Headaches are the most common type of complaints acquired by doctors. 1 in every 20 people suffers from headaches daily. According to WHO, everyone experiences a headache at least once in their lifetime. There are many types of headaches. Most are occasional and can be treated by resting and taking over-the-counter medicine for headaches. But some headaches may continue for a longer period. These types of headaches require medical diagnosis and may require a different treatment. Different headaches have different symptoms and causes. A headache may sometimes require immediate treatment or be caused due to a deeper and dangerous issue. Don’t worry if you are looking to understand the headache problem deeply. Get everything you need to know here. The first realization is to find that even headaches have different types. Depending on the area of pain and severity, doctors and scientists have  identified the following types of headaches. 

Types of Headaches

Headaches can have multiple types. Some may cause intense throbbing, while others may cause pain for a long time. A person should know what type of headaches require immediate medical attention. To understand that, let us first discuss the various types of headaches a person may suffer from-

1. Common Primary Headaches

A Primary headache is when the primary concern is a headache and no other ailments. These are not triggered by any underlying disease or conditions. These headaches can sometimes be intense or disabling, but they are not dangerous. Primary headaches can be chronic or episodic. Common types of primary headaches are-

        a. Tension Headaches

These headaches are caused due to stress. In a tension headache, you may feel a dull,  aching sensation all over your head. Tenderness or sensitivity around the neck, forehead or scalp, may also occur. Ibuprofen is the best medicine for tension headaches. Visit a doctor if OTC medicines don't work or the headache becomes chronic.

b. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches occur around or behind one eye or on one side of the face at a time. These headaches cause severe burning and piercing pain. Swelling, redness, flushing, nasal congestion, and eye tearing may also occur on the same side as the headache. These headaches can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. These headaches are chronic and can occur every day for months at a time. Most people get cluster headaches four times a day. These usually occur at the same time daily. Nurofen Caplets is the best medicine for headaches of this type. 

c. Migraine

Migraines are a really common type of headaches. Approximately 2% of the world’s population suffers from migraines. A migraine pain feels like an intense pulsing from deep within your head. The pain may last for days and limit functionality in a person. Migraine is one side and sometimes causes nausea and vomiting. Many people experience visual disturbances, known as an aura before a migraine starts. These disturbances include flashing lights, blurred vision, blind spots, and zigzag lines. 

2. Common Secondary Headaches-

Secondary headaches are a symptom or side effect of some other problem in the body. If the primary cause for these headaches remains unknown, they can become chronic. So it is important to find out the trigger for secondary headaches to treat them. Common secondary headaches are-

a. Allergy or Sinus Headaches 

These headaches are the result of an allergic reaction. The pain from these headaches  is focused on the sinus and the front of the head. This type of headache commonly occurs in people with seasonal allergies or sinusitis. Sinusitis headaches can also be a symptom of sinus infection. 

b. Hormone Headaches 

Hormone headaches occur in women due to hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen, a female hormone, controls chemicals in the brain that affect the sensation of pain. A headache is triggered if the estrogen levels in women go down. OTC pain relievers can be taken to treat hormone headaches.

c. Hypertension Headaches 

High blood pressure can cause hypertension, which in turn causes a terrible headache. These headaches usually signal an emergency. Pain in these occurs on both sides of the head. Most people also experience a change in vision, numbness or tingling, nosebleeds, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Immediate medical attention needs to be taken in case of a hypertension headache. 

d. Post-Traumatic Headaches

Post-Traumatic headaches are common after a head injury. They feel like migraines or tension-type headaches. They can continue up to 6 or 12 months after an injury and sometimes become chronic. 

3. Rare Headaches

         a. Paroxysmal Hemicrania

This type of headache usually occurs in adults. It causes a severe, claw-like throbbing on one side of the face. The pain can also occur in, around, or behind the eye and occasionally on the back of the head. Episodes of Paroxysmal Hemicrania typically occur 5-40 times a day and last for 2-30 minutes. It can become chronic. Medical treatment is necessary for this type of headache.

         b. Cervicogenic Headache

Occurring as a symptom of bone, disc, and/or soft tissue disorder of the cervical spine, these headaches are also called referred headaches. This is because while the pain is felt in the head, it originates from a neck source. People suffering from these headaches often report tenderness and lack of motion in their necks.

          c. Ice Pick Headaches

Also called primary stabbing headaches, are short, stabbing, and intensive headaches. They only last for a few seconds. These occur suddenly, causing one or multiple stabs of pain in the head. This type of headache is extremely rare and does not require much treatment.  

Symptoms of a Headache

Symptoms of every type of headache differ from each other. Some might cause stabbing pain while others cause throbbing pain with numbness. There are only a few common symptoms that happen with almost all types of headaches. Some common headache symptoms are-

• Pain on one side of the head
• Tenderness in the scalp and face
• Pain behind or around the eyes
• Vision disturbances
• Sensitivity to light
• Dizziness

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can be caused by several things like daily routine, stress, blood pressure, past injuries, etc. It’s hard to think about the exact cause when you are feeling pain. But, it is important to know the reason/cause to treat it. Some common headache causes include-

• More Stress

Stress is the most prominent cause of a headache. Our bodies react to stressful situations by releasing certain chemicals that can cause physical changes. These chemicals affect the blood vessels, which in turn cause stress headaches. Stress has also been known to prolong the symptoms of headaches, no matter the type. 

