Headaches

Most Common Types of Headaches:

• Tension headache – is one of the more common forms of primary headaches: the pain typically arises gradually, in the middle of the day.
  
  
  
  
  Feels like a tight band around your head, a constant, dull ache on both sides of head, a pain spreading to or from the neck.
  
  
  
  
• Migraine – second most common form of primary headache.
  
  
  Migraines may involve pulsating, throbbing pain. Often occurs on one side of the head but may migrate to other side.
  
  
  
  
  May also experience lightheadedness, sensory disturbances, changes in vision, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, sometimes with vomiting.
  
  
  
  
• Cluster Headache – a more severe type of headache. Feels like an intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye. It can be throbbing or constant.
  
  
  
  
  They’re called Cluster Headaches because they tend to happen in clusters. You might get them one to three times a day, during a period that may last from weeks to months.
  
  
  
  
• Chronic Daily Headaches – this type of headache occurs 15 days or more within a month for several months. Some instances are short, others last more than 4 hours.
  
  
  
  
• Sinus Headaches – feels like a deep and constant pain in cheekbones, forehead or on the bridge of the nose. Happens when sinuses get inflamed. The pain typically comes along with other sinus symptoms, like a runny nose, fullness in the ears, fever and a swollen face. Usually the result of a sinus infection, so the stuff that comes out of the nose will be yellow or green.
  
  
  
  
• Posttraumatic Headaches – these headaches usually start 2-3 days after a head injury. Feels like a dull ache that gets worse from time to time, may have vertigo, lightheadedness, trouble concentrating, memory problems, fatigue and irritability.
  
  
  
  
  May last for months or weeks.

What’s giving you a headache

There are myriad reasons why you can get a headache, but they all stem from a few main sources.

• Emotional - Stress, depression and anxiety can lead to headaches. Alcohol use, skipping meals and changes in sleeping habits may also lead to headaches.
  
  
  
  
• Illness/Injury– Infections, colds and fevers. Headaches are also common with sinusitis or an ear infection. Headaches may occur due to a blow to the head or medical reasons like high blood pressure.
  
  
  
  
• Genetics – Migraines tend to run in families.
  
  
  
  
• Environmental – weather changes, pollution, pollen can trigger headaches. Other environmental factors like tobacco smoke and household chemicals or perfumes may cause headaches.

Getting a Diagnosis

The key to getting the right treatment plan, is getting the right diagnosis. The first step is consulting with your doctor. It’s important to describe the headaches as completely as possible. This can be done by providing your doctor a list of things that seem to trigger the headaches, what makes them worse and what makes you feel better.

In certain cases, doctors may call for special diagnostic testing or refer you to a neurologist.

Treatment Options

The type of headache you have will dictate the type of treatment you receive. Some health care systems like Trinity Health Of New England, have Headache Clinics that offer comprehensive treatment approaches for headaches and facial pain disorders.

There are several medication treatments, as well as other holistic therapies, like acupuncture and meditation, that are used as remedies. Botox has proven to be an effective treatment for chronic migraines in adults.

The bottom line is that headaches are common and varied. Although many can be managed with simple over the counter medications, many people are severely affected by headaches. In fact, data from 2016 showed that migraines accounted for 4 million emergency department visits. That year it was the fifth most common reason for an ED visit. But, with increased research and treatment options, headaches can be managed. Click here for more information about Trinity Health Of New England’s Headache Clinics.