What are the common types of headaches. How can you identify dangerous headache symptoms. When should you seek immediate medical attention for a headache. What are some red flags that indicate a headache may be serious.

Common Types of Headaches

Headaches are a widespread health issue affecting people of all ages. While most headaches are not serious, it’s important to understand the different types and when they may signal a more severe problem.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type, characterized by a dull, aching sensation across the head. They’re often described as feeling like a tight band around the forehead.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. They can last for hours or even days.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches cause severe pain on one side of the head, often around the eye. They occur in cyclical patterns or clusters and can be extremely painful.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches result from inflamed sinuses and are characterized by pain in the front of the head and face.

Identifying Dangerous Headache Symptoms

While most headaches are not life-threatening, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

• Sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of my life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or neurological symptoms
• Headache following a head injury
• New or different headache patterns in people over 50
• Headaches that worsen with coughing, exertion, or sudden movements

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Certain headache situations warrant immediate medical care. Do you know when to go to the emergency room for a headache? Consider seeking immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden, severe headache that feels like a “thunderclap”
• Headache with loss of vision, weakness, or difficulty speaking
• Headache with a fever, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light
• Headache after a head injury, especially if it’s getting worse
• A new type of headache if you’re over 50 or have a history of cancer

Underlying Causes of Severe Headaches

Severe headaches can sometimes be a symptom of underlying health conditions. These may include:

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that can leak or rupture, causing a severe headache. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Meningitis

Meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, can cause severe headaches along with fever and neck stiffness.

Brain Tumor

While rare, brain tumors can cause persistent or worsening headaches, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

Temporal Arteritis

This condition involves inflammation of the temporal arteries and can cause severe headaches, particularly in older adults.

Diagnosing Serious Headaches

When a headache is suspected to be serious, healthcare providers may use various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause.

Neurological Examination

A thorough neurological exam can help identify any nervous system abnormalities that might be causing the headache.

Imaging Tests

CT scans or MRIs may be used to visualize the brain and detect any abnormalities such as tumors, bleeding, or structural issues.

Lumbar Puncture

Also known as a spinal tap, this procedure can help diagnose conditions like meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Treatment Options for Severe Headaches

The treatment for severe headaches depends on the underlying cause. However, some general approaches include:

Medication

Depending on the diagnosis, medications may include pain relievers, triptans for migraines, or drugs to address the underlying condition.

Surgical Intervention

In cases of brain aneurysms or certain tumors, surgical procedures may be necessary to address the root cause of the headache.

Lifestyle Modifications

For some types of headaches, lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, improved sleep habits, or dietary changes may be recommended.

Preventing Serious Headaches

While not all serious headaches can be prevented, certain steps can help reduce their frequency or severity:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Get regular check-ups, especially if you have a history of headaches
• Avoid known triggers, such as certain foods or environmental factors
• Stay hydrated and maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Long-term Management of Chronic Headaches

For individuals suffering from chronic headaches, long-term management strategies are crucial. These may include:

Medication Management

Working with a healthcare provider to find the right balance of preventive and acute medications can help manage chronic headaches effectively.

Alternative Therapies

Some people find relief through alternative treatments such as acupuncture, biofeedback, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making long-term lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet, can significantly impact headache frequency and severity.

Regular Monitoring

Keeping a headache diary and having regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help track progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Understanding headaches and their potential seriousness is crucial for maintaining overall health. While most headaches are not life-threatening, being aware of warning signs and knowing when to seek medical attention can make a significant difference in outcomes for those rare but serious cases. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about the severity of your headache, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

danger signs: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck.

Common types of headaches include tension headaches, migraine or cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and headaches that begin in your neck. You may have a mild headache with a cold, the flu, or other viral illnesses when you also have a low fever.

Some headaches are a sign of a more serious problem and need medical attention right away.

Problems with blood vessels and bleeding in the brain can cause a headache. These problems include:

• Abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain that usually forms before birth. This problem is called an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM.
• Blood flow to part of the brain stops. This is called a stroke.
• Weakening of the wall of a blood vessel that can break open and bleed into the brain. This is known as a brain aneurysm.
• Bleeding in the brain. This is called an intracerebral hematoma.
• Bleeding around the brain. This can be a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a subdural hematoma, or an epidural hematoma.
• Clots in the veins prevent blood flow from leaving the brain (sinus thrombosis).

Other causes of headaches that should be checked by a health care provider right away include:

• Acute hydrocephalus, which results from an interruption of cerebrospinal fluid flow.
• Blood pressure that is very high.
• Brain tumor.
• Brain swelling (brain edema) from altitude sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, or acute brain injury.
• Buildup of pressure inside the skull that appears to be, but is not, a tumor (pseudotumor cerebri).
• Infection in the brain or the tissue that surrounds the brain, as well as a brain abscess.
• Swollen, inflamed artery that supplies blood to part of the head, temple, and neck area (temporal arteritis).

