Everybody gets headaches occasionally, a fact that you can confirm by looking at the huge assortment of pain relievers available at your local drug store. The problem is, a headache is not a disease but a symptom. You may be able to make it go away, but the underlying cause will make it come back. Allergies can take the form of a headache, as can sinus problems. Migraine and cluster headaches are among the most severe forms and will require the help of a doctor to treat them. Neuralgia is a form of facial pain that can be triggered by such simple actions as chewing, shaving or blowing your nose. Ocular headaches are a by-product of eye strain, and dental problems can also manifest themselves through a headache. Even such serious disorders as high blood pressure and brain tumors can be first noticed as a headache. Finally, there's the tension headache, all too common in our fast-paced world. But before you assume that it's just tension, keep in mind that your body may be trying to alert you to a greater danger to your health. If you only get a headache occasionally, one of the over-the-counter medications may be fine, but exceptionally severe or frequent headaches require a trip to the doctor to try and find the real cause.
