DEL Articles

There are many classifications of headache, but all fit into three basic categories. The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary category. Primary headaches afflict millions every day, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem.

Although this isn’t life threatening, it can be a serious impediment to quality of life. Fixing these Headache Types can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches is usually possible with just over the counter medication.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated. Although not life threatening in itself, the pain associated with a cluster headache can drive patients to take unreasonable measures. Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in chronological groupings, and can be very hard to predict. This results in treatment that is difficult to apply, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided.

A cluster headache can disable an individual, so great is the pain. Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes. Patients may undergo a pain crisis when presented with a cluster headache. Treatment of this pain should be the immediate and overriding concern. Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.

Secondary headaches are the third and rarest form of headache types. As the name implies, a secondary headache results from another issue. Secondary headaches result from a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening. In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of Headache Types fall into the primary categorization. As many as 90% of primary headaches result from the “tension” variety of headache. A tension headache takes place when cranial muscles contract, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head. The pain can typically be felt around the temples and around the eyes. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.