Headache Types and Causes

Definition and Classification

• A headache is a type of pain that occurs in the head or neck region
• Classified into two main categories:
  1. Primary headaches: not caused by another medical condition, examples include:
     • Migraines
     • Tension headaches
     • Cluster headaches
  2. Secondary headaches: caused by another medical condition, examples include:
     • Sinus headaches
     • Allergies
     • Infections
     • Head trauma

Causes and Triggers

• Migraines:
  • Causes: genetics, hormonal changes, sensory stimuli
  • Triggers: certain foods, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes
• Tension headaches:
  • Causes: muscle tension, stress, poor posture
  • Triggers: stress, fatigue, eye strain
• Cluster headaches:
  • Causes: unknown, but linked to hypothalamus dysfunction
  • Triggers: stress, certain foods, changes in sleep patterns

Symptoms

• Migraines:
  • Severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
• Tension headaches:
  • Mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head
  • Feeling of tightness or pressure
  • Neck and shoulder tension
• Cluster headaches:
  • Severe, one-sided pain around the eye
  • Redness and tearing of the eye
  • Sweating and flushing of the face

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: based on medical history, physical exam, and symptom description
• Treatment:
  • Migraines: pain-relieving medications, preventative medications, lifestyle changes
  • Tension headaches: over-the-counter pain medications, stress management, relaxation techniques
  • Cluster headaches: oxygen therapy, pain-relieving medications, preventative medications

Definition and Classification

• Headaches are pains that occur in the head or neck region
• Headaches can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary

Primary Headaches

• Not caused by another medical condition
• Examples of primary headaches include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches

Secondary Headaches

• Caused by another medical condition
• Examples of secondary headaches include sinus headaches, allergies, infections, and head trauma

Causes and Triggers

Migraines

• Can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, and sensory stimuli
• Triggers include certain foods, stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes

Tension Headaches

• Can be caused by muscle tension, stress, and poor posture
• Triggers include stress, fatigue, and eye strain

Cluster Headaches

• Cause is unknown, but linked to hypothalamus dysfunction
• Triggers include stress, certain foods, and changes in sleep patterns

Symptoms

Migraines

• Severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Tension Headaches

• Mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head
• Feeling of tightness or pressure
• Neck and shoulder tension

Cluster Headaches

• Severe, one-sided pain around the eye
• Redness and tearing of the eye
• Sweating and flushing of the face

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical exam, and symptom description

Migraines

• Treatment includes pain-relieving medications, preventative medications, and lifestyle changes

Tension Headaches

• Treatment includes over-the-counter pain medications, stress management, and relaxation techniques

Cluster Headaches

• Treatment includes oxygen therapy, pain-relieving medications, and preventative medications

Learn about the different types of headaches, including primary and secondary headaches, and their causes and triggers. Understand the differences between migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.