What are the different types of headaches?

There are many different types of headaches. The most common types include:

• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Cluster headaches
• Sinus headaches
• Post-traumatic headaches

Hormonal headaches are often seen in women during their monthly menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.

What are chronic headaches?

If you have headaches that last at least four hours and occur at least 15 days out of every month for three months or longer, you have chronic headaches. Chronic headaches can occur for a variety of reasons, depending on the type of headache and your individual health history. The experienced providers at High Rock Internal Medicine have the expertise to diagnose and treat chronic headaches so they won’t interfere with your quality of life.

The team can also identify specific neurologic needs, and monitor and manage neurologic conditions that may cause chronic headaches and other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?

Migraines occur in stages. You may not experience symptoms during all the stages, but the most common symptoms for each stage include:

Prodrome stage

Approximately 24-48 hours before a migraine attack, you may notice:

• Mood changes
• Digestive symptoms
• Food cravings or increased/decreased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue

Aura stage

Shortly before your headache starts, you may experience:

• Visual symptoms such as zig-zag patterns, wavy lines, or flashing lights
• Holes in your vision
• Tingling in your arms or legs
• Weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Difficulty speaking

Attack stage

Your actual migraine headache can last 4-72 hours and often involves severe pain that throbs or pulses. For some people, the pain is concentrated on one side of the head.

Other attack symptoms include:

• Light sensitivity
• Nausea
• Blurry vision
• Lightheadedness

Postdrome stage

This final phase usually lasts for about 24 hours. You may feel drained, confused, dizzy, or even elated during the postdrome period.

How are migraines treated?

Treatment options for migraines include pain-relieving medications to relieve the symptoms of an acute migraine, and preventive medications taken daily to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. Lifestyle changes can also help prevent or reduce the symptoms of migraines.

To learn more about the treatment of headaches and neurological conditions, call High Rock Internal Medicine or schedule an appointment online.