If a person has engaged in physical exertion, such as travelling, and experiences a headache on the second day, it may sometimes be due to dehydration or a lack of sleep. However, if a person experiences it frequently, then the cause is likely associated with the illness. 

Common headaches that develop due to exertion often indicate a poor diet, dehydration, and lack of sleep. 

Types of Headaches

Headaches are broadly categorised into two types: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are those that are caused by factors directly related to the head, such as tension or migraine. On the other hand, secondary headaches are a symptom of another medical condition. Once the underlying medical condition is treated, the secondary headaches usually resolve. 

Primary Headache: 

A type of primary headache is characterised by severe, stabbing pain in the head. These headaches are often short-lived but can be highly intense. Other primary headaches include tension headaches and migraines.

• Tension headaches:

Tension headaches can occur for various reasons. 

Mental stress can be a cause of tension headaches. It leads to excessive clenching of teeth due to stress, also putting pressure on the cheeks, teeth, face, and neck muscles. This causes tension headaches. They are different from migraine. Tension headaches are caused by a combination of factors, including a lack of sleep, physical exertion, and mental exertion resulting from prolonged periods of study or reading. 

• Migraine:

Migraine are headaches that present unilaterally, affecting one side of the head, or bilaterally, affecting both sides of the head. 

The migraine attack has the following stages. 

To understand the features of migraines, let’s examine the stages of a migraine attack.

Prodrome: It is a stage which occurs before the headache attack. This stage usually causes mood swings and food cravings. 

Aura: Only a few people experience an aura. This is a state that occurs a few minutes before a headache appears. At this stage, a person may feel dizzy and experience changes in their vision, such as blurred vision and tingling sensations in their hands. 

Headache: A migraine headache can be present on one side of the head, on both sides, or the entire head may be involved. During a headache, a person may sometimes feel nauseous and sensitive to light and sound. There can be an episode of vomiting. The intensity of the headache increases with activity, such as walking. It is a throbbing headache that feels very intense. 

Post-drome: It is characterised by the disappearance of the headache, followed by exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, and mood swings. 

Who can get migraines? 

Women are more prone to develop migraine

Migraine is seen in children and adults as well.

• Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias

This type of headache affects one side of the face and may also cause other symptoms, including facial pain, drooping of the eyelids, nasal congestion, or nasal pain. 

Secondary Headaches: 

Secondary headache arises due to a pre-existing condition in the body, including: 

• Fever-like: Dengue, Malaria, Typhoid, Meningitis 
• Trauma or Injury to the head 
• Brain Tumour
• Brain Injury 
• Hypertension or High blood pressure 
• Epilepsy 

Risk factors for headaches 

• Family history and Genetic predispositions 
• Infections like Viral fever, Dengue, and meningitis
• Lack of sleep
• Exertion like travelling, Physical work 
• Nutritional deficiency 
• Poor posture or strain on the neck 
• Mental stress
• Poor diet 
• Chronic illnesses like anaemia, thyroid disorder, etc
• Noise pollution 

Diagnosis of Headache 

• A doctor diagnoses a headache based on a patient’s medical history and physical examination. Understanding the type of headache is essential for further management of headaches.
• A Doctor advises a test like
• Complete blood count
• MRI of the brain 
• CT scan of the brain 
• Other investigations to rule out the primary cause, such as thyroid profile and infections, etc.

Treatment 

• Oral Medications
• Intravenous Medications
• Management according to cause

Diet and Tips for migraine 

• Complete your sleep schedule 

• Do pranayama 
• Adapt a healthy routine for the body
• Diet plays a crucial role in managing headaches; therefore, it’s essential to choose food wisely. Avoid outside foods. 
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Do regular exercise
• If your work involves a sedentary or sitting job, take a break and go for a simple walk regularly. Journaling helps in managing stress.
• Follow exercise and yoga.
• Consult a Doctor regularly, do not self-medicate
• The Indian ayurvedic lifestyle is the best way to shift your routine. You can adapt that lifestyle by understanding and reading about it from authentic sources. The Ayurvedic Lifestyle, written by Dr Dilip P. Gadgil, is an excellent book for understanding what our ideal lifestyle should be. This book is written in simple language. 

Headaches require specific treatment and strategic guidance depending on the type of headache. Consult a doctor to understand the type of headache and to receive proper treatment and guidance to avoid complications and rapid recovery.