High blood pressure (Hypertension) - BHF
14 Types Of Headaches And How To Treat Them
Nearly everyone experiences head pain once in a while. However, there are different types of headaches. The cause, duration, and intensity of this pain can vary according to each type.
Many of us are familiar with some form of the throbbing, uncomfortable, and distracting pain of a headache. There are different types of headaches. The common types include:
Immediate medical attention needed
In some cases, a headache may require immediate medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms alongside your headache:
If your headache is less severe, read on to learn how to identify the type you may be experiencing and what you can do to ease your symptoms.
Primary headaches occur when the pain in your head is the condition. In other words, your headache isn't triggered by something your body is dealing with, like illness or allergies.
These headaches can be episodic or chronic:
The visual above is a general representation of where headaches may occur, but many can exist outside the areas noted.
Tension headacheIf you have a tension headache, you may feel a dull, aching sensation all over your head. Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles also might occur.
Anyone can get a tension headache. Stress often triggers them.
Cluster headacheCluster headaches may occur with severe burning and piercing pain. They occur around or behind one eye or on one side of the face at a time. Symptoms may include:
These headaches occur in a series. Each headache can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. During a cluster, people may experience headaches anywhere from one every other day to eight per day, usually around the same time each day. After one headache resolves, another will soon follow.
A series of cluster headaches can be daily for months at a time. In the months between clusters, people are symptom-free. Cluster headaches are more common in the spring and fall. They are also three times more common in men.
Doctors aren't sure what causes cluster headaches.
MigraineMigraine is a headache disorder that causes intense pulsing pain deep within your head. Migraine episodes may last between 4 and 72 hours untreated, significantly limiting your ability to carry out your daily routine. During one, you may experience:
About one-third of those with migraine experience visual disturbances before the headache phase starts. Known as migraine aura, it may cause you to see:
Auras can also include tingling on one side of your face or in one arm and trouble speaking.
Possible medical emergency
The symptoms of a stroke can also mimic a migraine episode. If any of these symptoms are new to you, seek immediate medical attention.
Migraine might run in your family, or the condition can be associated with other nervous system conditions. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people assigned female at birth are three times more likely to develop migraine than people assigned male at birth. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have an increased risk of migraine.
Common migraine triggers include environmental factors, such as:
Hemicrania continua is a moderate headache on one side of your head that lasts continuously for at least 3 months. You might feel periods of increased intensity a few times per day.
Researchers estimate it accounts for about 1% of headaches. It's most common in young adults.
This type of headache may also be accompanied by:
Primary stabbing headaches, or ice pick headaches, are characterized by short, intense stabbing pains in your head lasting only a few seconds.
These headaches can occur a few times daily and come on without warning. Ice pick headaches could feel like a single stab or multiple stabs in succession.
Ice pick headaches usually move to different parts of your head. If you have ice pick headaches that always occur in the same spot, it might be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Thunderclap headacheA thunderclap headache is a severe headache that comes on rapidly, reaching peak intensity in under a minute. It may be benign, but it could also be a symptom of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
In some cases, a thunderclap headache could indicate:
The first time you experience a thunderclap headache, seek immediate medical attention. If a doctor determines that another condition does not cause your headache, you can discuss a treatment plan for possible future thunderclap headaches.
Secondary headaches are a symptom of something else that is going on in your body. If the trigger of your secondary headache is ongoing, your headaches can become chronic. Treating the primary cause generally brings headache relief.
Allergy or sinus headacheHeadaches sometimes happen as a result of an allergic reaction. The pain from these headaches is often focused in your sinus area and the front of your head.
Migraine is sometimes misdiagnosed as sinus headaches. People with chronic seasonal allergies or sinusitis are susceptible to these headaches.
Hormone headachePeople who menstruate may experience headaches that are linked to hormonal fluctuations. Menstruation, using birth control pills, and pregnancy all affect estrogen levels, which can cause a headache.
Those headaches associated with the menstrual cycle are also known as menstrual migraine. These can occur between 3 days before your period to the third day of your period and during ovulation.
Caffeine headacheCaffeine affects blood flow to your brain. Too much can give you a headache, as can quitting caffeine "cold turkey." People who have frequent migraine headaches are at risk of triggering a headache due to caffeine use.
When you're used to exposing your brain to a certain amount of caffeine, a stimulant, each day, you might get a headache if you don't get caffeine. This may be because caffeine changes your brain chemistry, and withdrawal can trigger a headache.
Exertion headacheExertion headaches happen quickly after periods of intense physical activity. Weightlifting, running, and sexual intercourse are all common triggers for an exertion headache. It's thought that these activities cause increased blood flow to your skull, leading to a throbbing headache on both sides of your head.
