Types of Headaches

What Types of Headaches Do YOU Have?

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There are two main categories of headaches: primary and secondary. Each type and their respective subtypes will be explained below.

PRIMARY HEADACHES

Primary headaches are typically defined as idiopathic, meaning hey occur without some underlying disease or process. Types of primary headaches include migraines, tension-types, trigeminal autonomic cephalgia (TAC), and “other”.

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MIGRAINES

Migraines usually start in the front and sides of the head, are can be on one or both sides, and have a throbbing or boring type of pain. They may also cause nausea and light sensitivity. Common triggers are stress, food, bright lights, exertion, and noise. They can be cyclical in nature and even occur in clusters. 

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TENSION TYPE

Tension type headaches generally give an achy, dull pain across the forehead and side/backs of head. You may also have tender neck and shoulder muscles and sore spots around the scalp.  The exact causes aren’t well understood, though this is the most common type of headache. At least two of these four specific characteristics should occur in tension type headaches:

            1. Pain occurs on both sides of the head

2. Pressing or tightening type pain (not pulsating)

3. Mild or moderate intensity

4. It does not worsen with stairs or physical activity.

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TAC

Trigeminal autonomic cephalgia headaches are those that occur with pain on one side of the face along with some sort of eye watering and redness or drooping on the same side. The fancy name of this headache just describes its signs and symptoms. The trigeminal nerve provides sensation to the face, where the headache is felt. Autonomic functions that may be seen include the eye watering and drooping. Cephalgia simply means headache.

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SECONDARY HEADACHES


Secondary headaches are typically due to an underlying disease or process like tumors, aneurysms, infections, or trauma to the head and neck. They can also be referred pain from the neck, nose, ears, and even teeth! One common secondary headache is cervicogenic, which is referred pain caused by problems in the cervical spine. If you are having “the worst headache and pain you have ever experience like nothing you’ve had before” you should go to the doctor immediately as that is one symptom of a stroke.

More on when you should go to your doctor will be in the next post!