Headache

Headache refers to pain or discomfort in the head. This pain can be felt in any part of the head, scalp, or even the neck. It may be mild or severe and can occur for a short time or repeatedly. What is a headache? Headache occurs when pain-sensitive structures in the head such as nerves, blood vessels, or muscles become affected or go into tension due to some reason.

Types of Headache

1) Simple Hot Headache

This headache occurs due to heat exposure.

External causes:

Long exposure to strong sunlight, working near fire, or any activity under excessive heat can cause headache. When external heat is stronger than body heat, it raises body temperature and affects the head. This heat causes the body’s fluids in the brain to evaporate or become disturbed, leading to pressure and pain. Symptoms: Scalp feels hot to touch Excess thirst Dry mouth and nose Ringing sounds in ears (without external source) Normal stool Desire for cool and moist foods Relief from cold things, discomfort from heat Reduced sleep and disturbed thinking Internal causes: Eating hot and spicy foods (garlic, fenugreek, mustard, meat, eggs, ajwain, etc.) can generate heat in the body, which rises to the brain and causes pain.

Symptoms:

Dry mouth and nose Restlessness and anxiety Disturbed mental functions Poor sleep due to heat in the brain

2) Cold Simple Headache

This type occurs due to cold exposure affecting the brain.

External causes:

Cold wind, walking on ice, drinking very cold water, or bathing with cold water reduces body heat and affects brain function.

Symptoms:

Dull mind and sleepiness Heavy head feeling Reduced sensory response Slow body movements due to nerve stiffness

Internal causes:

Sudden intake of cold drinks causes immediate headache.

Symptoms:

Head feels cold Relief when covered with warm clothes Pain starts immediately after cold intake

3) Dry Headache (Without Fluid Imbalance)

Caused by dry environment and lack of moisture.

4) Phlegmatic Headache

Caused by excess cold and moist mucus accumulation in the brain.

Symptoms:

Starts from right side and spreads Excess nasal discharge Bland taste in mouth Excess thirst and nasal wetness Cold head and forehead Cold hands and feet Slow temperament

Causes:

• Cold baths

• sudden temperature changes

• excessive cold foods

• eating cold foods after hot foods

5) Melancholic Headache

Caused by cold and dry conditions affecting brain tissues.

Symptoms:

Dark complexion Head pressure and tightness Sharp and intermittent pain Constipation Gas in stomach may worsen pain Worse when bending head Improves after bowel movement Dry and irritable temperament

Causes:

• Dry foods

• excessive mental work

• hormonal imbalance

• unhealthy lifestyle

6) Bilious Headache

Caused by heat and dryness in the brain.

Symptoms:

Dry mouth and nose Bitter taste Throbbing veins in temples Nausea and vomiting Restlessness and anxiety Burning sensation in body Yellowish complexion Irritable mood

Causes:

• Spicy foods

• hot environment

• emotional stress

• hormonal imbalance

7) Toxic / Damp Headache

Mild continuous headache with irritation.

Symptoms:

Bad smell from body fluids (especially nose)

Causes:

• Excess consumption of cold and moist foods.

8) Nerve Band Headache

Pain occurs around areas where a band-like pressure is felt (forehead and eyebrows).

Symptoms:

Starts from eyebrow region Spreads across head Sharp, electric-like pain Severe restlessness Worse in morning before sunrise Improves with heat

Causes:

• Blood impurities

• indigestion

• malaria

• cold weather

• infections of teeth

• ears

• nose

9) Migraine Headache

Usually affects one side of the head, often the left side.

Symptoms:

Nausea and vomiting Starts in morning, worsens till noon Sensitivity to light and noise Preference for darkness and silence Visual disturbances (flashes of light) Dizziness before attack

Causes:

• Digestive problems

• hereditary factors

• sinus issues

• heat exposure

• stress

• drug use

• hormonal disorders