The five types of headache, how to treat them and when to call 999

A leading pharmacist says there are five different types of headache and has explained how to tell which is which - so you know how to best treat them. George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent from Well Pharmacy, has broken down the five types of headaches people can suffer.

Some 10 million Brits live with migraines, and around three million workdays are lost every year as a result of headaches - costing the economy around £4.4 billion each year. And, headaches and migraine-related issues are among the most common neurological reasons for A&E visits.

There are ten main reasons headaches and migraines frequently arise, according to the NHS :

1. A symptom of having a cold or flu

2. Heightened levels of stress or anxiety

3. Consuming too much alcohol

4. Sitting or standing with poor posture

5. Having eyesight problems like wearing the wrong prescription glasses or straining your eyes (often by looking at a screen for too long)

6. Not regularly eating enough meals

7. Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)

8. Taking an excessive amount of painkillers

9. A side effect of having your period or during menopause

10. Temporomandibular disorders – problems affecting the ‘chewing’ muscles and joints

Mr Sandhu explains the five types of headaches, their symptoms and how to act when you suffer one below:

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are very common and often caused by stress, sleep problems and caffeine.

The symptoms include a pain on both sides of your head, face or neck and feeling like something is pressing or being tightened around your head. The affected area can often feel tender, and your head may hurt more when touched.

Treatments: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Pharmacy staff can also advise customers to maintain good posture, manage stress through relaxation techniques, take regular breaks if working on screens, and stay hydrated.

Migraines

Migraines usually feel like a very bad headache with throbbing pain on one side. They are generally more severe than regular headaches. There are two types of migraines - with and without aura.

Migraine with Aura

Migraine with Aura can be very disturbing for the customer as symptoms include visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots), numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking, followed by a headache with throbbing pain. Aura should not last for more than an hour.

Treatments: Pharmacy staff can suggest OTC pain relievers and anti-nausea medications if required but some customers should be referred to their GP should they require prescription medication.

Pharmacy staff can advise customers to keep a migraine diary to help identify and therefore avoid migraine triggers, for some people this can be certain foods.

Migraines without Aura

Migraines without aura are similar to migraines with aura, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods or drinks.

Symptoms include moderate to severe headache on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, nausea or vomiting.

Treatments: Similar to migraine with aura, OTC pain relievers, and anti-nausea medications can help relieve the patient.

Pharmacy staff can advise customers to maintain regular sleep and eating habits, stay hydrated and avoid known triggers.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are severe attacks of pain that can last for prolonged periods of time. They are severe headaches that can happen multiple times a day and continue for weeks or months.

The main symptoms are a sharp, severe burning or piercing pain typically around one eye and can cause watering of the eye. You can also feel sick, and they can start and stop quickly lasting between 15 minutes and three hours.

The exact cause of these is unknown, they’re more common in men in their 30s and 40s, of if you have other suffers in the family. Some sufferers can identify triggers like smoking, consuming alcohol, perfume and other strong smells.

Treatments: If a patient suspects they have cluster headaches and painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen do not help, they should be referred to the GP.

There is no cure for cluster headaches, but a specialist may recommend some treatments to help ease and prevent symptoms.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus Headaches are caused by the swelling of sinuses, usually cause by an infection. The symptoms include pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead. You may also suffer with a blocked nose, reduced sense or smell, green or yellow mucus discharge for your nose and a high fever.

Treatments: Sinusitis is one of the conditions treatable through the Pharmacy First service. Over the counter treatments include decongestants, saline nasal sprays, antihistamines if symptoms are being caused by an allergy, and OTC pain relief.

Pharmacy staff can also advise customers to stay hydrated and apply warm compresses to the affected area.

When to seek immediate GP advice

With these four most common forms of headaches identified it is important to know when to seek the advice of your GP, especially if these treatments are not working.

If you or your child has a severe headache and:

1. Jaw pain when eating

2. Blurred or double vision

3. A sore scalp

4. Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs

5. A headache that wakes them at night/morning

6. A headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down

7. A headache with a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or an inability to look upward

When to call 999 or visit hospital

In the most extreme circumstances, you should not hesitate to call 999 or rush to hospital if you have:

1. A head injury – for example, from a fall or accident

2. A headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful

3. Sudden problems communicating, remembering things, swallowing, balancing or walking

4. Experiencing a loss of vision

5. Feel drowsy or confused

6. A very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis

7. The white part of the eye is red

8. A headache that starts within 5 days of a head injury

Understanding your headache patterns, triggers, and symptoms will be hugely beneficial to help you take preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.