Headaches are among the most common pains many people experience at some point in their lives. Although they are usually deemed normal and dealt with by painkillers, headaches are not just occasional occurrences for some people but a constant part of their daily lives.
Outlining the most common types of headaches and their causes, Free State-based neurologist Dr Irshad Siddi Ganie says headaches should be thought of as bad weather in your brain. Just like there are different types of bad weather, there are different types of headaches, each with unique causes.
Light drizzle or heavy downpour?
- Tension-type headaches (TTH) are like overcast skies — dreary and pervasive. They are usually caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. Various stressors, like work stress or emotional upheaval, can be like storm fronts that trigger these headaches.
- Migraines: These are like thunderstorms —i ntense and concentrated. The exact cause isn’t fully known, but it’s believed to result from abnormal brain activity temporarily affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. They are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light. A quiet, dark room is preferred during this intense storm. Triggers can be anything from certain foods to changes in weather, similar to how different conditions can trigger a thunderstorm.
- Cluster headaches: These are the tornadoes of headaches — severe and located in one spot. They are relatively rare, and the exact cause is unclear, but they seem to be related to the body’s sudden release of histamine or serotonin. They might be triggered by factors like alcohol, cigarette smoking, or high altitudes.
- Secondary headaches: These are like flash floods, caused by an underlying condition like a sinus infection, caffeine withdrawal, or even a brain tumour. They arise due to the primary condition, much like a flash flood caused by heavy rain.
Affecting daily life
After experiencing headaches daily for over a month, Mxolisi Sibande from Pretoria says his symptoms were eventually diagnosed as cluster headaches by a medical doctor, and he mentions that the constant headaches have affected his ability to work and have led him to make a few lifestyle changes.
“I have been experiencing headaches for three to four hours daily for about five weeks. They come as a sharp pain, located just above the right eye. This extends from the front of the head all the way to the back. The muscles above and in the forehead become physically painful during the periods when I have a headache.
“I have to take a break from work for about three hours daily when the headache gets extremely bad because I struggle to focus. I have to take some painkillers and sleep. My working hours are greatly affected, as I need to finish my work in the evenings when I feel better,” he explains.
Lifestyle changes
Although the cause of cluster headaches is unclear and the medication prescribed to him after going to the doctor twice didn’t ease the pain, an injection during the third visit to the doctor and recommended lifestyle changes such as quality sleep and eating more vegetables have assisted him in numbing the headaches.
“I’ve been to the doctor three times and was not clear even with the doctor as to what causes these headaches. Some painkillers were prescribed for me, and an injection was administered, which helped reduce the pain.
“Blood tests were also conducted, and there were some issues that required me to make some lifestyle changes, such as exercising, drinking more water, and eating nutritious foods.
“After improving my sleep, drinking more water, and eating a portion of vegetables daily, I am experiencing some change,” Sibande says.
Triggers can set it off
Nosipho Mkhulisi from Durban, who has been experiencing headaches for the past two years, says she has noticed that they are usually triggered by the smell of smoke and sitting in the same position for a long period of time.
“I have been experiencing headaches once or twice a week for the past two years. They are extremely painful to the extent that it affects my eyes a lot, and I tend to have blurry vision. Once I feel my headache starting, I feel very weak and moody, and I just want to be alone and sleep. I haven’t sought medical attention but use painkillers daily and just go to sleep and wake up feeling a lot better.”
Stress less!
According to Ganie, just like a cat might react to different triggers like a loud noise or an unfamiliar visitor, headaches can be set off by a variety of factors. These triggers vary depending on the type of headache, but some are quite common:
Stress: Stress is a big one – it’s like a surprise guest that startles the cat. Both emotional and physical stress can trigger a headache, whether it’s tension-type or migraine-type.
Lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns: These are like moving the cat’s favourite sleeping spot – it’s disruptive and unsettling, potentially leading to a headache.
Skipping meals or dehydration: These can be compared to neglecting the cat’s food and water bowls. The result? An unhappy, potentially headache-prone brain.
Certain foods and drinks: Like how some cats are sensitive to certain foods, some people might find that things like aged cheese, red wine, or caffeine can trigger headaches.
Hormonal changes in women: Fluctuations in estrogen, such as around the time of menstrual periods, can induce migraines. It’s like when the cat’s favourite human is away – a change that may upset the balance and bring on a headache.
Weather changes: Some people might find their headaches come on with changes in pressure or temperature, similar to a cat reacting to a thunderstorm or cold weather.
“Knowing your triggers is like understanding the cat’s dislikes – it can help you avoid headaches in the future,” Ganie says.
He further explains that treating headaches is the same as fixing a car problem: you need to identify what is wrong before you decide how to fix it, and the solution could be immediate, like filling up the gas tank, or more long-term, like doing regular maintenance.
Treat it this way
Ganie shares a few effective ways of treating headaches:
Pain relievers: These are like your quick fixes – changing the oil, and replacing the windshield wipers. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can often help with tension headaches and mild migraines.
Prescription medications: Sometimes the problem is bigger and you need a professional’s help. A mechanic might replace a part, while a doctor might prescribe stronger drugs, such as triptans for migraines, or preventive medicines if headaches are frequent.
Lifestyle changes: Regular maintenance keeps a car running smoothly, just as regular sleep, a balanced diet, hydration, and stress management can keep headaches at bay. It’s like keeping your tires inflated and getting regular oil changes.
Non-pharmacological therapies: Techniques like physical therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques can be useful in managing chronic headaches, like a regular car check-up.
Avoiding triggers: Just as you’d avoid rough terrain if your car’s suspension isn’t great, avoiding known headache triggers can help prevent them.
Furthermore, Ganie emphasises that a good mechanic does not just fix the problem; they try to understand why it happened. Similarly, a good doctor will work with someone suffering from headaches to understand your headaches and find a treatment plan that suits your needs.
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