6 types of headaches: diagnosis and treatment

Pain in the head - or, as it is called, cephalalgia - has different manifestations. They are an alarming signal, which often forces you to put everything aside and seek medical help. The causes of pain in the head can be very different. Often it is felt even by absolutely healthy people, whose body reacts to weather changes in this way. It is very important in this case to be able to distinguish such painful symptoms from those that are a sign of serious malfunctions in the body, and to seek professional help in time.

Causes of headaches with sudden movements

Pain may occur with sudden bending or turning of the head. This is due to pathologies of blood vessels, nerves, pressure changes and other reasons. Pain can also appear in a healthy person due to intense physical activity, stress and disruption of the sleep schedule. Most often, painful sensations go away after proper rest, but in some patients they indicate serious disorders that require treatment.

Migraine

Migraine is an acute headache that manifests itself without organic pathologies of blood vessels, brain and other organs. Doctors associate it with neurological disorders or vascular weakness. It has also been established that migraine is more often of hereditary origin and occurs simultaneously in several family members. It has a chronic course and manifests itself in the form of attacks, which can be caused by internal or external factors. Thus, migraines often occur against the background of climate change, stress, insomnia, and intense training.

The attack can last up to several days and consists of four phases:

1. The prodromal period is a few days before the onset of headache. During this time, many patients experience weakness, dizziness, insomnia, as well as hearing and vision impairment. However, symptoms may be mild and unnoticeable.
2. Aura is a neurological disorder that occurs immediately before or during the onset of a headache. An aura can include visual, auditory and movement (motor) disturbances, as well as combinations thereof. Characteristic symptoms are the appearance of dark circles in the field of vision, tinnitus, nausea and dizziness, and deterioration in coordination of movements. About 50% of migraine cases occur with aura; in other patients it is absent. (see Migraine with aura).
3. The pain phase lasts no more than a few hours in children and 1–3 days in adults. The pain is sharp, severe, often spreading to the temples and the side of the head. It intensifies with any physical activity and sudden movements of the neck. During this phase, nausea and dizziness, weakness, and impaired consciousness and concentration may also be felt.
4. Postdromal period - occurs when the headache goes away. A few days after the attack, you may feel worse. Patients experience weakness, gastrointestinal disorders, mood swings and other symptoms that disappear within 1–2 days, depending on the intensity of the attack.

Migraine often affects only half of the head, but can spread to its entire surface. The headaches are severe and worsen when turning and tilting the head, as well as with any sudden movements of the neck. Mild attacks can be relieved with painkillers, but for acute pain, the doctor will prescribe special medications against migraines.

Read more in the material: Chronic migraine

Hypertension

The blood pressure of a healthy person at rest is 120/80 mm. rt. Art. It is easy to measure at home using a tonometer. If the result is 130/90 mm. rt. Art. and more, we can talk about hypertension (high blood pressure). It is important that hypertension is physiological - blood pressure normally increases after exercise. To obtain accurate data, they were shown filming during rest.

Hypertension is a chronic disease that is manifested by increased blood pressure. It is most often diagnosed in middle and old age, but can also occur in young adults and children. Its causes are congenital disorders of pressure regulation mechanisms and acquired vascular diseases. During an attack, blood pressure increases sharply, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• throbbing headache, which intensifies when tilting and turning the head - it can spread to the temples, back of the head, frontal part;
• deterioration of vision, hearing, concentration;
• numbness of fingers and toes;
• swelling, redness of the skin of the face and mucous membranes;
• the appearance of small subcutaneous hematomas, especially in the face;
• arrhythmia, uneven and rapid pulse.

People who are overweight and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at risk. To treat hypertension, your doctor will select a special diet and prescribe medications to correct your blood pressure. They must be taken in a course to prevent another exacerbation.

Read more in the material: Headache with hypertension

Diseases of the cervical spine

The cervical region contains important vessels and nerves that lead to the brain. They are located in the protective canal formed by the openings between the vertebrae and on their lateral processes. In a healthy person, between the bone segments there are intervertebral discs - dense, elastic cartilaginous formations that absorb shock during movement. Their damage can be caused by various diseases, but leads to acute pain and affects general well-being.

1. Cervical osteochondrosis is a chronic process of destruction of intervertebral discs. It can be caused by intense exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, or a disruption in the flow of blood to the cartilage. It leads to compression of the nerve roots and acute headaches, which intensify with neck movements. (see Headache with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine)
2. Protrusion is a protrusion of cartilage beyond the spinal column. The process is accompanied by headaches and decreased neck mobility. In advanced cases, a hernia forms - the outer fibrous membrane ruptures, and the liquid contents (nucleus pulposus) leak out.
3. Spinal curvature can be congenital or acquired. The process is often caused by incorrect posture and intense stress during the period of growth and formation of the spinal column.

