What we refer to as headaches may occur very frequently in various areas of the head like for example behind the head, in the upper neck or ears. In addition, headaches are not generally considered a sickness, but rather a an indication of another sickness. Causes for headaches are many and these causes could vary from one person to the other. Moreover, as in certain cases the treatment is difficult, it is important to correctly diagnose the cause of headache.

Categorizing the headache is the first step that should be taken before attempting to treat the condition. There are there are numerous ways to categorize headaches although the most well known method was introduced by the International Headache Society. There are three main types of headaches according to this categorization and each specific type tends to have a separate cause.

Primary causes of headaches are one of the chief types of headaches and could be further categorized as tension headaches, migraine headaches and cluster headaches.

In tension headaches, the major cause of headache is physical or mental stress. It is believed that almost 90% of all adults would experience tension headaches in their lives. Compared to men women appear to be more prone to experience tension headaches. Migraine headaches are also a common type of headache with almost 12% of the US population (around 28 million people) experiences this type of headache. Cluster headaches which affects only 0.1% of the people are somewhat uncommon though both these types tend to be experienced fairly frequently by most people. The precise reason of headache in both migraine related and cluster headaches are not presently known. However, none of the above three headaches are life threatening.

Although the cause of headache in primary headaches might not be life threatening, secondary headaches might indicate a far more dangerous situation. Secondary headaches normally occur due to underlying diseases such as brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis and stroke. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek medical attention when one shows headache associated symptoms such as seizures, continuing nausea and vomiting, and vision, speech and behavior changes. There is also another type of headaches called Cranial neuralgia where the cause of headache is inflamed nerves in the head and the neck. In addition to this, facial pains and other different headaches are also included.

It should be remembered that although many headaches may be temporary relieved by painkilling drugs such as paracetamol and asprin, it is vital to seek medical attention if the headache persists heavily. Additionally, the painkilling drugs including paracetamol should be used in the recommended quantities as an overdose may result in negative effects such as heavy liver damage which would at times prove to be life threatening.

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