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What different types of headaches are there?

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There are many different types of headaches, and their causes and symptoms can vary. Although most are short-lived and rarely a cause for concern, being able to recognize which kind of headache a person is experiencing can inform them how best to treat it and whether to see a doctor. Headaches are a common complaint. According to the World Health Organization , most people will experience a headache from time to time. While they can be sometimes painful and debilitating, the majority can be treated with simple painkillers and will go away within several hours. However, repeated attacks or certain types of headache could be a sign of something more serious. This article looks at some of the most common types of headaches, along with their causes, treatment, prevention, and when to see a doctor. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) defines more than 150 different types of headaches. These are divided into two main categories: primary and secondar...

What to know about frontal lobe headaches

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Several types of headache involve frontal head pain, and identifying the type experienced can help to determine the best treatment. Pain in the front of the head is sometimes described as a frontal lobe headache . According to the National Institute of Health, more than 9 out of 10 people will experience a headache at some point. Headaches are among the most common reasons for visiting a doctor or missing work or school. In this article, we look at types of headache that can cause pain in the front of the head. We discuss causes, symptoms, means of prevention, treatment options, and when to see a doctor. What is frontal head pain? A headache can cause pain anywhere in the head, but a frontal lobe headache tends to cause pain in areas such as the forehead and temples. In spite of the name, a frontal lobe headache is rarely related to that part of the brain, and it is not a condition in itself. Pain in the front of the head is usually a symptom of another type of headach...

What does a headache on top of the head mean?

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A headache on top of the head may be worrying but, in many cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, there are several different types of headache, and each may have its own trigger in different people. People have muscles and nerves that can contribute to a headache , and they may need to visit the doctor with certain symptoms. It is important to understand the different types of headache to be able to identify what might be the underlying cause of a headache on top of the head. Common causes The following types of headache may cause pain on the top of the head: 1. Tension headache A tension headache may cause pain on the top of the head. Most people experience tension headaches at times. They describe them as a pain that feels as if it is squeezing or adding weight to an area, such as the top of the head. People will also feel pain in their neck or shoulders in some cases. The pain from tension headaches is often...

Why does my urine smell like fish?

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The smell of urine often changes based on a person's diet or fluid intake. However, a strong fishy odor may be the first sign of a severe medical issue. If fishy-smelling urine is the only symptom, a person may want to wait for a couple of days to see if it clears up. If other symptoms are present and include pain in the lower back or difficulty urinating, a person should contact their doctor. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for urine that smells like fish. Is it normal?   Vitamins and supplements can cause a fishy smell in urine, but this is not a cause for concern. A fishy smell is uncommon in urine. Many of the causes are not serious, but it can sometimes indicate a severe condition, such as damage to the kidneys or liver. In many cases, the culprit responsible for the smell of fish is a chemical called trimethylamine oxide. When a fish dies and bacteria begin to decompose the tissue, this chemical is released and converted to ...

Why does my urine feel hot?

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Urine can feel hot for two reasons — either because the temperature of the urine is warmer than usual, or because urinating causes a burning sensation. Both symptoms point to a possible infection, so it is important to seek medical care, especially if there are other symptoms as well. In this article, we look at what a normal temperature should be, and what causes unusually hot or burning urination in men and women. We also look at when a person should see their doctor, and possible treatments for this symptom. What is normal? Urine is usually warm. However, if it is noticeably hot, then it may be because of an underlying condition. Urine is generally the same temperature as the body — on average 98.6°F. This means that when the urine comes out of the urinary tract, called the urethra, it can feel warm on the skin that it touches, including the genitals, hands, or legs. In cold temperatures, a person may observe steam rising from urine. Notici...

High-potassium foods to avoid with kidney disease

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People with chronic kidney disease need to limit the amount of potassium they consume because their kidneys cannot process potassium properly, causing it to build up in the blood. Medications used to treat kidney disease can also raise potassium levels. One the best ways to manage potassium levels is by making dietary changes. This may mean avoiding high-potassium foods and replacing them with low-potassium alternatives. High-potassium foods to avoid A person with chronic kidney disease should avoid eating nuts. People with chronic kidney disease or CKD should avoid or limit foods that are high in potassium. High-potassium levels can cause serious symptoms, including an irregular heartbeat and muscle cramping. Low-potassium levels can cause muscles to become weak. A doctor or dietitian can help explain the right amount of potassium to consume for each person's unique situation. Some high-potassium foods that people with CKD should limit or a...

How can I stabilize my blood pressure?

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Blood pressure should be basically stable. If it regularly changes from very high to very low, a range of complications can result. It is normal for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day, but blood pressure that fluctuates from one extreme to the other should be monitored and managed. Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and some medications can help to regulate blood pressure. It is important to get it checked regularly because blood pressure can reveal a lot about a person's health. Causes of fluctuating blood pressure Below are five factors that can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure. 1. White coat hypertension Fluctuating blood pressure may be caused by temporary changes or by long-term conditions. This term describes blood pressure that is higher at the doctor's office, often because the person is anxious about the appointment. A study published in 2013 concluded that people ...