When Headaches Signal Something More Serious

For some people, headaches are often considered trivial, perhaps just because of a lack of sleep, stress, or not eating.

But in reality, not all headaches can be regarded as unimportant. Sometimes, the pain in the head is a signal from the body about something much more serious.

Headache: more than just pain

A headache, also known medically as cephalgia, is a painful sensation that can appear in various parts of the head, from the forehead, back of the neck, and nape. Almost everyone has experienced it, from children to the elderly.

Sometimes, it is mild and goes away quickly; sometimes, it is severe and interferes with activities.

There are many possible causes behind this common complaint. One of them is a sign of another health disorder.

Types of headaches

In the medical world, headaches are divided into two main types, namely primary and secondary.

Primary headaches are the most common type. They are not a symptom of another disease but appear on their own, although they can still be triggered by various things. Migraines, tension-type headaches, or cluster headaches are included.

The triggers are also varied. For example, menstruation, drinking alcohol, changes in sleep patterns, stress, skipping meals, and not drinking enough water. Even coughing or sneezing can trigger certain types of headaches.

Meanwhile, secondary headaches can be a symptom of certain medical conditions. They can be due to dehydration, sinus infections, or excessive medication use.

However, this headache may be the body's warning sign for serious problems, such as brain trauma, bleeding in the brain, or high blood pressure.

When to watch out

One type of secondary headache to watch out for is the thunderclap headache. As the name suggests, this headache is characterized by sudden, intense pain, like a lightning strike.

The pain can reach its peak in less than a minute. While not always dangerous, this type of headache is often an early sign of a life-threatening condition, such as a brain hemorrhage or ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

A headache that comes on suddenly, is very severe, and is different from usual is cause for concern. Especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• blurred or double vision;
• constant nausea and vomiting;
• stiff neck;
• difficulty walking, severe dizziness;
• weakness of a limb on one side;
• partial facial muscle weakness;
• unexplained fever;
• confusion, difficulty speaking, or thinking clearly.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. Don't wait for the pain to go away on its own. Because in some cases, time is critical.

Recognizing patterns to prevent danger

Although it sounds scary, many types of headaches can actually be prevented. Just as there are various causes, there is no one-size-fits-all method for preventing them. The key is to recognize the type and pattern of your headaches.

One simple but very effective step is to record your headache patterns. When do they usually appear? How long do they last? What symptoms accompany them? And what might be triggers—is it lack of sleep, stress, certain foods, or heavy physical activity?

This record will help you understand your body's habits and provide critical information for your doctor to plan the proper treatment.

If your headaches keep coming back, consult your doctor about preventive care. In many cases, taking the proper preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency or intensity of your headaches, or even prevent them altogether.

Some lifestyle changes that have been shown to help prevent headaches include

• getting enough sleep and staying awake;
• eating a healthy diet and not skipping meals;
• staying hydrated;
• exercising regularly and adequately;
• managing stress healthy, such as through meditation, relaxation, or engaging in enjoyable activities.

Recognizing and managing your triggers can prevent headaches while improving your general quality of life.

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Some people may find headaches trivial. However, stories like those of the late Ibrahim Sjarief Assegaf remind us that sometimes headaches are an emergency call from the body. Don't ignore the signals given by the body.

Listen, take note, and seek help immediately because headaches can actually be the beginning of something much bigger.