Different types of headaches
Table of Contents
There are numerous types of headaches, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. Most are transient and rarely cause cause for concern. However, knowing what type of headache a person is experiencing can help them decide how to treat it and whether to consult a doctor.
Headaches are a common complaint; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly half of all adults will have had at least one headache in the previous year.
While they can be painful and debilitating at times, most of them can be treated with simple pain relievers and will go away within a few hours. Repeated attacks or certain types of headaches, on the other hand, may indicate a more serious health problem.
The International Classification of Headache Disorders classifies over 150 different types of headaches into two major categories: primary and secondary.
A primary headache is caused by the condition itself, rather than by another condition. Migraine and tension headaches are two examples. A secondary headache, on the other hand, has a distinct underlying cause, such as a head injury or abrupt caffeine withdrawal.
This article discusses the most common types of headaches, as well as their causes, treatment, prevention, and when to consult a doctor.
Migraine
Migraine headaches are characterized by intense throbbing pain on one side of the head.
A person’s sensitivity to light, sound, and smell may be increased. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects.
An aura is experienced by approximately 25% of migraine sufferers before the headache begins. These are visual and sensory disturbances that last 5-60 minutes and include the following:
noticing zigzag lines, flashing lights, or spots
partial vision loss
numbness
tingling
muscle wasting
difficulty speaking or finding appropriate words
Aura symptoms could also indicate a stroke or meningitis. Anyone experiencing these symptoms for the first time should seek medical attention right away.
Migraine headaches are common, and each attack can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. It is a chronic condition for many people.
The causes of migraine are not fully understood by medical experts. However, it frequently runs in families and is more common in people who have preexisting conditions such as depression or epilepsy.
Migraine triggers may include:
Anxiety and stress
Sleep deprivation
hormonal shifts
missing meals
dehydration
certain foods and medications
loud noise and bright lights
Treatment
Treatment will be determined by a number of factors, including the severity of the symptoms, the frequency with which they occur, and whether or not the person experiences nausea and vomiting.
Among the treatment options are
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or acetaminophen
triptans that require a prescription, such as sumatriptan
Metoclopramide and other antiemetics are used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation and other neurostimulation techniques may also be beneficial.
Attacks can also be mitigated by:
resting in a dark, quiet location
applying an ice pack or a cold cloth to the brow
consuming water
People who suffer from chronic migraine should consult a doctor about preventive measures. Chronic migraine can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional if a person has an episode more than 15 days per month or if symptoms occur at least 8 days per month for 3 months.
The following medications can be used to prevent migraines:
topiramate (Topamax)
propranolol
amitriptyline
Dietary changes, stress management, and acupuncture are also options for management.
Tension-type headache
Most people experience tension-type headaches at some point in their lives. They are characterized by a dull, constant pain on both sides of the head. Other signs and symptoms may include:
face, head, neck, and shoulder tenderness
a pressure sensation behind the eyes
light and sound sensitivity
These headaches can last anywhere between 30 minutes and several hours.
It is unknown what causes tension headaches, but stress, anxiety, and depression are common triggers. Other possible triggers are:
dehydration
a lot of noise
a lack of physical activity
insufficient sleep quality
posture
omitted meals
strain on the eyes
Treatment
OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are usually very effective at stopping or reducing pain. Individuals who experience headaches on more than 15 days per month for more than 90 days should see a doctor.
Some treatments and lifestyle changes may help prevent tension headaches. These are some examples:
obtaining adequate sleep
regular physical activity and stretching
bettering one’s sitting and standing posture
having an eye examination
stress, anxiety, or depression management
acupuncture
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are frequent and severe headaches. Males are six times more likely to be affected than females. People report intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one of their eyes.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
tearing eyes
eyelid swelling
a runny or blocked nose
light and sound sensitivity
agitation or restlessness
Cluster headaches typically strike suddenly and without warning, lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours. People can be attacked up to eight times per day.
These attacks typically occur in daily clusters and can last weeks or months. They also tend to begin at consistent times, usually a few hours after falling asleep at night.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms, which may resemble hay fever, should see their doctor.
Cluster headaches have an unknown cause, but they are more common in smokers. During attack periods, people should abstain from alcohol.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to lessen the severity and frequency of the attacks. Among the options are:
Therapy with oxygen
sumatriptan
verapamil
steroids
melatonin
lithium
Deep brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation have also shown promise in the treatment of cluster headaches that have not responded to medication.
Exercising headache
Exertional headaches are caused by strenuous physical activity and are triggered by the following factors:
running
jumping
lifting weights
sexual encounters
coughing or sneezing fits
These headaches are usually brief, but they can last up to two days. They manifest as throbbing pains throughout the head and are more common in people who have a migraine family history.
Individuals experiencing cluster headaches for the first time should consult a doctor because they may be a sign of something more serious.
Treatment
Exertional headache treatment includes: Trusted Source
OTC pain relievers
Propanolol and other beta-blockers
indomethacin
Exertion headaches can sometimes be caused by cardiovascular issues. If this is the case, a doctor may suggest tests to assess a person’s cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
Headaches caused by hypnosis
A hypnic headache is a rare condition that usually appears in people in their 50s, but it can appear earlier. They are also known as “alarm clock” headaches because they wake people up during the night.
A hypnic headache is characterized by mild-to-moderate throbbing pain on both sides of the head. It can last up to 3 hours, and other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound may occur.
