“More than 300 types of headache have been described “, explains Dr Dominique Valade, neurologist and headache specialist. In 90% of cases, it is a trivial headache or migraine. But it can also be other more violent or more serious headaches, fortunately less frequent. Identifying exactly what headache you are suffering from is crucial in order to be treated effectively. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), only 40% of migraine sufferers know that they suffer from migraines.
Important signs to look out for
The diagnosis is based on the characteristics of the pain. Hence the many questions asked by the doctor: “How long have your headache been? How often do you have seizures? Does the pain affect only one side or both? Do you have nausea or vomiting? …”, illustrates Dr. Valade. Indeed, headaches are not characterized by any abnormalities in medical imaging, nor by a change in temperature or blood. Complementary examinations (scans, blood tests, etc.) are therefore of no help.
You hurt on one side
A migraine, most often: the pain is worsened by exertion, with the impression of feeling his heart beating in his head, vomiting or nausea and / or discomfort in the light or the noise.
Sinusitis : the pain is localized at the level of the forehead or at the back of the nasal cavities, with congestion (hot and red skin) due to the infection. Associated signs: runny nose, fever …
You are in pain all over your head
A headache : the pain is mild to moderate in the vice, on both sides of the head, without nausea. It is most often a tension headache, caused by stress and / or fatigue.
A ruptured aneurysm : the pain, of sudden onset, is immediately very intense. It’s extremely rare, but if you’ve never – or almost never – experienced such a headache, it’s an absolute emergency.
Pain is felt around the eye
A migraine with aura : the pain, concentrated on only one side, is preceded by visual disturbances (luminous points, loss of vision …), tingling or difficulty in expressing oneself. This form of migraine represents 20% of cases.
Cluster pain in the face : the pain, intense, is centered on one eye or a temple, the eyes tear, the nose runny. It hurts a lot and can occur in seizures.
Focus on menstrual migraine
If the headache occurs once a month, within the period of two days that precede the rules for the next three days, it is probably a menstrual or catamenial migraine. Generally longer, more intense and more difficult to relieve, it is due to the drop in the level of the hormone estradiol at the end of the cycle. Often it is associated with other non-period seizures during the cycle. “Pure” menstrual migraine, occurring only during menstruation, affects only 7% of migraine sufferers.
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