Severe headache symptoms that you should not ignore
A headache may truly debilitate you and ruin your plans for the day. From a dull throbbing sensation on the sides of your head to a severe pain that seems to almost split your head, there are varying intensities in headaches. Headaches do not discriminate. In other words, the symptoms may affect young children as intensely as they may affect adults. There are two main categories of headaches classified by their respective causes—primary headaches and secondary headaches.

Headache symptoms vary depending on the type of headache. Here are the most common types of headaches and their symptoms to watch out for.

What are migraine headache symptoms?

• A migraine is one of the most common and severe types of headaches.
• Prodrome symptoms begin a day or two before an actual migraine and include constipation, neck pain, throbbing in the head, and mood swings.
• Severe headache symptoms may include auras, which are visual disturbances such as flashes of light or zigzag patterns seen in the eyes.
• The actual migraine attack causes blurred vision, pain on both sides of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and fainting spells.
• The post-drome phase (once the migraine subsides) involves dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light and sound.

What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?

• A sinus headache occurs when the sinuses (cavities around the nasal passages) become inflamed and blocked.
• Sinus headache symptoms include pain in the face, around the sinuses, in the cheeks, and around the ears.
• The pain increases if you lie down or face downwards.
• Apart from a constantly stuffy or a runny nose, a constant feeling of dullness and fatigue may be experienced.
• Its severity may be indicated through fever, inflammation of the face, and phlegm discharge.

Which symptoms indicate that I may be suffering from a tension headache?

• A tension headache is the most common type, usually triggered by a bout of extreme stress.
• It is marked by pain in the forehead, face, and neck.
• Sometimes, there may be a tenderness in the forehead and scalp areas.
• Other symptoms include difficulty in sleeping and a heightened sensitivity to loud noises.

Which are the symptoms that indicate a cluster headache?

• A cluster headache is a severe pain that generally occurs on one side of the head or around one eye.
• Its common symptoms include redness, tearing, and swelling of the affected eye.
• Some cluster headaches are marked by a drooping of the eyelids and a pale look on the face.
• In case a cluster headache gets severe, its symptoms may include nervous system dysfunction, profuse sweating, as well as mood swings, restlessness, and agitation.
• Certain cluster headaches are accompanied by migraine symptoms including an increased sensitivity to light and sound on one side of the face.

What are the symptoms of a hormonal headache?

• Women experience headaches that are caused due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menstruation.
• The main symptom of this headache is a dull throbbing on one or both sides of the head.
• The headache may also be accompanied by an increased sensitivity to light and sound.
• The other common symptoms of hormonal headaches include acne, joint pain, constipation, confusion, and increased cravings for foods that are salty or sweet.

How do you know if you are suffering from a hypertension headache?

To confirm that you are suffering from a hypertension headache, look out for the following symptoms:

• Hypertension headaches are linked in occurrence to elevated levels of blood pressure.
• The main symptom of this headache is a throbbing or pulsating sensation that usually affects both sides of the head.
• A hypertension headache is often accompanied by an increased sensitivity to light and sound.
• Some of the more severe symptoms of this headache type include nosebleeds, chest pain, and changes in vision.