Migrainous stroke is very rare and accounts for less than 1 percent of strokes, according to the Cedars-Sinai Health System. While a cluster headache is a type of primary headache and not a sign of another underlying condition, the severe pain these headaches cause can lead some people to contemplate suicide. Cluster headaches occur suddenly and cause a piercing and very intense pain, almost always on one side of the head. A runny nose and tearing on the side with the pain is also common.
Cluster headaches generally last between 15 minutes and three hours, without treatment. Cluster headaches get their name because they come in clusters. A person might have daily cluster headaches for a month or more, for example, and then none for a year. Treatment for cluster headaches can be high-flow oxygen through a mask; nerve blocks, in which a numbing agent, or anesthetic, is injected into the scalp near particular nerves; or daily doses of the drug verapamil.
Although most headaches are not serious and will go away on their own, it's important to recognize when headache pain could be a sign of a larger issue. Stephen D. Additional reporting by Becky Upham. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: September 9, Medically Reviewed.
Young People Are at Risk, Too It isn't just older individuals who should be alert to a bad headache: According to an article published in February in the journal Stroke , 10 to 15 percent of all strokes occur in people ages 18 to Risk factors for stroke at a younger age include: Inherited or acquired conditions that cause abnormal blood clotting such as sickle cell anemia Smoking Use of birth control containing estrogen Pregnancy High blood pressure during pregnancy Migraine with aura In addition, half of those who die each year from a ruptured brain aneurysm — which typically causes a severe and sudden headache —are under age 50, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
Soni points out. Getting a good idea of what triggers your headaches, especially migraines, is important because not everyone has the same triggers. Soni explains.
Diet is also important. Avoiding processed or packaged foods to improve your diet can be a positive step as well as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Exercise is also a key component, but Dr. Low-impact exercises can be one way to still stay active despite these headaches. Then, as you feel comfortable, you can work your way up to more activity. Soni points out that managing stress and anxiety as well as your approach to a situation is important in treating these chronic headache conditions.
Soni noted, become less effective over time. It can also directly affect other areas of their health, as Dr. Soni mentions, from sleep to exercise. Treating these chronic conditions, especially ones with so many unknowns, can be frustrating for patients and healthcare providers alike. Ultimately, many patients benefit from an interdisciplinary treatment that includes medication, mental health, a pain psychologist, physical therapy and even occupational therapy.
We have to keep those expectations realistic to get the most out of treatment. Sometimes headaches can evolve into a daily, debilitating occurrence. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Tame Your Tension Headaches Naturally. According to some estimates, only 10 percent of headaches have a known cause.
But there are contributing factors that can trigger chronic headaches, such as:. Chronic headaches can also be linked to other disorders, including depression, anxiety, sinus infections , allergies and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ. In order to figure out your headache pattern and identify your triggers, you may want to keep a headache diary to share with your doctor. The National Headache Foundation provides a handy template.
But for some people, they occur almost every day. Tension headaches affect both sides of your head with a pressing, moderate pain. Instead, you may want to try meditation, relaxation techniques or heat therapy.
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