI] or CT scans [link to CT]) or blood tests may be required to rule out underlying conditions, particularly for secondary headaches or when the headaches are sudden and severe.

What Are the Treatment Options for Headaches in Singapore?

Treatment options for headaches vary depending on the type and severity. Common approaches include:

• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen is commonly used for tension headaches. For migraines, prescription medications such as triptans may be necessary.
• Preventive Medications: For those with frequent migraines or cluster headaches, preventive drugs like beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants can help reduce the frequency of headaches.
• Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, maintaining hydration, and establishing regular sleep patterns are key to reducing headache frequency. Avoiding dietary triggers is also recommended.
• Physical Therapy: Tension headaches caused by muscle strain may benefit from physiotherapy or massage.
• Specialised Treatments: For cluster headaches, options like oxygen therapy or nerve blocks may be considered.

Headaches are a common but often disruptive condition that can affect anyone, from children [link to Paediatric Headache Disorders] to adults. Whether it's a tension headache from stress or a migraine triggered by specific environmental factors, recognising the type of headache and its cause is essential to finding the right treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr Charles Siow today to diagnose your headaches and explore ways to effectively manage or prevent them. Let us improve your quaity of life!