Health
The 6 most common headache types — and when to see a doctor
Headaches are one of the most common medical conditions, with 96% of people having at least one in their lifetime, according to Cleveland Clinic.
About 40% of people globally experience what are known as “tension headaches” and about 10% suffer from migraines, the same source noted.
There are more than 150 different types of headaches, ranging from a mild annoyance to debilitating pain.
‘I FEEL A MIGRAINE COMING ON, WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT AWAY?’: ASK A DOCTOR
For some, headaches can be wrongly diagnosed.
Actress Ashley Judd recently shared her story on Instagram how her “epic headaches” went misdiagnosed for eight years.
Headaches are one of the most common medical conditions, with 96% of people having at least one in their lifetime. (iStock)
“For those eight miserable years I had been treated, at some of our finest medical institutions, with medication for a type of headache that I do not have,” she posted on Instagram in October.
Her doctors eventually diagnosed her headaches as status migrainosus, which is a migraine attack that lasts longer than 72 hours.
What is a headache?
A headache is a pain in the head, neck or face that is often described as a sensation of pressure that varies in location, frequency and severity, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“For those eight miserable years I had been treated … with medications for a type of headache that I do not have.”
“Headaches are one of the most common symptoms experienced by many people, often brushed off as just a minor inconvenience,” Dr. Fred Cohen, assistant professor of medicine and neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, told Fox News Digital.
They are divided into two main categories – primary, caused by overactivity or dysfunction in the pain-sensitive areas of the head, or secondary, where an underlying medical condition causes the pain, Cleveland Clinic adds.
Actress Ashley Judd recently shared her story on Instagram how her “epic headaches” went misdiagnosed for eight years. (Getty Images)
Certain types of headaches may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm, especially if the pain is sudden or severe, according to Cohen.
“This highlights the importance of a thorough evaluation to differentiate between primary headaches and secondary causes, ensuring appropriate treatment and management,” he noted.
6 common types of headaches
The three most common types are tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches, according to Cohen.
1. Tension headaches
“Tension headaches are among the most frequent types and are what most people consider a typical ‘headache,’” Cohen said.
RED WINE HEADACHES COULD BE CAUSED BY THIS INTRIGUING CULPRIT, STUDY FINDS
Many describe the pain as a tight band around the head, often caused by stress and muscle tension.
Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying causes, such as reducing stress or doing physical therapy, but prescription medications may be used if the headaches are frequent, Cohen noted.
2. Migraines
Migraines disproportionately affect women – up to 18% in the U.S. — and are the leading cause of disability among females aged 18 to 50 globally, research has shown.
“Migraine is considered a neurological disease, with multiple stages during an attack,” Cohen said.
Migraines disproportionately affect women – up to 18% in the U.S. — and are the leading cause of disability among females aged 18 to 50 globally. (iStock)
People may experience warning symptoms right before the headache, such as excessive yawning, increased hunger or tearing of the eyes.
“Some individuals also experience aura, a neurological phenomenon that can include visual disturbances — like zig-zag lights or blind spots — or sensory changes, like tingling or numbness,” Cohen pointed out.
HEADS UP ON MIGRAINES AS EXPERT REVEALS TIPS FOR FINDING RELIEF FROM ‘DEBILITATING’ HEADACHES
Migraine causes a “severe throbbing or pounding headache with light or sound sensitivity and sometimes nausea,” noted Dr. Timothy A. Collins, chief of the Division of Headache and Pain at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.
These symptoms typically last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, but migraine pain can last longer — from four hours to three days, Cohen noted.
A status migrainous is a migraine attack that lasts longer than 72 hours.
When attacks last longer than this, it is known as “status migrainosus,” which is what Judd experienced.
“Unfortunately, many people mistake migraine for ‘regular headaches,’ and are unaware of the many effective treatment options available, including daily medications, supplements, monthly injections and even Botox injections,” Cohen told Fox News Digital.
3. Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches, which are rare, cause severe, overwhelming pain around one eye multiple times a day. The condition is “very disabling,” according to Collins.
The sharp pain is combined with eye redness, tearing, facial flushing and nasal congestion.
The pain can be so intense that it can be mistaken for a brain aneurysm, Cohen noted.
“Cluster headaches usually last from 15 minutes to three hours and tend to occur in cycles lasting days or weeks,” an expert said. (iStock)
“Cluster headaches usually last from 15 minutes to three hours and tend to occur in cycles lasting days or weeks,” he said.
Cluster headaches are commonly misdiagnosed as migraines.
