Signs and symptoms of headaches

The signs and symptoms connected with headaches vary by type of headache. In addition to, they change from person to person and from headache to headache in the same patient.

The most common symptom of headache is hurt. This pain may be balmy, moderate or terrible. The quality of the pain may also alter. Headaches may be represented as vivid, pounding, throbbing or constant. The position of the pain is another important characteristic. Pain may take place on one side of the head or both sides. It may be generalized and felt all over the head or be centered on certain areas. Frequency and length may also vary.

In addition to pain, headaches may be linked with a number of other signs and symptoms, including:

    * Nausea or vomiting
    * Sensitivity to light or sound
    * Impermanent visual disturbances (aura)
    * Fatigue duty
    * Biliousness or restlessness
    * Extravagant sweating
    * Orofacial pain, jaw discomfort or dental pain
    * Neck pain
    * Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
    * Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
    * Eye pain, redness, drooping eyelid, decreased pupil size, extreme tearing or swelling below or around the eyes  
    * Rhinorrhea (runny nose) or nasal congestion
    * Allodynia (pain from a normally nonpainful stimulus)
    * Ear pain ear

Many types of headache do not involve medical attention. However, patients are pleased to discuss all severe or recurring headaches with their physician and look for medical attention when a headache:

    * Starts suddenly
    * Is serious or persistent
    * Does not improve with treatment
    * Interrupts sleep
    * Occurs with activity
    * Changes in radiation diagram or intensity
    * Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as drowsiness, vision changes, changes in movement or sensation, changes in alertness, nausea and vomiting

In some cases head pain may show a more serious underlying condition such as a stroke, brain tumor or aneurysm. As a result, patients should attempt emergency medical treatment when:

    *   A headache is followed by unusual symptoms not experienced with former headaches including:

          o  Speech problems
          o  Vision abnormalities  (e.g., double vision)
          o  Numbness
          o  Weakness
          o  Fever
          o  Stiff neck
          o  Rash
          o  Seizures
          o  Mental confusion
          o  Loss of consciousness

    *     A headache occurs after a head injury
    *     A chronic headache intensifies with coughing, exertion, straining or sudden movement
    *     A new type of headache pain occurs (in those over age 50 or younger than 8)

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