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Headaches are prevalent and something most people repeatedly experience throughout their lives, albeit with varying frequency. Headaches are typically a pain in your face and head. The ache could vary in severity, and it could be mild, throbbing, constant, acute, or dull. 

There are over 150 types of headaches that can be categorized into two major classes: primary and secondary headaches. 

Primary headaches are not caused by an underlying medical condition, whereas secondary headaches are. 

Secondary headaches could be a symptom of a neurological disorder.

How to Get Good Neurological Care, e.g., in Michigan

The first step to determining whether your headache is a symptom of a neurological disorder is to get good neurological care. Do your research to get quality neurology care in Michigan if you are a Michigan resident suffering from headaches. 

You will have to undergo various tests if you have constant headaches to determine if you have a neurological disorder. An MRI is a test that uses magnetic energy and radio waves to take images of your inner brain. It is a test that will help determine if there are any issues with your brain or nervous system. 

Therefore, find a quality facility with a functional MRI machine in Michigan and determine whether you have a neurological disorder.

Migraines

Migraines are more than bad headaches. They are neurological disorders that could have devastating consequences. A migraine is an acute, pulsating headache that often affects one side of your head. Various smells, sounds, or lights can trigger migraines. 

A migraine could last for hours or persist for days. Migraines can be chronic if you experience them for ten to fifteen days a month. Genetics, gender, stress levels, and other lifestyle factors determine the severity and frequency of migraines. 

Therefore, if you have a serious headache that lasts for hours or days, it is a sign of a neurological disorder.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most prevalent type of headaches. They are typically consistent but do not have a throbbing effect. Tension headaches vary in severity but are often mild to moderate. They get worse with various physical activities like walking or bending. 

You can address tension headaches with over-the-counter pain medication. If you experience such a headache, you are fine as you do not have a neurological disorder. 

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are the most serious type of headache. As you can surmise from the name, cluster headaches refer to headaches that occur in a cluster. The headaches will occur up to eight times a day as a series of headaches and may last from a couple of weeks to three months. 

They can then disappear for months or years only to reappear. Cluster headaches are often characterized as having a burning sensation or stabbing pain. They are headaches that throb constantly and often affect one side of the head. Cluster headaches are a primary disorder; you should see a neurologist if they persist.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are headaches caused by a sinus infection. The infection will cause inflammation and blockage of the sinuses restricting airflow to the brain hence the headache. Sinus headaches are often confused with headaches, so you need to look for the best neurological care, as they will tell you the difference. 

Symptoms of sinus headaches include fever, mucus discharge, constant pain in cheekbones and forehead, swelling, and ears feeling full. Sinus headaches are signs of a sinus infection, not a neurological disorder. 

Therefore, there is no need to look for a neurologist if you have sinus headaches. However, you may want to see an ENT specialist. 

There are too many types of headaches to list in this article, but the above are the most common. Most headaches are not symptomatic of any underlying condition. However, if you have cluster headaches and migraines, you may have a neurological disorder, and you should seek neurological care.