HANGOVER CURE: SOME SAY THIS REMEDY IS THE SECRET TO RELIEVING SYMPTOMS
The main difference between the two is that cluster headaches tend to occur in cycles, while many patients with migraines have headaches for a few days in a row once a month, Collins said.
Treatment options for cluster headaches include medications to abort an attack and preventive therapies to reduce the frequency of cycles, according to Cohen.
4. Rebound headaches
People with headaches often take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to “abort” the headache, according to Healthline.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
But experts caution that frequent use of these medications may lead to more frequent headaches by causing withdrawal symptoms when they are not taken, the same source noted.
Experts caution that frequent use of these medications may lead to more frequent headaches by causing withdrawal symptoms when they are not taken. (iStock)
People may also get a headache if they consume large amounts of caffeine and then suddenly miss their morning coffee or quit the drug suddenly.
5. Sinus headaches
Sinus congestion from allergies or an infection may cause pain that is localized around the front of the head in the sinuses, according to Healthline.
The pain typically goes away after the sinus congestion is resolved.
6. Exertion headaches
Intense physical activity can trigger this type of headache by increasing blood flow to the brain, per Healthline.
The symptoms usually go away within minutes to hours, but if they last more than several hours or have never been experienced before, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor, experts advise.
When to see a doctor
“Normal” headaches do not cause loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech or weakness in one arm or leg, all of which could be a sign of a stroke, experts say.
People should see a doctor if they have headaches that have abrupt change in severity or have come on suddenly. (iStock)
People who experience any of the following warning signs should see a health care provider immediately or call 911 to rule out a more serious medical condition.
– Worst headache of your life
– Headache that has abrupt change in severity or comes on suddenly
– Headache with vision problems (such as double vision)
– Fainting or loss of consciousness with a headache
– Fever and stiff neck associated with nausea and vomiting with headache
– Headache after head injury
– Headache right after weightlifting, exercise or sexual activity
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Fox News Digital reached out to Ashley Judd for comment.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT
This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Amid warnings of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms.
As of July 6, the New York City Health Department had confirmed 23 cases and 17 hospitalizations associated with the respiratory infection. No deaths have been reported.
NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL PARK AREA
Officials are investigating contaminated cooling towers as the likely source. They have emphasized that the illness is not spread person-to-person and is not linked to the city’s drinking water.
Health experts say that early recognition of symptoms can mean the difference between a quick recovery and life-threatening complications, especially for high-risk groups. (iStock)
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin in a press release. “New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin.”
What is Legionnaires’?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC.
RARE TICK-BORNE VIRUS TURNS DEADLY FAST AS US CASES REACH RECORD HIGH, EXPERTS WARN
That can include shower heads, sink faucets, hot tubs, water features/fountains, plumbing systems and other water systems.
When people swallow or breathe in droplets of water that contain Legionella, they can potentially become ill.
Although human transmission is possible in rare cases, the disease is not typically transmitted among people, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of infection
Infections can lead to severe pneumonia in older people and those with compromised immune systems, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Long Island, New York.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease usually show up between two and 14 days after exposure.
New York City health officials are urging anyone who has visited the east side of Central Park or Manhattan’s Upper East Side since late June to watch for symptoms. (iStock)
“Legionella infections cause symptoms that are similar to other forms of pneumonia — fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain,” Handel previously told Fox News Digital.
“Legionnaires’ disease is deadly but can be effectively treated if diagnosed early.”
The signs are similar to other types of pneumonia, and include the following:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches and headaches
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Some patients may also experience nausea, diarrhea and confusion, the CDC noted.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
A medical professional can diagnose the infection with laboratory tests and chest X-rays.
The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. In cases of severe infection, hospitalization may be required for breathing support and IV hydration.
Around 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from those complications — and the mortality risk rises to 25% for those who get Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC.
The bacteria is usually found in lakes, streams and other freshwater environments, but can grow in any area where water sits for a long time, according to the CDC. (iStock)
“Treatment needs to be early and aggressive,” Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an Arizona-based integrative medicine expert, previously told Fox News Digital. “Legionella infection is an intracellular infection that requires antibiotic treatment.”
Antibiotics that are appropriate for Legionella infection include Levofloxacin and Azithromycin.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Therapy can be prescribed orally in healthy individuals… but intravenous antibiotics often prove to be the initial option for treatment secondary to the pathogenicity of the disease,” Goodyear said.
Currently, there are no vaccines for Legionnaires’ disease.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
The best strategy to prevent infection is to reduce the growth and spread of the Legionella bacteria. The CDC recommends that building owners and managers use a water management program to reduce the risk.
