Headaches
A headache is an ache or pain that occurs anywhere in the face, neck, or head. It is one of the most commonly experienced causes of pain and can range from occasional to recurrent (chronic) in frequency, with an intensity spectrum from mild, tolerable pain to severe pain that prohibits daily activities.
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), the four primary types of headaches are:
- Tension-type Headaches: experienced as pain of varying intensity in the head, face, and neck, often described as a feeling of tightness or pressure
- Migraines: a moderate to severe headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to sound, and increased sensitivity to light.
- Cluster Headaches are piercing pains felt in the eye region, typically on only one side of the face without changing sides.
- Headaches are sensed in the cranial nerves.
Different headaches may respond to varying treatments as they originate from various causes.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, finding out the headache causing the majority of symptoms is a critical part of treating the underlying causes of the pain. Learn about the significant reasons, symptoms, and treatments for various headache types here, and consult Dr. Besharati before starting a treatment plan.
Tension-type Headaches
These are the most commonly occurring types of primary headaches. Up to nine out of ten adults will have or have had a tension-type headache in their lifetime. A tension-type headache is pain of varying intensity in the head, face, and neck, often described as a feeling of tightness or pressure.
Migraines
Migraines are less frequent, as 18% of women and 6% of men are estimated to experience a migraine at some point in their lifetime. The severity, duration, and frequency of migraine pain vary from one attack to another in the same person.
Though not all phases are necessarily experienced, the four possible stages of migraine are:
Prodrome: may occur hours or days before a migraine. The most common symptoms are:
- altered mood
- excessive sleepiness
- stiff muscles
Aura: affects 20-30% of migraine sufferers and may occur immediately before the attack. Symptoms can be motor or sensory and include:
- disturbance of vision, such as flashes of light or zigzag lines
- feelings of pins and needles in the hand, arm, face, and mouth
Pain or Headache Phase: this may occur on one or both sides of the head and usually lasts between three hours and four days.
Postdrome: may include a sore feeling where the migraine pain was, accompanied by feelings of tiredness, weakness, and cognitive difficulties.
Cluster Headaches
This rare primary headache type only affects 0.1% of the population, most commonly men in their late 20’s. A cluster headache usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, but can occur for up to three hours. They are often recurrent, happening regularly at the same time of day or night. Many people who suffer from cluster headaches report between one to three headaches per day during a period.