To treat diseases of the cervical spine, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment regimen. It may include exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, massage and physiotherapy, as well as a course of medications. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and warming ointments help with these diseases.

Vascular diseases

Atherosclerosis is one of the reasons why headaches occur during sudden movements. This is a chronic disease in which lipoproteins and cholesterol are deposited on the inner walls of the arteries. These deposits can form plaques, cause narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels and reduce the elasticity of their walls. This leads to a deterioration in blood flow to the brain and painful sensations. At the first signs of atherosclerosis, it is important to follow a low-fat diet, as well as take medications to remove excess cholesterol.

Read more in the material: Constriction of cerebral vessels

Diseases of the ENT organs

Headaches with sudden movements can also be caused by inflammation of the ears, mucous membrane of the nasopharynx or respiratory tract. Colds occur when a viral infection occurs and the body's immune defense is simultaneously reduced. It is important to get tested if the following symptoms worsen:

• fever for 3 days or more;
• the appearance of discharge from the nose or ear canals;
• weakness, headache;
• pain in the head area.

A characteristic symptom of sinusitis is a sharp headache when tilting the head down. If it is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe an additional x-ray examination. Treatment for most diseases of the ENT organs includes antibiotic therapy, lavage of the nasal passages, the use of ear drops and vasoconstrictors.

Other reasons

Headaches often appear due to stress, nervous tension, changes in atmospheric pressure and disturbances in sleep schedule. However, if they occur frequently, including after exercise, it is important to get tested. These symptoms may indicate the following disorders:

• brain tumors;
• neuritis - inflammation of the nerves that run in the neck and head;
• poisoning – associated with the intake of poisons and toxins from food, medicines, gaseous substances;
• stroke is one of the dangerous conditions that occurs when there is a sudden disruption of blood circulation in the brain; (See stroke)
• temporal arteritis is a specific disease in which inflammation of the temporal artery occurs;
• cluster pain is a rare type that is very severe. (see Cluster headaches)

Headaches are not a separate disease, but a symptom characteristic of many disorders. Doctors do not recommend enduring painful sensations. As first aid, you can take a pain reliever, but then it is important to undergo a full examination.

Throbbing pain in the back of the head: causes, treatment

A headache can come from anything, and the reasons that cause the discomfort are not always cause for concern. Usually this is overwork, lack of sleep, changes in atmospheric pressure, stress, nervous strain, or just a cold. Painkillers and sleep help cope with the discomfort. However, if attacks begin to occur regularly and become increasingly intense, it is necessary to take emergency measures and seek advice from a specialist.

Headaches in the occipital part of the head and in the upper neck are among the three most common complaints of patients. As a rule, the feeling of discomfort originates in the cervical area, then spreads to the scalp at the base of the skull. Unilateral pain requires special attention, as it may indicate the development of serious diseases of the spinal column, blood vessels surrounding the brain, nerve roots, spinal cord or brain.

The pulsating nature of the pain may indicate compression of the vertebral arteries.

Causes of pain

The main factors causing headaches in the back of the head:

• Pathologies of the spinal column (osteochondrosis, spondylitis, spondylosis, hernias, protrusions, vertebral instability, etc.).
• Traumatic injuries (dislocations, subluxations, sprains, open wounds, etc.).
• Pathologies of the muscle corset (myositis, myogelosis, muscle strain, spasm or inflammation of the fibers). Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable forced position, as a result of which the muscles become numb and do not receive the necessary nutrition (for example, when sitting for a long time at a computer or at work). Weakening and atrophy of the muscular corset due to insufficient physical activity and an inactive lifestyle.
• Damage to nerve structures (neuralgia of the occipital or facial nerves, inflammation or pinched roots).
• Instability of arterial or intracranial pressure.
• Pathologies of blood vessels running in the cervical area and washing the brain and spinal cord.
• Damage to the temporomandibular joints.
• Nervous or psychological stress, overwork, stress, chronic lack of sleep.

To determine the cause or complex of factors causing pulsating headaches in the back of the head, a thorough diagnosis is necessary, taking into account all the features of the development of the disease and the general health of the patient. Only after conducting a set of necessary studies and making an accurate diagnosis, the attending physician prescribes an individual treatment program.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis damage to the intervertebral cartilage is the most common and common cause of pain in the occipital part of the head. Losing the necessary nutrition and water supply, the vertebral discs gradually dry out, crack, flatten and cease to perform the functions (shock absorption and flexibility) originally assigned to them by nature. Sagging discs lead to pinched nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues.