An exertion headache shouldn't last too long. This type of headache usually resolves within a few minutes or several hours.
These headaches may also occur due to a secondary cause. If this type of headache is new to you or lasts longer, it may be best to seek medical attention for a diagnosis.
Hypertension headacheHigh blood pressure can cause a headache. This kind of headache signals an emergency. It occurs in some people when the blood pressure becomes dangerously high (greater than 180/120). In most cases, hypertension does not cause a headache.
A hypertension headache usually occurs on both sides of your head and is typically worse with any activity. It often has a pulsating quality.
Medical emergency
If you think you're experiencing a hypertension headache, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
You're more likely to develop this type of headache if you're treating high blood pressure.
Medication overuse headacheMedication overuse headaches, also known as rebound headaches, can feel like a dull, tension-type headache, or they may feel more intensely painful, like a migraine episode.
You may be more susceptible to this type of headache if you frequently use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Overuse of these medications leads to more headaches rather than fewer.
These headaches are likelier to occur anytime OTC medications are used more than 15 days a month. These OTC medications include:
They're also more common with medications that contain caffeine.
Post-traumatic headachePost-traumatic headaches can develop after any head injury. These headaches feel like tension headaches or migraine episodes. They usually last up to 6 to 12 months after your injury occurs. They can become chronic.
Spinal headacheA spinal headache results from low cerebrospinal fluid pressure following a lumbar puncture. For this reason, it's also known as a post-dural puncture headache. You might feel this headache in your:
Research estimates that spinal headaches follow a lumbar puncture between 10 and 40% of the time. Onset usually begins within 2 to 3 days but could start several months later. It can also occur following an epidural or spontaneously.
This headache typically worsens when you are upright and improves when you lie down.
Other symptoms of spinal headache include:
In most cases, episodic headaches will go away within 48 hours. If you have a headache lasting more than 2 days or increasing in intensity, consider talking with a doctor for help.
If you're getting headaches more than 15 days out of the month over 3 months, you might have a chronic headache condition. Even if you can manage the pain with OTC medications, consider talking with a doctor for a diagnosis.
Headaches can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, and some require treatment beyond OTC medications and home remedies.
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.
Because there are many types of headaches, many methods might be used to diagnose which type of headache you are experiencing. Doctomust to determine whether you have a primary or secondary headache to recommend effective treatment.
You can expect your headache diagnosis to begin with a physical exam and medical history. If possible, keep a "headache journal" in the weeks leading up to your doctor's appointment. Document each of your headaches, including:
A primary care doctor might also refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist. You could require diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause for some headache types. These tests can include:
Different types of headaches are managed differently. Treatments could range from dietary adjustments to procedures performed by a medical professional.
Not everyone will respond to the same treatments, even for the same types of headaches. If you're experiencing headaches you cannot treat on your own, speak with a doctor about putting together a treatment plan.
Read on to learn more about common treatments for each type of headache.
Tension headacheAn OTC pain reliever may be all it takes to relieve your occasional headache symptoms. OTC pain relievers include:
If OTC medications aren't providing relief, a doctor may recommend prescription medication, such as:
If tension headaches become chronic, a doctor may suggest treatment to manage the underlying trigger.
Cluster headacheA doctor may recommend therapy or medication to provide relief for your symptoms. These may include:
After diagnosis, a doctor will work with you to develop a prevention plan. The following may put your cluster headaches into a period of remission:
MigraineIf OTC pain relievers don't reduce migraine pain during an attack, a doctor might prescribe triptans. Triptans decrease inflammation and change the flow of blood within your brain. They come in the form of nasal sprays, pills, and injections.
Popular options include:
Consider speaking with a doctor about taking a daily medication to prevent migraine episodes if you experience headaches that are:
According to a 2019 review, preventive migraine medications are significantly underused: Only 3 to 13% of those with migraine take preventive medication, while up to 38% may need it.
Preventing migraine dramatically improves the quality of life and productivity.
Helpful preventive migraine medications include:
Hemicrania continuaOne of the defining characteristics of hemicrania continua is a complete response to indomethacin, a drug in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. A low dose three times daily with meals usually relieves symptoms within 24 hours.
Indomethacin can cause side effects, especially at higher doses, so doctors recommend taking the lowest effective dose.
Ice pick headacheIce pick headaches can be challenging to treat because they last a short duration. Most ice pick headaches are over before you can do much about them.
Preventive measures may reduce the frequency or intensity of future headaches. Treatment could include:
Thunderclap headacheIf your thunderclap headache results from another condition, you must treat the underlying condition.
