According to the Cleveland Clinic, headaches are one of the most common medical conditions, with 96% of people experiencing them at least once in their lifetime.
The source said around 40% of people around the world experience so-called “tension-type headaches” and about 10% suffer from migraines.
There are over 150 different types of headaches, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
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For some people, headaches can be misdiagnosed.
Actress Ashley Judd recently shared on Instagram how her “severe headaches” were misdiagnosed for eight years.
Headaches are one of the most common medical conditions, with 96% of people experiencing them at least once in their lifetime. (St. Petersburg)
“For eight miserable years, I've been treated at some of the best medical institutions with medications for a type of headache I don't have,” she posted on Instagram in October.
Her doctor ultimately diagnosed her headaches as status migraine, a migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours.
What is a headache?
According to the National Institutes of Health, a headache is pain in the head, neck, or face that is often described as a feeling of pressure that varies in location, frequency, and severity.
“For eight miserable years, I was treated with medication for a type of headache that was not for me.”
“Headaches are one of the most common symptoms experienced by many people, but they are often dismissed as a minor inconvenience,” says Fred, assistant professor of medicine and neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.・Dr. Cohen told FOX. News Digital.
They are divided into two main categories – primary, caused by overactivity or dysfunction in pain-sensitive areas of the head, or secondary, where an underlying disease causes the pain, the Cleveland Clinic adds. Ta.
Actress Ashley Judd recently shared on Instagram how her “severe headaches” were misdiagnosed for eight years. (Getty Images)
Cohen says certain types of headaches, especially if the pain is sudden or severe, can be a sign of a more serious illness, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.
“This highlights the importance of a thorough evaluation to distinguish between primary headaches and secondary causes and to ensure appropriate treatment and management,” he said.
6 common types of headaches
Cohen said the three most common types are tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.
1. Tension headache
“Tension-type headaches are one of the most common types and are what most people think of as a typical 'headache,'” Cohen says.
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Many people describe the pain as a tight squeeze around the head, often caused by stress or muscle tension.
Treatment usually focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as stress reduction and physical therapy, but prescription medications may also be used if headaches occur frequently, Cohen says. says Mr.
2. Migraine
Studies show that migraines disproportionately affect women (up to 18% in the United States) and are the leading cause of disability for women ages 18 to 50 worldwide.
“Migraine is neurological diseaseThere are multiple stages during the attack,” Cohen said.
Migraines disproportionately affect women, up to 18% in the United States, and are the leading cause of disability for women ages 18 to 50 worldwide. (St. Petersburg)
Warning symptoms such as excessive yawning, increased hunger, and watery eyes may occur right before a headache.
“Some people experience aura, a neurological phenomenon that includes visual disturbances such as zigzag lights and blind spots, and sensory changes such as tingling and numbness,” Cohen noted.
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Migraines cause “severe, throbbing headaches that are sensitive to light and sound and are sometimes accompanied by nausea,” says Dr. Timothy A. Collins, chief of the division of headache and pain at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.
These symptoms usually last 15 minutes to an hour, but migraine pain can last much longer, from four hours to three days, Cohen said.
Migraine status is a migraine attack that lasts more than 72 hours.
When attacks last longer than this, it is known as a “migraine severe state,” and this is what Judd experienced.
“Unfortunately, many people mistakenly think migraines are 'normal headaches' and there are many effective treatments available, including daily medications, supplements, monthly injections, and even Botox injections. I don't know that there is,” Cohen told FOX News Digital.
3. Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are rare but cause severe, overwhelming pain around one eye multiple times a day. Mr Collins said the condition was “extremely difficult”.
In addition to the sharp pain, you may experience bloodshot eyes, watery eyes, a flushed face, and a stuffy nose.
The pain is so intense that it could be mistaken for a brain aneurysm, Cohen said.
“Cluster headaches usually last between 15 minutes and three hours and tend to occur in cycles lasting from several days to several weeks,'' the expert said. (St. Petersburg)
“Cluster headaches usually last 15 minutes to three hours and tend to occur in cycles lasting from several days to several weeks,” he said.
Cluster headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines.
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The main difference between the two is that cluster headaches tend to occur in cycles, whereas most migraine sufferers experience headaches once a month for several days in a row, Collins said. said.
Treatment options for cluster headaches include medications to stop attacks and preventive treatments to reduce the frequency of cycles, Cohen said.
4. Rebound headache
People with headaches often take the following: Over-the-counter medicine (OTC)According to Healthline, it “discontinues” headaches, similar to acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
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However, experts warn that frequent use of these drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms and frequent headaches if not taken, the same source noted.
Experts warn that frequent use of these drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms and frequent headaches if not taken. (St. Petersburg)
Also, headaches may occur if you suddenly stop drinking your morning coffee or suddenly stop taking your medication after consuming a large amount of caffeine.
5. Sinusitis headache
According to Healthline, sinus congestion due to allergies or infections can cause localized pain near the front of the sinuses.
The pain usually goes away once the sinuses are unclogged.
6. Exertional headache
According to Healthline, strenuous physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can cause this type of headache.
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Symptoms usually subside within minutes to hours, but if symptoms persist for more than a few hours or you've never experienced them before, experts advise that it's best to see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
A “normal” headache does not cause loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, or weakness in one arm or leg, which can all be signs of a stroke, experts say.
If your headache suddenly changes in severity or starts suddenly, you should see your doctor. (St. Petersburg)
Anyone who experiences any of the following warning signs should immediately consult a health care provider or call 911 to rule out more serious medical conditions.
– Worst headache of my life
– Headaches that change rapidly in severity or occur suddenly
– Headache with visual disturbances (e.g. double vision)
– Fainting or loss of consciousness with headache
– Fever and stiff shoulders with nausea and vomiting accompanied by headache
– Headache after head injury
– Headache immediately after weight lifting, exercise, or sex
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health
Fox News Digital has reached out to Ashley Judd for comment.
