PRIMARY HEADACHES
A primary headache has a key cause and is not a symptom of an underlying condition.
Common examples are tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches
Tension headache
The most common primary headache, which is felt as a dull, scattered and mild-to-moderate pain
A tight sensation often occurs around the head, which may extend to or from the neck, lasting a few hours or several days
In some cases, it can be triggered by stress
It is usually diagnosed through the reported medical history, and sometimes entails a physical examination
Treatment includes over the counter and/or prescription pain medication or muscle relaxants
In some instances, stress management can be useful
Migraine
The second most common cause of a primary headache, which usually involves a pulsating or throbbing pain
It can affect one side of the head, or both
In some cases, it is associated with nausea and/or vomiting and blurred vision
Genetic and environmental factors may contribute
It is usually diagnosed by means of clinical signs and symptoms
Hormonal changes, bright lights and stress can be triggers
Treatment includes over the counter and/or prescription pain medication – such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Sometimes, anti-nausea medication may be indicated
Cluster headache
This comes on suddenly and occurs in clusters in weekly or monthly episodes, with pain-free periods in between
Severe pain is usually experienced around the eye, causing swelling and possibly drooping of the eyelid
It is mostly diagnosed through clinical signs and symptoms
Due to its speedy onset, it is usually treated with fast acting pain medication, specific injectables, and sometimes even with high-flow oxygen inhalation
Alcohol should be avoided during a cluster period as it can make the attack worse
Common examples are tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches
Tension headache
The most common primary headache, which is felt as a dull, scattered and mild-to-moderate pain
A tight sensation often occurs around the head, which may extend to or from the neck, lasting a few hours or several days
In some cases, it can be triggered by stress
It is usually diagnosed through the reported medical history, and sometimes entails a physical examination
Treatment includes over the counter and/or prescription pain medication or muscle relaxants
In some instances, stress management can be useful
Migraine
The second most common cause of a primary headache, which usually involves a pulsating or throbbing pain
It can affect one side of the head, or both
In some cases, it is associated with nausea and/or vomiting and blurred vision
Genetic and environmental factors may contribute
It is usually diagnosed by means of clinical signs and symptoms
Hormonal changes, bright lights and stress can be triggers
Treatment includes over the counter and/or prescription pain medication – such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Sometimes, anti-nausea medication may be indicated
Cluster headache
This comes on suddenly and occurs in clusters in weekly or monthly episodes, with pain-free periods in between
Severe pain is usually experienced around the eye, causing swelling and possibly drooping of the eyelid
It is mostly diagnosed through clinical signs and symptoms
Due to its speedy onset, it is usually treated with fast acting pain medication, specific injectables, and sometimes even with high-flow oxygen inhalation
Alcohol should be avoided during a cluster period as it can make the attack worse