“New Yorkers at higher risk, including anyone who is 50 and older, those who smoke or people with chronic lung conditions should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin,” city officials stated. (iStock)
To prevent serious illness from Legionnaires’, Goodyear recommends that all smokers kick the habit, and also emphasizes the need to “aggressively support” chronic pulmonary disease.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Increasing immune support (vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc) is required to counter the immune dysfunction associated with advancing age.”
Obesity is another foundational risk factor for all chronic inflammatory diseases, the doctor added.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27.
In a post on Substack titled “The Day I’ll Never Remember,” she detailed a sudden episode that left her unable to recall the current month, year and president.
“I thought it was 2024. And I believed Joe Biden was president,” she wrote.
ONE WALKING HABIT COULD SIGNAL A HEALTHIER BRAIN AFTER 80, SCIENTISTS SAY
The event occurred while Couric was attending the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado, during which she participated in two public panels — one on AI and one on journalism — both of which she cannot remember at all.
“I have no idea what we talked about, or of what occurred when the panels ended,” she said.
Journalist Katie Couric is sharing a scary medical episode that she experienced on June 27. (Getty Images)
John Molner — Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels — also shared his account.
After the event, someone told Molner that Katie wasn’t feeling well. When he reached her, an EMT and a doctor were tending to her. “I could tell something was off,” he wrote. “It could have been altitude sickness, but Katie was definitely not all there.”
WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER’S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS
At the hospital, when Couric struggled to recall the year, the president and her grandchildren’s names, doctors began checking for a stroke.
An MRI revealed no signs of stroke, which was a relief, but “Katie’s ‘fog’ became a lot more apparent,” Molner wrote.
John Molner, Couric’s husband, who was in attendance at the festival and the two panels, also shared his account. (Getty Images)
“She repeatedly asked me the same questions: ‘What was I doing before we got to the hospital?’ ‘Why am I at the hospital?’”
Couric was ultimately diagnosed with transient global amnesia, a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that prevents a person from forming new memories and may also erase some recent memories, according to Mayo Clinic.
“The cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself.”
It is not caused by a stroke, seizure or head injury, and it usually resolves completely within 24 hours.
“[It’s] just a very weird neural episode that’s pretty uncommon and, at least in most cases, is a ‘one and done’ experience,” Molner said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Couric said she finally began feeling “like herself” again around 9 p.m. and went to sleep at 2 a.m.
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.”
As TGA leaves a “permanent gap in memory” for the duration of the episode and for hours beforehand, Couric said that from around noon on that day until at least 7 p.m. will remain a “big, black hole.” (Getty Images)
Data shows that approximately three to eight people per 100,000 will have an episode of transient global amnesia, with people 50 years of age and older at higher risk.
The specific cause of TGA is not known, but some experts believe it stems from a “temporary dysfunction in the brain’s hippocampus — the area responsible for creating new memories,” Couric shared.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Doctors believe this is driven by brief interruptions in blood or oxygen flow, or microscopic spasm in the blood vessels.”
Episodes could potentially be triggered by intense physical exertion, emotional distress, extreme temperature changes or migraines, experts say.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Approximately 15% of patients will have a recurrence 10 years later.
“Why did this happen to me? Was the altitude an issue? Was I dehydrated? Tired? Stressed? The literature doesn’t seem to indicate that these are contributing factors, but the cause seems to be as mysterious as the brain itself,” Couric wrote.
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise. (iStock)
“All I know is that those hours will be forever lost. Someone described it as my brain failing to hit the ‘record button.’”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“While this was a freaky occurrence, it could have been much more serious. So ultimately, I’m relieved — even though several hours of a Saturday in June will always be missing for me.”
Anyone who experiences sudden memory loss, confusion, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, vision changes, severe headache or other stroke-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention or call 911, doctors advise.
-
California3 minutes agoSouthern California police vow to quash planned ‘takeover’ event following recent chaos
-
Colorado8 minutes agoBody found in western Colorado believed to have been eaten by bear
-
Connecticut15 minutes agoCBIA BizCast: Snapshot of Connecticut’s Economy » CBIA
-
Delaware18 minutes agoDelaware will collab with 2 Chainz, years after huge event canceled
-
Florida23 minutes agoFlorida Airport Officially Renamed After Trump. Here’s What to Know
-
Georgia30 minutes agoWest Nile infections starting to raise concerns in Georgia
-
Hawaii33 minutes agoFirst 5 Hawaii is a comprehensive online resource that helps families with young children find and connect to state and federal programs and services.
-
Idaho38 minutes agoBrush fire prompts GO NOW evacuations near Mesa in Adams County
