June is National Migraine and Headache Month

Headaches. We all get them, but unfortunately some people experience them more often or worse than others. Some have headaches that are easily dealt with by using over-the-counter medications. Natural treatments such as avoiding alcohol, using essential oils, taking specific vitamins, going to sleep and using cool compresses can be used for certain headaches. Some people have headaches that require medical evaluation with ongoing treatment. Other headaches can be a true medical emergency. Whatever type of headache you have, it is important to recognize that many different types exist and treatment can vary for each one.

There are over twenty different kinds of headaches. It’s hard to believe that so many exist. Some that you may or may not have heard of include:

• Allergy headaches
• Aneurysm
• Arthritis headaches
• Caffeine withdrawal headaches
• Chronic daily headaches
• Cluster headaches
• Depression and headaches
• Eyestrain headaches
• Exertional headaches
• Fever headaches
• Hangover headaches
• Hunger headaches
• Hypertension headaches
• Menstrual headaches
• Migraine with aura
• Migraine without aura
• Post-traumatic headaches
• Sinus headaches
• Tension headaches

With so many different kind of headaches, knowing what kind you have is extremely important. Symptoms, precipitating factors, treatment and prevention are located here for each headache listed and many others: https://headaches.org/resources/the-complete-headache-chart/ It’s important to have medical evaluation if you are concerned about any symptoms you are having. Seek medical attention as soon as possible for the following:

• Severe headaches that come on quickly
• Headaches that include vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, slurred speech, dizziness, weakness, vision loss
• Headaches that won’t go away
• Headaches that interfere with your activities of daily living
• Headaches symptoms that change
• If over-the-counter medication isn’t helping or you are taking it more than two days a week 

Education is of the upmost importance for headache sufferers. The National Headache Foundation wants to raise awareness through education and by supporting research. For more information about headaches visit https://headaches.org/ to find resources, tools, publications and the latest studies.