Headaches are something nearly everybody struggles with at one time or another, but not all headaches are created equal. From a dull throb that seeps in after a long, stress-filled day to a quick, stabbing pain that appears out of thin air, knowing the various types of headaches—and what they could be complaining about—is a huge step towards taking care of yourself and making yourself feel better.
Physicians normally divide headaches into two broad categories: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are the type where the headache is the primary concern—nothing else in your body is generating it. Tension headaches and migraines are examples of this type. Secondary headaches are another matter. They occur as a result of another underlying condition, such as an infection, a blood vessel problem, or, in very rare instances, a brain tumor. Understanding the difference is crucial because some secondary headaches are indicative of something serious.
Tension headaches are the most prevalent. They typically feel like a band of pressure around your head. Stress, bad posture, and muscle strain are common causes. Fortunately, they’re often easily controlled with rest, relaxation, and over-the-counter medication.
Migraines, however, are far more severe. Migraines occur in approximately 12% of Americans and tend to be accompanied by throbbing headaches, most typically on one side of the head. In addition, migraines may produce sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, and even visual effects known as aura—flickering lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots that usually clear up within an hour.
Cluster headaches are less frequent but very painful. They tend to strike suddenly and are commonly focused on one eye. They may produce redness, tearing, and nasal stuffiness, and they tend to occur in cycles—daily bouts lasting several weeks or months followed by a remission. They’re more frequent in men and typically begin between the ages of 20 and 50.
Cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck, usually due to arthritis or an old injury. The pain may radiate from the neck to one side of the head and may be accompanied by a stiff neck, nausea, or double vision. Treatments may involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or even specific nerve treatments, depending on how severe it gets.
Some headaches are accompanied by warning signs that you should never ignore. If you suddenly experience the headache of your lifetime, it may be something dangerous, such as a ruptured aneurysm or intracranial bleeding, and you need to seek assistance right away. Some other warning signs are a headache accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness on one side of your body, vision disturbances, or one that worsens over time. These may indicate severe diseases such as stroke, vasculitis, or brain tumor.
Blurred vision with a headache might just be part of a migraine, but it can also signal something more serious, like low blood sugar, a stroke, a head injury, or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you’re dealing with a headache and also have sudden vision changes, trouble speaking, loss of balance, or ongoing vomiting, it’s best to get checked out right away.
Physicians determine what type of headache you have by speaking with you, performing a physical examination, and, in some cases, with imaging such as CT or MRI scans. The majority of headaches aren’t harmful and may be treated in the comfort of your home, but if you get a new type of headache after age 50, experience changes in how your headaches feel, or if they begin affecting your daily life, it’s worth an investigation. Sudden or intense headaches, particularly with neurological findings, must be investigated to exclude something serious.
There are special situations to watch out for, too, such as postpartum headache. 40% of individuals get headaches after giving birth, usually because of hormone changes, sleep deprivation, or overall stress. Most are harmless, but a bad headache that isn’t relieved by standard pain medication—particularly if accompanied by vision changes—may be indicative of postpartum preeclampsia, a rare but life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention.
Headaches exist in all sorts of varieties, and being able to recognize them can make all the difference. Being aware of your habits and triggers, and when to get help, is key to remaining healthy and keeping those headaches from taking over your life.