Migraines and Headaches

Are Migraines Dangerous?

There are numerous types of headaches, including sinus headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches. If you suffer from chronic headaches, then the condition can affect your daily living. While you might have a headache from lack of sleep or from drinking too much alcohol, if you have a strange headache after a blow to the head or from a fall, then you should have an examination from a physician at an urgent care clinic. A headache after a vehicular accident or other trauma can indicate that you have a concussion, and this can become a life-threatening problem.

Migraine Symptoms

• Throbbing or pulsating headache pain, often on one side
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Vision changes or visual symptoms (flashes, blind spots, zigzag patterns)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck pain or stiff neck
• Difficulty concentrating or mental fog
• Abdominal symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, or loss of appetite)
• Muscle weakness or trouble speaking (in rare forms like familial hemiplegic migraine)
• Aura before or during the headache (flashes, spots, or sensory changes)
• Fatigue or low energy following a migraine attack

Collecting Your Medical Information

A physician can collect your health history along with taking medical images of your head and brain. It is important to explain the symptoms that you are experiencing such as a steady or throbbing pain in one or both sides of the head. If you have other symptoms with the headache such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or fainting, then you might have a migraine or a concussion. A headache with changes in your facial appearance with sagging muscles on one side of the face can indicate that you have had a stroke.

Types of Migraines and Headaches

Sinus Headaches

If you have congestion with a headache, then you may have a sinus infection, but this is also a symptom from cluster headaches. For sinus headaches, you can take over-the-counter medications that reduce the congestion, but for cluster headaches, you may need prescription medication. Cluster headaches are considered one of the worst types of pain because it causes intense discomfort behind an eye, and it involves one side of the head.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and these often occur due to anxiety, poor dietary habits or not getting enough sleep. Taking over-the-counter pain medications, applying a warm compress to the forehead, and sleeping for several hours can relieve this type of headache. If you have tension headaches frequently, then you should modify your diet, avoid stress, and maintain a regular sleeping schedule.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches often have unusual symptoms such as seeing strange lights or smelling nonexistent odors. Migraine headache pain can last for a few hours or for several days, and you may vomit or have a sensitivity to sounds or light that make the pain worse. It is important to seek regular treatment for migraines so that the headaches don’t disrupt your life.

Medication Overuse Headaches

Medication overuse headaches can develop when pain relievers are taken too frequently to manage migraine headaches or other headache disorders. Over time, the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, causing headache pain to return as the medication wears off, often resulting in a chronic headache cycle. This type of headache can occur daily and may worsen when you stop taking the medication, creating a challenging cycle of dependency and severe headache recurrence.

Migraine Triggers

Migraine attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors, which often differ between individuals. Common triggers include certain foods, hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, and environmental factors. Overuse of pain relievers or caffeine withdrawal can also trigger headaches or worsen existing migraine headaches.

By tracking these factors in a headache diary and sharing it with a headache specialist, patients can identify patterns and implement preventive treatment and lifestyle adjustments to reduce migraine attacks and better manage symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Migraines and Headaches

What's the difference between a headache and a migraine? A headache usually causes pain or pressure in the head or neck and is often mild to moderate. In contrast, migraines are more intense, often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances. What is the main cause of migraine headaches? Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. Triggers may include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and lack of sleep. What is the best treatment for migraines? The best treatment depends on the severity, but options include over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, and lifestyle changes. Some people also benefit from preventive medications. What are five common symptoms of migraines? Common symptoms of migraines include throbbing head pain (often on one side), sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or vomiting, visual disturbances (like auras), and fatigue. However, these symptoms may vary from person to person. How do I tell if I'm having a migraine? If you're experiencing intense head pain along with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or visual changes, it could be a migraine. Migraines often last hours to days and interfere with daily activities.

Come into WellCare

Headaches could be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If you have persistent headaches then come into WellCare Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids to get treatment for this. Immediate appointments can be booked online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.