According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a headache disorder is the most common disorder of the nervous system. It’s considered an almost universal experience because it affects nearly half of the adult population worldwide. Fortunately, most headaches are short-lived and can be treated with painkillers.
The causes and symptoms of headaches vary and recognizing the type of headache helps in quick and effective treatment. In this blog, we’ll go over the different kinds of headache disorders.
Headache Disorder Classification
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, headaches are classified into two main categories:
- Primary Headaches: These are based on the symptoms and include migraines, cluster headaches, tension-type headaches, and more.
- Secondary Headaches:These are based on the causes and include headaches resulting from stroke, head injury, misuse and withdrawal of substances, infections, and eye, neck, nose, and teeth disorders.
Primary Headaches
Primary headaches are not caused by another condition. Instead, the headache is the condition itself. These include the following.
Migraines
Migraines are characterized by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head. The person can also experience increased sensitivity to sound, smell, and light. Vomiting and nausea are also common. According to the National Health Service (NHS), around a third of people also experience sensory and visual disturbances before the onset of the headache.
Tension Headaches
While we’re still not certain as to what causes these types of headaches, increased stress, depression, and anxiety are common triggers. Tension headaches are felt as dull, constant pains on both sides of the head. Symptoms include tenderness on the neck, shoulders, face and head, and sensitivity to sound and light.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are marked by a piercing or intense pain felt around or behind one eye. It usually lasts anywhere around 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Symptoms include watering eyes, a swollen eyelid, and agitation.
Secondary Headaches
A secondary headache isn’t the condition itself and is associated with other factors such as caffeine withdrawal or a head injury. Common types include the following:
Head-Injury Headaches
Minor blows and bumps to the head can lead to head-injury headaches. These are similar to tension headaches and migraines and are treated using OTC painkillers. For serious head injuries, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Caffeine-Related Headaches
Heavy caffeine consumption or anything that exceeds 4 cups of coffee may lead to this type of headache. Withdrawal symptoms may lead to migraines and generally include nausea, tiredness, lack of concentration, and irritability.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are directly linked to sinusitis—a condition involving the swelling of the sinuses. This type of headache is rare and symptoms include a throbbing ache around the cheeks, forehead, and eyes. The pain can worsen and spread to the jaw or teeth.
Headache disorders range from mild irritability to debilitating pain. Dr. Farzin Pedouim at Movement Help is a headache disorder specialist who provides headache treatment in Huntington Beach, Los Angeles.
Make an appointment at (949) 239-4410 or visit our website for more information.
