Headaches are one of the most common complaints among adults worldwide, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life. They can be categorized into primary and secondary headaches based on their underlying cause.
Primary headaches occur independently, while secondary headaches result from other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or brain tumors.
Classification of Headaches
The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) provides a comprehensive classification system for headaches [1]. Primary headaches include:
- Tension-type headaches (TTH): Mild to moderate pain, often described as a tight band or dull ache around both sides of the head.
- Migraines: Moderate to severe throbbing pain typically felt on one side of the head, accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes an aura before headache onset.
- Cluster headaches: Intense, burning pain felt around one eye, occurring in cyclical patterns or clusters.
When to Seek Medical Help
While headaches are common, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, severe headache that feels different from usual
- Headache after a head injury or fall
- Changes in vision, speech, or weakness on one side of your body
- Stiff neck, fever, vomiting, or confusion along with the headache [6]
Managing Headaches & Migraines
Effective management of headaches and migraines involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and alternative therapies.
- Lifestyle changes:
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals regularly
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Identify and avoid known triggers such as certain foods, stress, or changes in routine [7]
- Medications:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Prescription migraine medications called triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan, rizatriptan) or ergots (Ergomar)
- For chronic migraines, preventive medications may be prescribed [4]
- Alternative therapies:
- Relaxation techniques and stress management strategies
- Biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, or physical therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Acupuncture or massage for some people with headaches
Keeping a Headache Diary
Tracking your headaches can help identify patterns and triggers, as well as monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Regularly recording headache frequency, severity, location, duration, accompanying symptoms, and medications used can provide valuable insights into your headache profile [5].
Prevalence & Triggers
Migraines affect approximately 1 in 7 people worldwide, with a higher prevalence among women (around 18%) than men (around 6%) [3]. Common migraine triggers include hormonal changes, stress, certain foods and drinks, changes in sleep patterns, physical exertion, sensory stimuli like loud noises or bright lights, and specific smells or odors [7].
