8 Types of Chronic Headaches

Persistent headaches, can also be referred to as prolonged headaches. This condition is characterized by a headache that lasts at least 15 days in a month, and occurs for three consecutive months.

Based on the cause, chronic headaches are grouped into two, namely primary chronic headaches, like pure headaches in the absence of other basic illnesses that trigger headaches, and non-primary chronic headaches, namely chronic headaches caused or triggered from other diseases.

Many cases of primary chronic headaches are unknown cause. However, non-primary chronic headaches, have several possible causes, such as infection, inflammation or disorders of the blood vessels of the brain, brain tumors, injury and disturbance of pressure on the brain.
Several types of persistent headaches are commonly complained of, among others:

1. Chronic Tense Headache

This type of headache is characterized by painful pressure on both sides of the head. Intensity ranging from mild to medium. Chronic tense headaches can occur without triggering physical activity. Some people experience increased sensitivity in their heads when touched.

2. Chronic Migraine

This type of migraine generally occurs in someone who has had previous migraines. Can be identified with symptoms of headache on one or both sides of the head, throbbing sensation, and possibly causing moderate pain to extreme pain. Chronic migraines can be triggered by routine physical activity. This condition may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light.

3. New Ongoing Headache

This type of headache usually appears suddenly. With headache symptoms that suppress or head feels tight. The pain ranging from mild to moderate, without being affected by certain activities. Generally occurs for three consecutive days on the first attack.

4. Hemicrania Continua

Characterized by headache on one side of the head, every day continuously with intensity up and down. Can be accompanied by symptoms of watery or red eyes on the sore side, nasal congestion or watery, decreased eyelid or enlarged pupils and feel tired. These headaches will usually become more severe, with the appearance of migraine-like symptoms.

5. Post-Traumatic Syndrome.

Persistent headaches are likely to occur for long periods after head trauma.

6. Recurrent Headaches (Rebound Headaches)

This headache is a result of the use of excessive pain medication. The use of long-term painkillers or ergotamine drugs to treat a suddenly-termed migraine may trigger rebound headaches.

7. Headache Due to Old Age

Commonly experienced patients over the age of 60, who are triggered by increased eyeball pressure or so-called glaucoma, recover from herpes infections, vascular diseases such as giant cell arteritis or psychological reasons.

8. Headache Due to Increased Intracranial Pressure (inside the head cavity)

Can be triggered by brain tumors, cysts or increased volume of brain fluid so that pressure on the head increases. Symptoms include headaches that appear suddenly, severe and accompanied by symptoms of other neurological disorders such as vomiting, convulsions and impaired vision. But it often begins with constant headache for some time when the pressure inside the cavity of the head gradually increases before it eventually produces the above symptoms.

As with overcoming the left headache, right headache and back pain, to cope with persistent headaches, a thorough check is necessary. It is necessary to determine the triggers of headaches, whether due to neurological disorders or infection. You will also be asked for an explanation of the history of a perceived headache. If the cause is unclear, the doctor may perform a CT scan or MRI.

Your doctor may need to work with a specialist, such as a neurologist or psychiatrist, to find the cause and make the diagnosis. In some cases, there is the possibility of constant headaches requiring long-term treatment.

What to Do ?

Also worth noting is that people with persistent headaches are also at risk of other disorders. For example anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, as well as other physical and psychological disorders.

Do not underestimate the constant headache you experience. Immediately consult your doctor if your headache does not immediately subside.