Learn the signals of a dangerous headache

Have you ever had to stop what you were doing because your headache was just too intense to manage? It's something most people go through, and it's not hard to start wondering about potential causes for a headache. Before you get paranoid, though, it's useful to learn about the different kinds of headaches and what each of them might mean.
1. Tension headaches
Health.com refers to tension headaches as the standard headache most people have on an occasional basis. They tend to feel like a squeeze around the temples, back of the head and neck. They can usually be handled fairly easily, with over-the-counter medicine.
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2. Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches recur in bunches, tend to focus only on one side of the head, and are sometimes accompanied by a runny nose or teary eyes. Health.com reports these headaches affect more men than women and may be genetic.
3. Sinus headaches
These are a little different, as they are caused by inflamed, congested sinuses. Antibiotics and antihistamines are a great way to get rid of these.
4. Rebound headaches
As their name implies, these particular headaches occur as a result of quelling the original culprit with aspirin, ibuprofen, or other painkiller. Health.com theorizes the phenomenon is due to the brain getting a little too excited from the medicine – or, conversely, that the brain is experiencing withdrawal from the lessening effect of the painkiller.
5. Migraines
Migraines tend to be very long-lasting episodes (4-72 hours according to Health.com) and occur on one side of the face, usually in a throbbing manner. They can be associated with nausea, sensitivity to light or noise. For some people, migraines can be preceded by visual distortions.
6. Very sudden headaches
Headaches that occur very unexpectedly and are extremely painful are abnormal and, according to Human Health, can be either a symptom of brain bleeding, or, if accompanied by numbness on one side of the body and trouble speaking, a heart attack.
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7. Morning headache
A headache that occurs as you wake up – provided it's not alcohol-related – could either mean a very poor night's sleep in the best of cases, or a brain tumor in the worst, Human Health reports. It's a good idea to get yourself checked out if this or the previously listed kind of headache occurs.
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Resources Human Health and Health
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.