Headaches are one of the most prevalent disorders in the world with a prevalence rate of 50% in the last year alone. Most headache disorders are easily remedied and aren’t a cause for concern—an underlying condition might be worrisome though. The International Classification of Headaches identifies over 30 different headache disorders, classified with respect to underlying cause, symptoms and time of occurrence but these can be broken down into two basic types:
- Primary headaches— Caused by painful muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
- Secondary headaches— Caused by injuries, strokes, concussions, dehydration and other underlying conditions.
Within each category, there are some headache disorders that are more common than others. It’s these common disorders that we’ll discuss in this blog.
1. Migraine Headaches
Medical researchers don’t really know what causes migraines even though it’s one of the most prevalent headache disorders in the world. Migraine headaches are further divided into two basic types:
- Migraine with aura
- Migraine without aura
Migraine with Aura
Migraines with aura are differentiated by a collection of sensory symptoms observed right before or during the migraine attack. These sensory symptoms include seeing spots, flashes of light, numbness and speaking problems. A migraine with aura lasts from anywhere between 20 minutes—60 minutes.
Migraine Without Aura
Migraines with aura are easily detected because patients just report their sensory symptoms—you’ll know if you suffer from migraines with aura. A migraine without aura is a little more difficult to capture. There are three phases to a migraine without aura and your doctor will pick up on these symptoms when diagnosing you with the condition:
- Premonitory symptoms—Symptoms that show up before the migraine including cravings, constipation, mood changes, muscle stiffness, fatigue, light sensitivity.
- Headache phase symptoms—Headache lasting from 4 hours–72 hours, pain on one side of the head, throbbing pain, pain worsens with physical activity and light sensitivity.
- Postdrome phase symptoms—Mood changes, fatigue and poor concentration once migraine passes.
2. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are another common form of headache that’s characterized by a sensation of a band tightening around your head. A tension headache usually occurs when you’re stressed or if you’re hypertensive. The symptoms of tension headaches overlap with those for migraines, but these can be treated with painkillers and with relaxation techniques.
3. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are one of the more rare headache types where people experience multiple headaches one the same side. Other symptoms of cluster headaches include a teary eye on the side of the headache, stuffy nose, or drooping eyelids. The headache lasts anywhere between 15 minutes–3 hours and hits people at most twice a year.
4. Paroxysmal Hemicrania
Paroxysmal Hemicrania only affects adults where they feel clawing, throbbing or a piercing pain on one side of their face, behind the eye and reaching behind their neck. People can suffer attacks of Paroxysmal Hemicrania up to 40 times a day and these last for 2 minutes–30 minutes. These are often treated with painkillers and might subside on their own.
5. Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania Continua is a chronic headache disorder where people experience continuous headaches of varying intensity. The headaches are easily treated with NSAIDs and have the following accompanying symptoms:
- Forehead sweating
- Throbbing pain
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
You’ll be diagnosed with Hemicrania Continua if you suffer headaches daily on one side of the head for 3 months without shifting sides. This 3-month period must also include episodes of piercing pain as the headache gets more intense.
Dr. Farzin Pedouim of Movement Help is a one of the leading headache treatment specialists in Huntington Beach. We also offer treatments for cluster headaches, tension headaches, migraines and many other headache disorders. Get in touch with us today for more information on our services or to book an appointment with Dr. Pedouim today.
