Most people will suffer from headaches several times during their lifetimes. Intense discomfort in the head or face is the primary sign of a headache. Most people don’t know the complexity that might go into a headache. Different types often present themselves in distinctive ways, for various causes, and with correspondingly varied treatment requirements.

Causes

Pain from a headache originates from a complex chain of neural, vascular, and nervous system interactions. Certain nerves that control muscle and blood vessel function become active for reasons that are not fully understood during a headache. Pain signals are sent to the brain from these nerves.

Symptoms

If the following describes your headache, you should visit a doctor: 

• Powerful impact. If you’re experiencing the “Worst headache ever,” you should go to the hospital immediately.
• Is accompanied by symptoms like numbness or visual loss
• Is more severe than typical headaches
• Comes on abruptly or worsens with activity
• Produces pain severe enough to wake you from sleep
• Doesn’t improve with therapy and comes back often;
• Head injury with loss of consciousness, even for a short period of time
• Seizures
• Convulsions
• Persistent vomiting
• Dizziness, poor balance,
• Fever or stiffness in the neck
• Changes in speech, sight, and behaviour

Diagnosis

• CT
• MRI
• CT Angiography
• Lumbar Puncture

Treatment

Preventive and pain relieving medications and lifestyle changes for stress management

If the headache is a result of an underlying medical condition or injury, the treatment plan may include surgery.