If your thunderclap headache is not caused by something else, it's a primary thunderclap headache. Treatments for thunderclap headaches include:
Allergy or sinus headacheSinus headaches are treated by thinning out the mucus that builds up and causes sinus pressure. Options include:
A sinus headache can also be a symptom of a sinus infection. Depending on the cause, a doctor may prescribe medication to help clear the infection and relieve your headache and other symptoms.
Hormone headacheOTC pain relievers like naproxen (Aleve) or prescription medications like frovatriptan (Frova) can work to manage pain.
Alternative remedies may have a role in decreasing overall headaches per month. The following may help:
Caffeine headacheKeeping your caffeine intake at a steady, reasonable level — or quitting it entirely — can prevent these headaches from happening.
Exertion headacheOTC pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil), typically ease symptoms.
If you develop exertion headaches often, consider talking with a doctor. In some cases, exertion headaches may indicate a serious underlying condition.
Hypertension headacheThese types of headaches typically go away soon with better blood pressure management. They shouldn't reoccur as long as high blood pressure continues to be managed.
Medication overuse headacheThe only treatment for medication overuse headaches is to wean yourself off the medication you've been taking to manage pain. Although the pain may initially worsen, it should completely subside within a few days.
Taking a daily preventive medication that doesn't cause medication overuse headaches may prevent them from occurring.
Post-traumatic headacheDoctors often prescribe the following medications to manage these headaches:
Initial treatment for spinal headaches usually includes pain relievers and hydration. It also helps to avoid being in an upright position. Symptoms typically go away on their own after a week or two.
In some cases, an epidural blood patch might be used. This is a procedure in which a small amount of blood is taken from your body and injected back into your epidural space. It can help stop cerebrospinal fluid from leaking, stopping the headaches.
Many headaches can be managed with preventive measures, but methods differ by headache type. Some headache types might be prevented with medication, while the same medication might cause others.
You can discuss preventive treatments with a doctor to find a plan that fits your needs. Headache prevention could reduce headache frequency or intensity or prevent headaches altogether.
Lifestyle changes that may prevent or improve headaches can include:
Migraine headaches may be prevented with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CGRP medication, galcanezumab (Emgality), to prevent cluster headaches.
Your outlook depends on the type of headache you're having.
Primary headaches don't cause permanent disability or death. However, they could be debilitating temporarily if they are frequent and severe enough. These headache types can often be managed when diagnosed and treated.
The outlook for secondary headaches depends on the underlying cause. Some can be managed through simple routine changes, while others could be fatal without immediate medical assistance.
If you're experiencing recurring or severe headaches. An accurate diagnosis will be the first step in understanding and managing your headaches in the future.
Read this article in Spanish.
Headache: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Options
It is important to be aware of "red flag" symptoms associated with headaches, which require immediate attention and treatment. (Photo: Pixabay)
Headaches are a common ailment experienced by people worldwide, with the majority of individuals encountering them at least once in their lifetime. While some causes are harmless, others can be more concerning. Headaches are generally categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary headaches have no specific identifiable cause, whereas secondary headaches are linked to various factors such as high blood pressure, sinusitis, infections, blood clots in the brain, traumatic incidents, or tumors. Recognizing, evaluating, and effectively managing headaches is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Tension-type headache: This type of headache is characterized by mild to moderate pain, often described as a sensation of a tight band around the head. It is the most common form of headache.
Migraine: Migraine headaches are highly debilitating. They typically affect one side of the head and can last from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound often accompany migraines. Triggers for migraines can include factors like missed meals, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, certain smells, or exposure to sunlight.
Cluster headache: Cluster headaches, known as "suicidal headaches" due to their excruciating pain, occur behind the eyes and feel like being stabbed in the eye. Redness of the eye, watering of the eye and nose are associated symptoms.
Post-traumatic headache: This type of headache occurs following head or neck injuries. It typically emerges around seven days after the injury and may persist for months. The pain can be located in the front or side of the head, or in the neck.
Medication overuse headache: Individuals who frequently rely on painkillers to alleviate recurrent headaches may develop medication overuse headaches.
Sinus headache: Sinus headaches manifest as continuous pain felt inside the cheeks and forehead. Associated symptoms may include fever, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip.
It is important to be aware of "red flag" symptoms associated with headaches, which require immediate attention and treatment. These symptoms include the sudden onset of a headache, very high blood pressure, age over 50, headaches during pregnancy, headaches that awaken from sleep, double vision, weakness in the hands and legs, or seizures.