The pain can be localized only on one side, radiating to the parietal region and temples. Accompanied by dizziness, poor coordination of movements, unsteady gait, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. With the addition of vertebrobasilar syndrome, dysfunction of the organs of vision (flickering “fly spots”, dark spots, a feeling of blurriness of the surrounding space, etc.) and hearing (tinnitus, weakened hearing) is noted. Physical activity and sudden movements of the neck increase pain.

Spondylosis of the cervical area

Spondylosis is a disease characterized by the growth of bone growths (osteophytes) at the edges of the vertebral bodies. Both cartilaginous tissue and ligamentous apparatus can ossify, forming sharp edges that injure or compress blood vessels and/or nerve endings. The causes of early degeneration of spinal tissue are a sedentary, inactive lifestyle or metabolic disorders in the body.

The pain syndrome extends to the base of the neck, shoulder girdle, stiffness of movements is observed (up to complete fusion, formation of a bone block and immobilization of the cervical segment). In addition to pain in the back of the head, patients experience decreased hearing and visual abilities, disturbed sleep, irritability, and fatigue. In some cases, the pain does not go away even at rest and is poorly relieved with analgesic drugs.

Neck muscle diseases

Myositis, myogelosis are diseases of muscle fibers in which they become inflamed, swollen, and hardened, causing stiffness of movement, pain on palpation and other unpleasant sensations. They appear when the neck or the whole body is hypothermic, during prolonged exposure to a draft, in the presence of poor posture or deformities of the spinal column (scoliosis, kyphosis), after suffering from nervous strain, stress or viral infections.

Tension headaches are also associated with pathologies of muscle fibers. They occur when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time (for example, at a table with constant concentration, concentration of attention and vision), lack of physical activity, when the muscular corset of the neck atrophies and is not able to confidently support the head. In this case, the nature of the pain is pulsating, but moderate, with a slight tingling in the occipital-parietal region of the head or the sensation of wearing a hoop or helmet. May be accompanied by tinnitus, dizziness, and a feeling of fatigue.

Complete relaxation, the patient taking a horizontal position, a light massage of the head and collar area, and a hot bath help relieve pain.

Nerve fiber pathologies

Neuralgia, neuritis - damage or inflammation of peripheral nerve fibers, characterized by attacks of sharp and acute pain in the innervation zone, loss of sensitivity and reflex reactions. In particularly difficult cases, it can develop into paresis or paralysis (complete immobilization). Depending on the damage to a particular nerve, the distribution of pain depends (on the neck, shoulder girdle, ears, lower jaw) and accompanying symptoms are observed (muscle spasms, limited mobility, weakened hearing, difficulty swallowing and speech disorders, etc.).

Quite often, neurological headaches are accompanied by hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity) of the pathological area, do not weaken at rest, and intensify with sudden movements (turning the head, bending, coughing, sneezing).

Vascular diseases

Anomalies of the vascular bed of the neck and head can be either congenital or acquired. Compression of the vertebral arteries by muscle, bone, cartilage or ligamentous structures leads to impaired blood circulation in the brain and its constant oxygen starvation. Over time, brain cells are depleted, the patient experiences chronic weakness, malaise, fatigue, and any, even the most insignificant, factor can cause a severe throbbing headache in the back of the head.

Such pain is accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, darkening of the eyes, sudden fainting, and vegetative-vascular dysfunction.
A feeling of heaviness, nagging pain and confusion, and rapid heartbeat are inherent in blood pressure disorders (hypertension, hypotension). Relief comes from vomiting, complete rest, foot baths, and hot, sweet drinks. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Diagnostic methods

At home, it is impossible to determine exactly why a headache occurs. This information is necessary to choose an effective treatment that will affect not only the symptoms, but also their cause. The doctor will prescribe a set of examinations, which may include:

• X-ray of the cervical spine is the easiest way to diagnose osteochondrosis and other neck diseases;
• Dopplerography - ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head using a contrast agent;
• MRI, CT – examinations that will allow you to accurately visualize intervertebral protrusions and hernias, neoplasms and hematomas of the brain, the consequences of a stroke;
• Blood tests will show inflammatory processes and metabolic disorders.

The Clinical Brain Institute offers individual headache diagnostic programs. The main advantages of our center are precise modern equipment and comfortable conditions for a hospital stay during the period of examination and treatment. Learn more about our programs.

Diagnosis of headache

In order to become a patient of the CELT clinic and find out the causes of headaches, it is not necessary to have a residence permit in the capital.

