What does your headache location mean? If you don’t know, you should because it plays an important role in figuring out the type of headache you suffer from and what treatment is best for you to improve your condition. Learn about headache locations and what they mean in this article. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.

Headache locations

Your headache locations and type of pain can help you know what type of headache you have and help you find remedies.

1. Both sides of your head or a band around your head: Tension headaches are the one that affects both sides of your head or a band around your head which is caused when you experience temporary stress, anxiety, fatigue, lack of sleep, head trauma, cold or flu, hangover, or anger. It is one of the most common types of headaches that causes mild to moderate pain that is non-throbbing on both sides of your head. It usually starts from your forehead and then moves back to your head and neck causing a feeling like a tight band around your head. This type of headache does not get worse with your regular activities. It can last around 30 minutes to several days. However, you can manage its symptoms with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

• One side of your head: Migraine headaches occur on either one side of your head and are caused by the brain’s chemical and blood vessel activity changes. This is the second most common type of headache. It can be triggered by various factors such as weather and hormone changes, exposure to certain chemicals, and food. Migraines cause more severe pain with pounding and throbbing on one side of the head. You may also experience symptoms such as – vomiting, neck pain, nausea, loud noises and sounds, and sensitivity to flashing bright lights. It is more common in women than men. It can last somewhere between 4 hours to 3 days. For mild migraines, over-the-counter medications can help. In severe cases, you can take prescribed medications, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training, acupuncture, or Botox injections.

• One side of your head, particularly in or around the eye: Cluster headaches occur on one side of your head around the eye. It is caused by a chemical reaction in your brain and causes severe pain with intense burning, piercing, and throbbing behind one eye. You may also experience symptoms such as teary or droopy eyes and a runny nose. You can experience cluster headaches 1 to 3 times a day which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. This time period is known as the cluster period. It can be treated with prescribed medication and oxygen.

• Both sides of your head: New daily persistent headaches affect both sides of your head that are caused by an underlying inflammatory process. It may cause constant mild to moderate pain on both sides of your head. However, if it becomes severe, it may feel like a migraine because the pain can last for weeks or even months. This type of headache does not respond well to medications, so it is essential to find secondary causes like brain tumors, infection, and vascular issues and treat them first.

• One side of your head: Besides migraines, hormonal headaches can cause headaches on one side of your head before and during the period when you experience changes in estrogen levels. It is also known as a menstrual migraine. It also causes pulsing or throbbing pain on one side of your head with other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision which get worse with movement, light, smells, or sounds. To treat this type of headache, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are used to manage its symptoms and should start 2 to 3 days before your period starts and continue throughout the menstrual cycle. Other prescription medications may also relieve your symptoms. If you’re pregnant, then you may experience a pregnancy headache, which is also caused by hormones, increased blood volume, and other triggers such as lack of sleep and stress. Keep in mind, even if it feels like a migraine, treatment options are different, as most medications aren’t used during pregnancy. So, you can use other options including cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and physical therapy to get relief.

• Entire face: Sinus headaches occur due to sinus infection, cold, allergies, or mucus buildup which causes a dull ache on your entire face including your eyes, cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of your nose. You may also experience a stuffy nose, fever, thick, or discolored mucus discharge which become a common reason that many people mistakenly consider it a migraine with nasal symptoms. To treat this headache, you need to treat its underlying cause. For example, if your sinus headache is caused by bacterial or fungal sinus infection, then you get treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication. Antihistamines also help treat sinus headaches if it is caused by allergies. And if your sinus headache is caused by a common cold, then decongestants can be used to reduce swelling in your sinuses.

• All over your head or in one spot: A dehydration headache can cause mild to severe pain all over your head or in one particular spot like your back, front, or side. The reason is simple; you do not drink enough water. Your pain can be dull, sharp, or worse with movement. Other symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, confusion, and muscle cramps can be experienced. To manage your dehydration headache at home, drink fluids like water or electrolyte drinks in small sips, rest, or apply a cold compress on your head. Over-the-counter NSAID medications can also help you reduce symptoms.

When to seek help

Most headaches go away on their own with or without treatment. However, if you are experiencing any type of chronic headache, then you should visit your healthcare provider for help. Chronic headaches can last from 15 days (about 2 weeks) or more per month.

Identifying your specific type of headache can help the doctor choose the right treatment for you to improve your headache with overall quality of life. In some cases, your headache can be a sign of a serious medical condition like:

• Stroke
• Meningitis
• Aneurysm
• Brain tumor
• Encephalitis
• HIV/AIDs

Here are some signs that indicate that you may need immediate medical help for your headache which include:

• Hallucinations
• Sudden onset of severe headache
• A rigid neck
• Speech difficulties
• Lethargy
• High fever
• Reduced or altered consciousness levels
• Numbness on either side of the body
• Double vision
• Balance and coordination issues

Treatment

Treatment can vary from person to person depending on the cause or severity of the symptoms. It may take some trial and error to find the best treatment for your headaches. Usually, over the counter, prescribed medication along with psychotherapy is used for treating headaches.

Here are some other home remedies that may help to ease your headaches which include:

• Try to take a nap in a dark and quiet room.
• Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
• Do some deep breathing exercises.
• Take over-the-counter medications. However, do not take them too much because it can lead to rebound headaches.
• Drink a little caffeine.
• Apply ice or cold compress to the area where it hurts.

For chronic headaches, your doctor may prescribe medications based on the type of headaches you have. Medications include – ergot derivative drugs, triptans, or a combination of analgesics and caffeine.

Other preventive medications for chronic headache include:

• Beta-blockers
• Anticonvulsants
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• OnabotulinumtoxinA

Headache locations can help you figure out what type of headache you are experiencing and get treatment accordingly. This way doctors can also prescribe the best treatment to improve your symptoms. If your headache is mild, take over-the-counter medications or use some home remedies that can easily relieve your symptoms. However, in severe headaches, you may need to take treatment for the underlying cause first. And if you experience frequent headaches which disrupt your daily life then visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you need help with your headaches, then visit our Pain Management clinic in Brooklyn. Our doctors diagnose your condition properly and treat it to ensure you get well as soon as possible to enjoy your life. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.