Pharmacist explains the five types of headaches - and when you should get help

A top pharmacist has revealed the five different types of headaches and how to distinguish between them for effective treatment. George Sandhu, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent from Well Pharmacy, has categorised the five types of headaches that people commonly experience.

Approximately 10 million Britons suffer from migraines, resulting in around three million lost workdays each year - a cost to the economy of about £4.4 billion annually. Headaches and migraine-related issues are among the most frequent neurological reasons for A&E visits.

According to the NHS, there are ten primary causes of headaches and migraines, reports Birmingham Live.

Below, Mr Sandhu outlines the five types of headaches, their symptoms, and what to do if you experience one:

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are quite common and are often triggered by stress, sleep disturbances, and caffeine.

Symptoms include pain on both sides of your head, face or neck, and a sensation of pressure or tightening around your head. The affected area can often feel tender, and your head may hurt more when touched.

Treatments: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Pharmacy staff can also advise customers to maintain good posture, manage stress through relaxation techniques, take regular breaks if working on screens, and stay hydrated.

Migraines

Migraines are typically characterised by a severe headache with throbbing pain on one side. They are generally more intense than regular headaches and come in two forms - with and without aura.

Migraine with Aura.

Migraine with Aura can be particularly distressing for sufferers as symptoms include visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots), numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking, followed by a headache with throbbing pain. The aura should not last for more than an hour.

Treatments: Pharmacy staff can recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-nausea medications if required but some customers may need to be referred to their GP for prescription medication.

Pharmacy staff can also advise customers to keep a migraine diary to help identify and therefore avoid migraine triggers, which for some people can be certain foods.

Migraines without Aura

Migraines without aura are similar to migraines with aura, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods or drinks.

Symptoms include moderate to severe headache on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, nausea or vomiting.

Treatments: Similar to migraine with aura, over-the-counter pain relievers, and anti-nausea medications can help alleviate the patient's discomfort.

Pharmacy staff can advise customers to maintain regular sleep and eating habits, stay hydrated and avoid known triggers.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are intense bouts of pain that can persist for extended periods. These severe headaches can occur multiple times a day and last for weeks or even months.

The primary symptoms include a sharp, intense burning or piercing sensation typically centred around one eye, which can result in watering. Nausea is also common, and the headaches can start and stop abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours.

The exact cause remains unknown, but they're more prevalent in men in their 30s and 40s, especially if there's a family history. Some sufferers can pinpoint triggers such as smoking, alcohol consumption, perfume, and other potent odours.

Treatments: If an individual suspects they have cluster headaches and over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen provide no relief, they should consult their GP.

While there's no cure for cluster headaches, a specialist may suggest treatments to alleviate and prevent symptoms.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches result from sinus inflammation, usually due to an infection. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes, or forehead.

Additional symptoms may include a blocked nose, reduced sense of smell, green or yellow mucus discharge from your nose, and a high fever.

Treatments: Sinusitis is a condition treatable through the Pharmacy First service. Over-the-counter treatments include decongestants, saline nasal sprays, antihistamines if symptoms are allergy-related, and OTC pain relief.

Pharmacy staff can also advise customers to stay hydrated and apply warm compresses to the affected area.

When to seek immediate GP advice

With these four most common forms of headaches identified it is important to know when to seek the advice of your GP, especially if these treatments are not working.

If you or your child has a severe headache and:

1. Jaw pain when eating
2. Blurred or double vision
3. A sore scalp
4. Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
5. A headache that wakes them at night/morning
6. A headache triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing or bending down
7. A headache with a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or an inability to look upward

When to call 999 or visit hospital

In the most extreme circumstances, you should not hesitate to call 999 or rush to hospital if you have:

1. A head injury – for example, from a fall or accident
2. A headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful
3. Sudden problems communicating, remembering things, swallowing, balancing or walking
4. Experiencing a loss of vision
5. Feel drowsy or confused
6. A very high temperature and symptoms of meningitis
7. The white part of the eye is red
8. A headache that starts within 5 days of a head injury

Understanding your headache patterns, triggers, and symptoms will be hugely beneficial to help you take preventive measures to reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.