Since headaches require a correct diagnosis, our specialists use different research methods:

• computed tomography () - allows you to identify pathologies and disorders in the skull, circulatory disorders, injuries;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - allows you to identify spina bifida, sinusitis, pathologies of the spinal cord and brain;
• blood pressure control - allows you to identify hidden hypertension;
• magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) - aimed at identifying pathological processes in the cervical and cerebral vessels;
• examination by an ophthalmologist - aimed at identifying fundus pathologies;
• a number of laboratory tests allow us to determine infectious and inflammatory processes in the body.

Treatment of headaches

The treatment regimen will include steps to relieve symptoms and eliminate the causes of the headache. It is prescribed only after an examination, when it becomes known why pain and discomfort occur with sudden movements. It may include the following methods:

• drug treatment - includes taking antibiotics, muscle relaxants, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• therapeutic exercises – at home it is useful to perform exercises to strengthen and relax the neck muscles;
• physiotherapy - targeted effects of a magnetic field, electric current, heat on painful areas;
• massage - the procedure must be performed by a specialist.

Doctors at the Clinical Brain Institute warn that self-medication can lead to dangerous consequences and the gradual development of chronic diseases. The effectiveness of the prescribed regimen depends not only on taking medications, but also on the implementation of other prescriptions: a therapeutic diet, exercises at home and other procedures.

Causes of headaches, its types

In order to make it easier to determine the cause that caused pain in the back of the head, its left or right side, a classification according to the types of headaches was developed. It makes diagnostics much more convenient.

At CELT you can get advice from a specialist algologist.

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Migraine

About 6% of people experience pain on the left or right side of the head. In most cases, these are women from 15 to 35 years old. Migraine occurs as a throbbing pain in the head that can be moderate to severe. It often covers the frontotemporal region and appears after waking up.

Attacks of the disease can last from several hours to three days. During this period, physical activity aggravates the condition, so physical activity is reduced to a minimum. The attacks are accompanied by the following clinical manifestations:

• nausea and vomiting;
• visual effects in the form of colored spots and “flies”;
• intolerance to sounds, smells, light.

More about migraines

Tension headache/tension headache

This type of headache is the most common. It is not very strong, has a compressive nature, causes a feeling of a “hoop” around the head, tightness in the eye, frontal and facial areas. Often the pain radiates to the shoulders and neck. The duration of attacks can range from 30 minutes to one week. Attacks of tension pain are accompanied by:

• increased fatigue;
• poor concentration;
• sensation of a “lump” in the throat;
• loss of appetite;
• insomnia.

The patient's physical activity remains at the usual level. Tension pain can be:

• episodic - rarely appears, goes away on its own with relaxation;
• chronic - has a long-term nature (from 15 days a month or more), feels like average.

Tension pain occurs due to stress, lack of sleep, and overexertion.

Cluster/bundle headache

This type of pain in most cases affects men aged 20 to 40 years. A sharp pain in the head has a boring character and occurs on one side. Painful symptoms are felt in the eye, around it and behind it, covering the frontal and temporal regions.

The duration of attacks is from 15 minutes to 2 hours. They are characterized by severe pain, appear after equal periods of time and are accompanied by:

• swelling of the eyelids and lacrimation on the affected side;
• increased sweating;
• nasal congestion;
• pain in the neck, shoulder, ear, arm.

Headache associated with pressure

Increased intracranial and blood pressure are manifested by the following clinical signs:

• bursting pain;
• pulsations in the head;
• nausea.

Low blood pressure manifests itself differently:

• aching pain;
• weakness;
• drowsiness.

Often headaches associated with pressure occur with the following diseases:

• osteochondrosis;
• excess weight;
• pathologies of skull structures;
• spinal pathologies.

Headache associated with infections

Colds and inflammation of the cranial cavities are accompanied by headaches that are dull, aching, bursting in nature. In the most severe cases they are accompanied by:

• nausea;
• loss of coordination;
• oppressed consciousness.

Headache due to medications or chemical poisoning

Often, starting or, conversely, stopping taking medications can cause headaches that arise from inhaling strong odors, smoke, or paints and varnishes.

Alcohol poisoning may be the cause of headaches. In this case, the pain is aching in nature and is accompanied by photophobia and nausea.

Prevention methods

Headaches are rarely a consequence of congenital pathologies; more often they arise as a result of acquired diseases. They can be prevented if you follow simple recommendations from doctors:

• monitor your posture throughout the day and while working at the monitor;
• do gymnastics for your back and neck every day;
• choose proper nutrition, give up fatty foods and fast food;
• get rid of bad habits.

Headaches are a dangerous symptom that may indicate dangerous diseases. At the Clinical Brain Institute, you can undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and determine what is causing it. Experienced doctors will select an individual treatment regimen to not only get rid of pain, but also stop the further development of diseases.