Headache treatment involves either abortive or preventive measures. Abortive therapy consists of taking medication once symptoms arise, while preventive therapy entails taking a course of medication to prevent headaches from occurring. The choice of medication should be tailored to each patient, considering factors such as age, gender, associated symptoms, and any existing medical conditions.
When experiencing a headache, it is recommended to find a dark and quiet place, drink a tall glass of water, lie down, place a cold cloth on the forehead, take over-the-counter or prescribed headache medication as advised by a doctor, and attempt to rest or take a nap.
In certain situations, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention. These include experiencing a sudden and severe headache, a headache triggered by exercise, a headache lasting more than three days, the presence of fever, a stiff neck, seizures, neurological deficits, a headache following trauma, or headaches during pregnancy. These cases may require neuroimaging investigations to rule out serious underlying causes.
Dr Soniya Tambe, MD, DM(Neurology), Migraine Certification (Mayo clinic), Neurologist and Epileptologist, Kauvery Hospital, Electronic City, Bangalore.
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension: What To Know
When the mean blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries is over 70 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), someone has severe pulmonary hypertension. Without prompt medical intervention, it can lead to heart and lung dysfunction.
Individuals with pulmonary hypertension may notice shortness of breath, chest pain, intense fatigue, and severe dizziness. However, these symptoms could worsen when the disease progresses to severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving the outlook for someone with severe pulmonary hypertension.
This article discusses severe pulmonary hypertension, its causes, stages, and treatment options.
Doctors define pulmonary hypertension as an elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Typically, a doctor will diagnose pulmonary hypertension when a person's average systolic arterial pressure reaches 35 mmHg or higher. The systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
Other clinical symptoms may appear too.
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disorder. Without prompt intervention, it can gradually worsen and become severe.
Severe pulmonary hypertension occurs when the mean resting blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries is above 70 mmHg. Severe pulmonary hypertension is rare but may occur in people with chronic medical disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Learn more about COPD and high blood pressure.
Severe pulmonary hypertension has associations with increased vascular resistance, a condition that can result in right-sided heart failure. Reduced blood supply and the heart working harder are likely the reasons for the heart failure.
Consequently, individuals with severe pulmonary hypertension may present with any of the following symptoms:
Severe pulmonary hypertension is life threatening, so a person with these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.
Learn more about symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of PAH.
Several factors, such as genetics, environmental toxins, and underlying chronic conditions, can predispose someone to severe pulmonary hypertension.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies the causes of severe pulmonary hypertension into different groups, including:
Group 1: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)Causes include:
Group 2: Pulmonary hypertension due to left-sided cardiac diseaseCauses are:
Examples include:
Group 4: Pulmonary hypertension due to chronic blood clotsGroup 4 pulmonary hypertension can only occur as a result of a condition called chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Chronic blood clots in the lungs cause CTEPH.
Group 5: Pulmonary hypertension due to other health conditionsCauses include:
Learn more about the five classes of pulmonary hypertension.
Doctors typically diagnose pulmonary hypertension using a combination of clinical findings and laboratory investigations. During the medical history, the doctor will ask questions about the presenting symptoms and conduct a physical examination.
The doctor will typically perform a general and chest examination to identify signs of pulmonary hypertension.
Doctors will conduct the following laboratory tests to diagnose pulmonary hypertension:
Other supportive tests include:
Learn more about diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.
The treatment of severe pulmonary hypertension requires a combination of different types of treatments.
According to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, therapeutic interventions include:
Treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends on which WHO group the person falls into and the level of their pulmonary blood pressure. For example, someone in WHO Group 1 will undertake a different treatment course than someone from Group 2.
Learn more about treating pulmonary hypertension.
Below are some commonly asked questions about severe pulmonary hypertension:
What are the stages of pulmonary hypertension?The four stages of pulmonary hypertension are:
The life expectancy of severe pulmonary hypertension varies for each person. The following factors can have an impact on someone's life expectancy:
Generally, pulmonary hypertension is rare. However, severe pulmonary hypertension tends to be more prevalent in people with COPD.
Severe pulmonary hypertension is a clinical condition in which the resting blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries is above 70mmHg. Individuals with severe pulmonary hypertension may notice profound shortness of breath, cyanosis, chest pain, intense fatigue, and severe dizziness.
Genetic factors, chronic medical conditions, and exposure to environmental toxins are possible causes of severe pulmonary hypertension.
Cardiac catheterization and echocardiography are essential tests for diagnosing severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Severe pulmonary hypertension treatment includes pulmonary vasodilators, oxygen and ventilation support, and lung transplantation.
Learn more about hypertension in our dedicated hub.
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