A headache is basically pain in any part of the head and can be described as dull, throbbing or piercing. If the individual experiences pain in the forehead area, it is considered common. There are various types of headaches that you should be familiar with. Depending on the symptoms experienced by the individual, the doctor can determine the exact cause of the headache and provide the appropriate treatment options. Most headaches are not considered serious but consulting with a doctor can provide a diagnosis. Headaches that are accompanied by dizziness, stiff neck or nausea should be checked by a doctor.
What are tension headaches?
Tension headaches are considered as the most prevalent form of headache. Individuals who experience tension headache feel as if there is a constricted band draped around their head. The pain is dull with a stinging sensation. Take note that the muscles of the scalp, neck and shoulders are usually warm.
A tension headache tends to last for half an hour or as long as a week. Even though this type of headache can be difficult to differentiate from a migraine headache, migraines are often complemented by visual indicators, while tension headaches do not have any visual symptoms.
Causes of tension headaches
Tension headaches can be caused if the neck and scalp muscles become tense. This can be triggered by anxiety, depression, and stress or head injury. If the individual puts his/her head in a single position for an extended period of time such as working in a computer, a tension headache can develop. Other causes of tension headaches include excessive smoking, jaw clenching, sinus infection, eye strain, viral illnesses and overexertion.
What are cluster and migraine headaches?
Cluster headaches tend to occur more in men than women which is a type of headache that is chronic. This type of headache usually affects either the right or left side and starts abruptly and affects the area starting from the neck up to the temple. The pain can be severe and oftentimes involves tearing of the eye and stuffed nose.
A migraine headache commonly occurs and accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, loss of appetite and vomiting. The pain with this type of headache is throbbing and typically experienced on either side of the head. In some cases, it can be triggered by certain foods such as chocolate, food additives and processed foods. Other triggers of migraine include bright lights, loud noises, allergic reactions, hormonal changes, changes in the sleeping patterns and certain odors.
Treatment for headaches in the forehead area
The treatment for tension headaches includes pain relievers such as naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin. As a first aid measure, you have to remember that over-the-counter medications must not be used for more than nine days in a month since they can trigger rebound headaches. As for migraines, they can be treated with medications.