What is headache?
Having a headache is an almost universal experience. The majority of us experience some kind of headache at some time in our lives. The classification of headaches which is used by the medical profession is one of the longest in medicine, and consists of varying types and causes. Here are some facts about migraines that you should know.
Types of headache
The International Headache Society has two comprehensive categories for headache disorders:
- The first category is based on symptoms (called “primary headache disorders”) and includes migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headaches.
- The second is based on their causes (called “secondary headache disorders”). This includes headaches associated with a head injury, stroke, substance abuse and/or withdrawal (including alcohol), infection, disorders of the neck, eyes, nose, sinuses or teeth.
If you experience recurring headaches it is helpful to understand the type of headache which you have in order to manage your condition effectively.
How is a headache different from a migraine?
Not everyone understands that there is a great deal of difference between a headache and a migraine. Headaches are not usually accompanied by other symptoms associated with migraine. However, it is quite likely that if you have migraine you will also experience other types of headaches.
-
Headache
Headaches can vary in their duration, severity and cause. For example, a hangover-type headache goes away within a few hours, and headaches associated with some type of infectious illness improve when the illness is over.
It is really important to identify the type of headache you have so you can get the right kind of treatment and advice. A headache can be the result of a whole variety of factors such as head injuries, infections and other medical conditions. While using natural and holistic means is generally a far safer avenue to explore, it is also prudent to make sure that there is nothing else going on that is causing the headache first.
-
Migraine
Generally, migraines are experienced as a pain/headache of at least moderate severity, which usually occurs on one side of the head and is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. (It should be noted that some people do experience migraine without the actual headache.) The headache is usually made worse by physical activity. (However, it should also be noted that some people have found that light exercise can help with stress-induced migraine.) Migraines usually last from 4 to 72 hours, and in most cases there are no symptoms between attacks. If someone is predisposed to migraine, some specific factors are involved in triggering an attack. These are usually called “trigger factors” and can include lifestyle, weather, food and/or hormonal changes.
The importance of a diagnosis
If you get regular headaches, it is important to see your healthcare professional or naturopathic or functional doctor to obtain a correct diagnosis. Diagnosis will depend upon your medical history, and possible referral for tests to narrow down the range of possible causes for your headaches. The correct diagnosis of a headache can help you to manage your headaches and if necessary embark on a suitable form of treatment. Of course, once you have this information, you can then more easily embark on a more holistic and natural treatment and approach to your migraine solutions. These have proven to be very effective, without the side effects of regular medications.
Headache diary
Keeping a journal or diary can be very helpful in giving a clearer picture of your headaches. This generally includes information pertaining to:
- when the head pains started
- how often they happen
- if there are other symptoms, such as being sick or vision problems
- how long the attacks last
- whether the pain is the pain is throbbing or piercing
- where the pain is
- treatment you are using for the attacks
- the result of the treatment
- the foods you have been eating.
You should write down if the headaches seem to be associated with particular events, medications, activities, times of the day, etc.
A headache diary can be especially important if you experience medication overuse or rebound headaches (see chart below). When you are able to distinguish between the types of headaches, the right treatment and natural resources can be used.
Start recording your headaches now with an migraine diary (ONE IS ATTACHED FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE).
Common headaches
The most common types of recurring headache which have been classified by the International Headache Society include:
- Tension-Type Headache
- Chronic Daily Headache
- Medication Overuse/Rebound Headache
- Sinus Headache
- Headache due to Eye Strain
Another well known recurring headache which is less common is:
- Cluster Headache
The chart below, which was compiled by The Migraine Trust, summarizes the symptoms of these recurring headaches. This information is intended as a guide only.
The Most Common Types of Recurring Headache:
| Type | Causes/Comments | Common Symptoms | |
| Tension-Type Headache | The most common type of headache usually caused by stress, worry, depression, lack of sleep, tiredness. These can occur rarely (which is known as episodic tension-type headache) or frequently, even daily (known as chronic tension-type headache). | A feeling of tightness and pressure around the head with pain occurring on both sides of the head (bilateral location). | |
| Chronic Daily Headache This term is given to headaches that occur 15 or more days a month. |
Chronic daily headache includes:
|
The type of headache pain can vary and can change depending on the individual’s situation. It can therefore consist of a number of different types of head pain such as tension-type headache and medication overuse / rebound headache. | |
| Medication Overuse / Rebound Headache | Caused by the overuse of “over the counter” medication or prescribed headache medication such as the triptans used for migraine. As the medication wears off the withdrawal from the medication triggers the next headache, which in turn leads to increased drug consumption. | This type of headache pain often occurs as the medication wears off. It often occurs in the morning after no tablets have been taken overnight. It may even awaken you from your sleep.
The head pain is of mild or moderate intensity which tends to worsen during drug overuse. |
|
| Sinus Headache | Sinusitus tends to be over diagnosed as a cause of headache in adults based on the belief that pain over the sinuses must be related to the sinus itself. In fact, pain over the sinus area is often caused by migraine and tension-type headache. | Some people describe their headaches as sinus headaches because the pain is located over their sinuses in their forehead. The pain is usually restricted to the infected sinus and is made worse by sudden movements or bending over. Sinusitis can be treated by antibiotics and decongestant. | |
| Eye Strain | Headaches can be caused by weak eye muscles. This type of headache gets worse when the individual reads, uses a computer screen or any activity which requires their eyes to work in a focused intense way. | These headaches generally start around the eyes and then spread to the forehead and temple. You may experience blurred vision. Having an eye test and wearing glasses may help this condition. | |
Rarer but well known type of Recurring Headache:
| Type | Causes/Comments | Common Symptoms | |
| Cluster Headache
These have been called “suicide” headaches because of their extreme pain. |
This is a relatively rare condition, often misdiagnosed as migraine or sinus headache and so can be mistreated. The cause of cluster headache is not yet fully understood by the medical profession. The pattern of pain and the pattern of the episodes suggests there could be a disorder in the central nervous system. Further medical investigation and tests will be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of cluster headache. Medication is available which can be preventive or be used to remove the pain once it starts. | Extreme head pain which lasts from 15 to 180 minutes if untreated. The headache is associated with one or more symptoms including: watering eyes, nasal congestion, facial sweating and drooping eyelids. It is more common in men than women and usually starts in a person’s 30’s. During a cluster headache the individual cannot remain still and often paces up and down. They often start in the early hours of the morning and can even occur up to 8 times per day. The pain is described as burning or piercing. | |