Headaches & Migraines Explained | Causes, Types, & Treatment by Dr Raveesh Sunkara | Arete Hospitals

In this video, Dr Raveesh Sunkara, Sr Consultant – Neurosurgery, Arete Hospitals, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, explains in detail about a common symptom that is headaches and about Migraines and the difference between the two. He talks about why headaches occur, how they are classified, common causes, and how to identify primary and secondary headaches. He shares treatment approaches and practical tips to prevent headaches.

👉Understanding Headaches
The doctor explains that a headache is the most common symptom of neurological problems that doctors see in their daily practice. Although it is such a common symptom that patients suffer from. There is a lot of misinformation regarding headaches.

👉 Why do we get headaches?
Interestingly brain itself cannot feel any pain. This is the scientific reason behind performing awake brain surgeries.

👉Why do we have a headache? Although our brain cannot feel pain, the surrounding structures around the brain, that is, the meninges or the coverings of the brain, the blood vessels in the brain, or the cranial nerves in the brain, can feel pain and transfer pain signals to the brain.

👉 This trigger could be in multiple forms. For example, a simple stress one takes in a day or a substance that is not suitable for you, has been ingested by you.

👉 What can we do about these headaches?
The doctor explains the classification of headaches in order to help understand how to manage headaches.

👉 Primary Headaches vs Secondary Headaches

The International Society of Headaches classifies headaches into two types
👉 Primary Headaches - occur naturally without any underlying cause
Secondary Headaches – occur secondary to a particular underlying cause. For example, having hypertension or low blood sugar
👉 A secondary headache can be managed by solving the underlying problem, and this were many make the mistake of taking a lot of painkillers for the headaches without identifying the cause of the secondary headache.

To list out the causes of secondary headaches,
👉 A simple change in the eyesight
👉 An increase or decrease in the blood pressure as time progresses
👉 A chronic case of sinus inflammation - Sinusitis
👉 Hormonal changes in women
👉 There are close to 140 causes of secondary headaches

The causes maybe simple as the above or they can be serious ones, such as a head injury or a brain tumour causing a headache.

Hence, it is very important to identify the secondary headaches and treat the underlying cause. Headache or any pain in the body that says that something right is not happening and that it has to be corrected.

In case of primary headaches, usually when all the causes of secondary headaches have been ruled out, then it can be safely said that the patient has a primary headache.

Primary headaches can be classified into 2 to 3 types.
👉 Tension Headaches
👉 Migraine Headaches
👉 Cluster Headaches

👉 Migraines
The most common type of primary headache that we see in our practice is migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are throbbing or pulsating in nature and are usually confined to one side of the head. Migraine headaches need to be treated with a particular algorithm in mind, wherein we need to understand how many episodes of migraine one gets in a week.

👉 Treatment of Headaches
Firstly, identifying whether it is a primary headache or a secondary headache. If it is a secondary headache, treating the underlying cause becomes the main goal of treatment, whereas in the case of primary headaches, it is a little more in-depth. First, the history of the patient is taken into account. What are the triggers that cause the headaches? What and how many episodes of such headaches occur, and whether it is coming down with over-the-counter painkillers, and how many such painkillers are needed in a week. This kind of simple treatment will help doctors know the exact treatment. A visit to a qualified neurologist or neurosurgeon is needed if the headaches are persistent. It helps to identify the type and ensure the right treatment.

Prevention Tips
👉 Some simple tips to follow at home to prevent headaches are:
👉 Improving your lifestyle – by following regular healthy meals

Incorporating some form of exercise, at least 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercises like walking or swimming, into daily life at least 3 to 4 times a week

Incorporating some stress relieving activities like yoga and meditation helps overcome headaches with natural remedies

Having good sleep is of the utmost importance, and aiming to get at least 8 hours of sleep every day

Time Codes
00:00 – Opening Statement
00:14 – Doctor Introduction
00:25 – What Causes Headaches?
01:56 – Primary vs Secondary Headaches Explained
04:25 – What Are Migraines?
04:49 – Treatment Options for Headaches
05:39 – Tips to Prevent Headaches