Each week, people may be subjected to several attacks. The cause of hypnic headaches is unknown, and no known triggers exist.
Although hypnic headaches are not dangerous, an older adult who experiences unusual headaches for the first time should seek medical attention. Migraine and cluster headaches may be ruled out by a doctor.
Treatment
Treatment options for hypnic headaches include the following:
caffeine
indomethacin
lithium
Medication-related headache
The most common type of secondary headache is medication-overuse headache (MOH), also known as a rebound headache. A MOH is characterized by frequent or daily headaches with symptoms similar to tension headaches or migraines.
These headaches initially respond to pain relievers but then reoccur.
If a person has a headache disorder and has taken pain reliever medication for at least 15 days in a month, a doctor may diagnose MOH.
Among the medications that can cause MOH are:
opioids
acetaminophen
sumatriptan and other triptans
Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Despite taking these medications, a MOH can still occur. A MOH, on the other hand, appears to develop primarily in people taking pain relievers to treat a headache.
Treatment
The only way to treat MOH is to stop taking the medication that is causing the headaches. Anyone discontinuing medication, however, should do so only under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor can assist in developing a plan and may prescribe alternative medications to help with the withdrawal process.
A person is likely to experience the following symptoms after discontinuing the drug:
headaches have gotten worse
vomiting and nausea
elevated heart rate
blood pressure is too low
sleep disruption
agitation, anxiety, and nervousness
A doctor may prescribe antiemetics or other medications to help relieve these symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The symptoms usually last 2-10 daysTrusted Source, but they can last up to 4 weeks.
After resolving a MOH, a doctor will advise on appropriate pain relief medication to use.
MOH can be avoided by taking the following steps:
avoidance of codeine and opioids
reducing the use of pain relievers for headaches
Using migraine preventative medications
Headaches from the sinuses
Sinus headaches are caused by sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses. It is usually caused by an infection or an allergy.
A dull, throbbing ache around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead is one of the symptoms. The pain may worsen with movement or straining, and it may occasionally spread to the teeth and jaw.
Other symptoms include: Trusted Source:
facial pain or pressure
decreased sense of smell
discharge from the nose
a clogged nose
fever
fatigue
ear ache
foul odor
cough
dental discomfort
a general sense of being ill
Sinus headaches are extremely uncommon. A headache of this type is more likely to be a migraine attack if there are no nasal symptoms.
Treatment
Sinusitis usually clears up in 2-3 weeks.
Among the treatment options are:
rest
fluids to drink
OTC pain relievers
decongestants for the nose
pharmacy solutions or saltwater nasal sprays
antihistamines
Prescription-only steroid nasal sprays
If a doctor discovers a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
If symptoms do not improve within a week or become severe, people should consult a doctor.
A doctor may refer a patient to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to diagnose the underlying cause of sinusitis. Minor surgery may be required in some cases to drain the sinuses.
To prevent sinusitis, avoid smoking and other known triggers.
Read on for some sinus infection treatment advice.
Headaches caused by caffeine
Caffeine consumption in excess of 400 milligrams (mg), or approximately 4 cups of coffee per day, can cause headaches.
Withdrawal symptoms may occur in people who have consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day for more than two weeks. These usually appear 12-24 hours after a sudden stop. They peak between 20 and 51 hours and can last between 2 and 9 days.
Other symptoms that could occur include:
tiredness
concentrating difficulties
low mood or irritability
nausea
Caffeine’s effects vary from person to person, but reducing intake may reduce the risk of headaches. Caffeine consumption should be limited for people who suffer from chronic migraines.
Is caffeine harmful to your health?
Headaches from head injuries
A headache may develop immediately or shortly after a head injury.
This is frequently resolved with over-the-counter pain relievers. Individuals should seek immediate medical attention if their symptoms are severe or worsen over time.
Always call an ambulance if you have a serious head injury or if you experience any of the following symptoms after a head injury:
unconsciousness
seizures
vomiting
Memory lapse
confusion
problems with vision or hearing
Post-traumatic headaches can also appear months after the initial head injury, making diagnosis difficult. They can occur on a daily basis and last for up to a year.
A traumatic brain injury can result from even a minor blow to the head. Learn more about how to spot it and what to do next.
Menstrual cramps
Changes in hormone levels are frequently the cause of headaches. Migraine can be caused by changes in estrogen levels during menstruation.
Hormone-related headaches commonly appear two to three days before or after a period or during ovulation. The symptoms are similar to migraine without aura, but they can last for a longer period of time.
Hormone-related headaches can also be caused by:
contraception by mouth
menopause
pregnancy
Treatment
The treatment for a menstrual headache is the same as for a migraine without aura. Doctors can provide advice on potential preventive measures such as:
hormone replacement therapy
Taking a triptan or an NSAID around period time
alternative oral contraception strategies, such as skipping the pill-free break
Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women
What exactly is a menstrual migraine?
Headaches from a hangover
Excessive alcohol consumption can result in a throbbing headache the next day or even later that day. These migraine-like headaches typically affect both sides of the head and can worsen with movement.
A hangover headache may be accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity.
Treatment
Although there are no cures for hangovers, symptoms can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water and eating sugary foods. OTC pain relievers may help reduce or eliminate the headache.
Hangover symptoms usually disappear within 72 hours.
Reduce your chances of getting a hangover by doing the following:
moderation in drinking
not consuming alcohol on an empty stomach
Water should be consumed between alcoholic beverages and before going to bed.