• Disorders in Sleep

Changes in sleep or lack of sleep are another quite common cause of headaches. When you don't get enough sleep, your body creates more of certain proteins. These proteins stimulate the nervous system and increase the chances of a migraine attack when you wake up.

• Genetics Problem

Some headaches, like migraines, run in the family. 90% of the children or teens with migraines have a family member with the same issue. If both parents have a history of migraines, then there are high chances of the child being diagnosed with the same. 

• Long or Recurring Illness

This includes illnesses like cold, cough, fever, and allergies. Headaches are a common symptom of sinusitis, ear infections, and throat infection. Seasonal allergies also cause headaches. 

When to See a Doctor?

Most of the time headaches can easily be treated by over-the-counter headache medicines or pain relievers. But there are cases where pain relievers may not reduce pain or the headache may continue for more than 4 days. In these cases, it is important to seek medical attention. Other than this, headaches can also be symptoms of various other dangerous and life-threatening diseases. Identifying their symptoms can help in early diagnosis. Even in non-threatening cases, a diagnosis will help in planning proper treatment. Let us see the symptoms of headaches that require a visit to the doctor or urgent medical attention-

1. Symptoms that Require a Hospital Visit

Many headache symptoms might require you to visit the doctor or a headache specialist-

• Three or more headaches per week
• Headaches keep getting severe in intensity
• Need to take a pain reliever every day for your headache
• Exertion, coughing, bending, or strenuous activity triggers a headache. 

2. Symptoms that Require immediate medical attention

Many secondary headaches could be the symptoms of a serious disease. Visit or contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms-

• Neurological symptoms like dizziness, weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, or mental confusion. 
• Headache with fever, shortness of breath, stiff neck, or a rash 
• Trouble sleeping at night due to headache 
• Headaches occurring after a head injury or accident. 

Top Medicines Headache Treatment

Many headaches can be treated at home by resting and taking pain relievers. Below is a headache medicine list that can help you tackle the pain for some time. Though, complete medical consultation is advised. Never ignore any pain and consult your doctor. The following medicines have proven results against headaches and the benefit to buy them online makes it easier for you to order anytime.

1. Panadol 500mg Optizorb Tablet

Panadol 500mg Optizorb tablets provide fast and effective relief from pains like headaches and migraines. These are easy-to-swallow tablets that leave no bitter aftertaste in the mouth. Advanced absorption helps these tablets to get soaked up easily by the body. This is the strongest headache medicine.

Children between the age of 7-12 years should take only 1 tablet with water every 4-6 hours. Teenagers and adults should take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist. Buy panadol 500mg tablets easily from AMS Pharmacy online at $6.99.

2. Panadol 500mg Mini Capsules

These easy-to-swallow gelatin-coated tablets provide effective but temporary relief from headaches. Panadol 500mg Mini capsules tablets do not contain any sugar, gluten, or lactose. These are the best painkillers for headaches for people with diabetes or stomach ulcers. Take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours. Buy Panadol online for $7.59.

3. Advil Liquid Capsules 200mg

Advil Liquid Capsules 200mg provides fast relief from headaches and muscle pains. These head pain tablets have been engineered to relieve pain at the site of inflammation. Advil contains an NSAID, which may cause stomach bleeding. Do not take this medicine if you have any allergies. You need a prescription to buy Advil Liquid Capsules 200mg 20 capsules. 

4. Nurofen Caplets 200mg

Nurofen caplets 200mg 24 pack are head pain drugs that provide temporary relief of pain and inflammation caused by headache, migraine headache. It helps reduce inflammation and arthritis pain for up to 8 hours. Take 1 caplet every 6-8 hours. Do not take this if you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, or heart problems. Buy Nurofen from online pharmacy Australia for $8.59.

5. Apo Health Ibuprofen 200mg

Apo health Ibuprofen 200mg are soft gelatin capsules. This is one of the best painkillers for headaches. It temporarily relieves someone of pain and discomfort related to migraines, headaches, muscular aches, dental pain, arthritic pain and reduces fever. Buy headache medicine online for $8.95

Headaches can be a minor inconvenience in many cases. But when they become disabling and start messing up your daily life, it is important to contact a medical professional. You can easily ask for prescriptions or buy medicines from any Australian Medical store. 

AMS pharmacy is Australia’s #1 online pharmacy to buy headache medicine online. During the tough times and these times of vaccination in Australia, AMS Pharmacy has been the trusted supplier of drugs for everyone. Hundreds of people daily use their service because of no delay and no complaints. Trust the best and Order your medicine now.