Types of Headaches

There are numerous forms of headaches, and each have their own aetiologies and clinical manifestations. If you are trying to determine what has caused your headache and thus treat it, it is important to consider the various types of headaches out there.

 

What are the Types of Headaches

 

These are some of the common types of headaches:

1. Generalized Headache – a general headache may be caused by a number of things, such as dehydration, infection, pain associated with the head, neck, shoulders or back. Generalized headaches are usually mild, short and self resolving.

2. Tension Headache – A tension headache is generally associated with prolonged stress levels, such as preparing for important exams, work roles, or relationships.

3. Cluster Headache – a cluster headache commences as a small pain progressively increasing until it reaches a climax of agony lasting up to 45-60 minutes. The cluster headache may continue intermittently for weeks, months and even years. It is primarily uni-lateral, meaning that it affects one side of the brain at at time. Although this side may rotate each time you have a cluster headache.

4. Migraine Headache – a migraine headache often has no identifiable causes, and is strongly related to a familial history of migraines. A migrain headache can be extremely debilitating and is reported as one of the most common causes of sick leave in both Australia and the USA.

5. Hormone Headache – a hormone headache is caused by a sudden change in certain hormones, including excess or inadequate amounts of certain hormones. Contrary to common belief, a hormone headache affects both women and men, alike.

6. Organic Headache – an organic headache is caused by an organic change within the cranium resulting in damage or complications to the brain. Examples of an organic headache include, brain tumours – both malignant and benign.

7. Sinus Headache – a sinus headache is usually caused by a build up of pressure within your sinuses as a secondary result of a blockage in the sinus. People who report regular sinusitis are prone to sinus headaches, and report experiencing pain along their cheek bones, forehead, and behind the eyes. It is also common to develop nausea and experience associated vomiting with a sinus headache.

If you would like to know more about what causes headaches, please visit my page on what causes headaches.