Understanding the Different Types of Headaches

A headache is a condition in which one feels pain in any part of the head or face. It can be a dull throb or a sharp, intolerable pain. There can be various causes of these different headaches.

While headaches can be discomforting, they are usually not a cause of concern. The problem arises when they are a symptom of a severe underlying condition.

Read on to understand the different types of headaches and their symptoms.

Different Types of Headaches

Headaches are broadly divided into two types based on their causes. These are primary headaches and secondary headaches.

What are Primary Headaches?

Primary headaches are caused by issues related to the pain-sensitive areas of the brain and can be triggered by chemical activity in the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the brain. They are not a sign of any underlying disease. Primary headaches can further be classified into chronic and episodic headaches based on their lasting period.

1. Chronic headaches: These occur for more than fifteen days a month and are more regular.
2. Episodic headaches: These headaches occur occasionally and do not last longer than 15 days in a month.

Primary headaches can further be classified into:

1. Tension-Type Headache

This headache causes a moderate level of pain around the forehead and temple, described as a tight band around the head. It is the most common type of headache. The causes of tension-type headaches include neck and eye strain, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. These are mostly chronic.

2. Migraine

Migraine causes moderate to severe pain usually felt on only one side of the head. The pain is also accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine aura, a symptom associated with it, is characterized by flashing and shimmering lights, zig-zag lines, and blind spots. It can last from hours to days.

3. Cluster Headache

This headache is extremely painful and can even wake people from their sleep. They occur in short bursts of time, known as clusters, that last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. The pain is usually felt on one side of the face and head and tends to follow a pattern, occurring at the same time every day.

What are Secondary Headaches? 

Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying condition that can trigger the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. Some types of secondary headaches include:

1. Sinus Headaches

These headaches are a sign of sinus infection. The headache type causes a dull throb behind the eyes, on the cheekbones, on the forehead, and bridge of the nose. The sinus headache type stops when the sinus is treated and can last for hours at a time. They occur along with a runny nose and cough.

2. Spinal Headaches

This headache type is very common in people who undergo spinal anesthesia or spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted in the lower back to examine cerebrospinal fluid. These headaches last for 24 hours and resolve on their own.

3. Thunderclap Headaches

These headaches strike suddenly and are mostly uncommon. They may be a sign of a severe underlying disease usually associated with bleeding in and around the brain. An individual may also experience nausea and vomiting along with the pain.

4. Medication Overuse Headaches

These headaches are caused by long-term use of medicines that are needed to treat other headaches, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. As a result, they are mostly common in people who have a history of headaches. They are also referred to as rebound headaches as the pain is accompanied by nausea and restlessness and stops after discontinuing the medication.

What are the Causes of Headaches?

Different types of headaches may be caused by different reasons. Let’s look at the different types of headaches and reasons:

Causes of Primary Headaches

1. Consumption of alcohol, especially red wine
2. Foods that contain nitrates and monosodium glutamate (MSG)
3. Lack of sleep
4. Poor posture
5. Skipping meals

Causes of Secondary Headaches

1. Acute or chronic sinus infection
2. Dental problems
3. Middle ear infections
4. Side effects of medicines
5. Serious health conditions like aneurysms, high blood pressure, glaucoma, meningitis, and stroke

While some headaches are common and not a cause of concern, others can be signs of a severe underlying condition. It is important to understand different types of headaches and the reason behind them to take the necessary measures.

Some of these headaches may require lab tests for further diagnosis. If a person is experiencing persistent headaches, they must immediately consult a medical professional and book a headache test with Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs 

1. What is the most painful type of headache?

Cluster headaches are very painful and occur in series. They can last for months at a time.

2. How many types of headaches are there?

There are two major types of headaches—primary and secondary.

3. What type of headache is alarming?

A headache that causes severe pain for long periods and keeps coming back is usually associated with some underlying severe medical condition. People should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.