Headache

A headache is commonly-suffered pain in the head, and occasionally neck pain or upper back pain. Most headaches are essentially benign, although some may be the symptom of a more serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Causes:

Brain tumor
Cerebral aneurysm
Dehydration
Encephalitis
Estrogen fluctuation (women)
Eye strain
Head injury
High blood pressure (extreme)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Meningitis
Migraine
Sinusitis
Tension

Headache types:

Brain freeze
Cervical headache
Cluster headache
Coital cephalalgia
Hangover
Hemicranial continua
Ictal headache
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Migraine
Muscular headache (myogenic headache)
Post dural puncture headache
Rebound headache
Red wine headache
Tension headache
Thunderclap headache
Toxic headache
Vascular headache

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a headache is made by a doctor or medical professional. Certain headaches may be diagnosed based upon symptoms, while others may require diagnostic tests to confirm the condition. If such tests are necessary, they may include blood tests, computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnosis of a "primary headache" means that the headache is not a symptom of a more serious underlying problem.

Treatment

Treatment options for a headaches that are without complications or severe underlying causes usually involve over the counter painkillers. If there is an underlying medical condition, it may be treated where possible. Headaches may in some cases be avoided by avoiding certain triggers, for example, stress or eye strain.

See also:

Migraine

Synonyms and other key terms:

Cephalalgia

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Headache