What Is a Headache?

A headache is diffuse pain in the head not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve. By headache, we usually mean pain anywhere between the back of the head and front (like tension headache), or pain in one half of the head (like migraine or cluster headache).

Head pain confined to particular parts of the head usually has more specific names, like earache, toothache, sinus headache, TMJ pain.

Headache Types and Causes

1. PRIMARY Headaches

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Primary Headache

Primary headache is a headache not caused by another medical condition. Neurological examination, results of CT, MRI and other tests are usually normal (1). Your doctor can make a diagnosis on the basis of your personal medical history and physical examination. Primary headaches include (2):

1. Migraine

Symptoms:

• Aura (for example, flashing lights) within 1 hour before a headache onset. Often there is no aura.
• Pounding, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head (sometimes on both sides), lasting from 4 to 72 hours.

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Health Conditions With Headache and Constipation

Any headache can be followed by constipation, because the pain limits your activities, and when you reject food. On the other hand, constipation may be followed by headache, because of stress, dehydration and hunger (due to avoiding food). Headache and constipation may be present in several acute or chronic diseases, where their cause is more or less obvious. Constipation and headache are also common symptoms in pregnancy.

Both headache and constipation can be symptoms in the following health conditions:

1. Depression or Anxiety

Symptoms:

• Feeling sad or anxious
• Poor appetite
• Headache
• Constipation
• Suicidal thoughts

continue reading Headache and Constipation