An End to Headache Pain

Too Good to Be True?

By Leslie Byrne

If you live with regular headache pain, please stop thinking that it is something you must simply endure. There is help! Knowing what type of headache you’re experiencing and what is causing your headache can lead you to successful treatment.

There are over 150 types of headaches, but they all fall into one of two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. A primary headache is its own condition and is not caused by a different medical condition. Common causes of primary headaches include stress, jaw or dental issues, diet, eye problems, medications, or hormonal changes. A secondary headache, on the other hand, is a symptom of another health issue. The list of causes of secondary headaches is long and includes things as different as dehydration and brain aneurysms. They can also be caused by sinus infections, blood clots, concussion, hangovers, high blood pressure, the flu, and meningitis.

Four common types of headaches include migraines, tension, hypnic, and cluster. Let’s take a look at each type.

A migraine is a primary headache, and a neurological disease, that causes a throbbing, pulsing headache, usually on one side of the head. The symptoms can become worse in response to physical activity, lights, sounds, and smells. About 12 percent of Americans get migraine headaches, which can range in severity. It is the sixth most disabling disease in the world.

Many who are prone to migraines describe the pain as drilling, throbbing, or like an icepick in the head. The pain often starts on one side of the head and then spreads to the other side. The average length of time that a migraine is present is eight to 73 hours. Some migraine sufferers experience what are called aura symptoms. These act like warning signals that a migraine headache is about to begin. Common symptoms of an aura include seeing flashing dots, sparkles, or lights; vision blind spots; seeing wavy or jagged lines; or experiencing changes in smell or taste.

The most common type of headache is a tension headache. It is often described as feeling like there is a tight band around the head. The symptoms include a dull, aching head pain, as well as tightness and tenderness on the scalp or in the neck and shoulder muscles.

A hypnic headache is a primary headache disorder. Its most unique feature is that it only occurs during sleep—the pain causes the sufferer to wake up. (It is also called the alarm clock headache.) It is most common in people over age 50. The pain can range from mild to severe and occurs on both sides of the head. Anyone with new or diagnosed hypnic headaches should be assessed by a doctor to ensure there is not an underlying secondary cause.

Cluster headaches occur in groups (clusters) and each attack lasts about one to three hours. They can occur multiple times a day. They can go into remission for weeks or even months before returning. Men are affected more often than women, and they generally begin around age 30.

To find out what type of headache you are experiencing, start with your primary care doctor. You may be referred to a headache specialist. If you suspect the pain is from a migraine, or you have a family history of migraines, your best bet is to see a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in the treatment of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles). Migraines can be treated with medication taken daily to prevent headaches or taken at the onset of a headache.New treatments include injections of monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-created proteins that act like natural antibodies. Botox can be administered every one to three months and has been found to help by blocking chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. It also decreases sensitivity to pain.

More holistic ways to treat headaches, including migraines, include magnesium, essential oils, or acupuncture. Discuss holistic treatments with a primary care doctor or neurologist to make sure that they won’t interact with pharmaceuticals or other treatments.

Doctors may suggest dietary changes, such as decreasing caffeine, chocolate, or other foods known to trigger a patient’s migraines. Making environmental changes can help, too. If you are highly sensitive to smell, such changes may include avoiding certain household cleaners, fragranced air fresheners, or perfumes. Exercise is also recommended to help alleviate or avoid headache pain.

Frequent headaches can range from frustrating to debilitating, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t try to treat them. Many patients find significant relief with treatment. Check with your primary care provider to see what treatment might be right for you.

Sources for this article included: mayoclinic.org, my.clevelandclinic.org, cedars-sinai.org, and americanmigrainefoundation. org.