If you cannot see your provider right away, go to the emergency room or call 911 (or the local emergency number) if:

• This is the first severe headache you have ever had in your life and it interferes with your daily activities.
• You develop a headache right after activities such as weightlifting, aerobics, jogging, or sex.
• Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent.
• Your headache is “the worst ever,” even if you regularly get headaches.
• You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache.
• Your headache gets worse over 24 hours.
• You also have fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting with your headache.
• Your headache occurs with a head injury.
• Your headache is severe and just in one eye, with redness in that eye.
• You just started getting headaches, especially if you are older than 50.
• You have headaches along with vision problems and pain while chewing, or weight loss.
• You have a history of cancer and develop a new headache.
• Your immune system is weakened by disease (such as HIV infection) or by medicines (such as chemotherapy drugs and steroids).

See your provider soon if:

• Your headaches wake you up from sleep, or your headaches make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
• A headache lasts more than a few days.
• Headaches are worse in the morning.
• You have a history of headaches but they have changed in pattern or intensity.
• You have headaches often and there is no known cause.

Migraine headache – danger signs; Tension headache – danger signs; Cluster headache – danger signs; Vascular headache – danger signs

• Headache
• Tension-type headache
• CT scan of the brain
• Migraine headache

Digre KB. Headaches and other head pain. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 370.

Garza I, Robertson CE, Smith JH, Whealy MA. Headache and other craniofacial pain. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 102.

Russi CS, Walker L. Headache. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 17.

Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Common Types of Headaches & When to See a Doctor

CS-Blog

Cedars-Sinai Blog

Feb 08, 2018
Cedars-Sinai Staff

Headaches can be a real pain. Almost everybody gets them at some point, making them one of the most common health complaints. While all headaches are associated with pain or discomfort in the head or face, there are more than 100 different kinds, with varying symptoms and intensity.

Some will require medical attention, and others can be treated with over-the-counter medication or home remedies. Some—known as secondary headaches—are caused by underlying medical conditions, while others stand alone as the main medical problem; those are called primary headaches.

“If your headaches are increasing in frequency or severity, or are interfering with your usual activities, see a doctor”

The most common types of headaches that cause people to seek medical care are primary headaches—tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are thought to play a role, as are genetics and environment. Symptoms usually include moderate pain on or around both sides of the head, and/or pain in the back of the head and neck. Tension headaches build slowly and are not usually associated with nausea or vomiting. They can be chronic, occurring often or even every day.

Tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers if they occur only occasionally, but a chronic condition may require prescription medication. Your doctor may suggest a tricyclic antidepressant or muscle relaxant, along with good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, or relaxation techniques such as massage or yoga.

Migraines

Migraine headaches often involve intense, throbbing pain that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, light sensitivity, and loss of appetite. Women make up 75% of migraine sufferers, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Migraines can last several days and run in families, indicating a possible genetic cause. They may also be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Treatment depends on frequency and severity. Your doctor may prescribe a so-called rescue medication, to be taken for immediate relief, and/or a preventative drug to help avoid future migraines.

“Most migraines are mild and infrequent and can be managed on their own with over-the-counter medication,” says Dr. Ronald Andiman, neurologist and director of the Cedars-Sinai Headache Clinic. “If they become debilitating, that’s when they require medical attention.”

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are characterized by sudden-onset severe pain, generally behind one eye. They are the most severe type of headache, but are less common than tension headaches and migraines. Cluster headaches tend to occur in groups, sometimes daily or multiple times a day. They last 1-3 hours and pain recurs in the same way each time.

Cluster headaches can be brought on by alcohol or tobacco use, bright light, heat, and foods that contain nitrates, such as lunch meat or bacon. While there is no known cure, your doctor can recommend ways to mitigate the pain.

Options may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking; oxygen treatment; Verapamil, a medication that relaxes blood vessels; or Prednisone, a steroid medication to reduce inflammation and swelling.

When to see a doctor

If you have any type of headaches consistently, it’s important to speak with your primary care physician so they can help create a treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.

“If your headaches are increasing in frequency or severity, or are interfering with your usual activities, see a doctor,” says Dr. Andiman.

Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing the worst headache you’ve ever had, lose vision or consciousness, have uncontrollable vomiting, or if your headache lasts more than 72 hours with less than 4 hours pain-free.

Read: Should I go to Urgent Care or the ER?

Headache: Why does the head hurt

Perhaps there is no person who has not experienced a headache at least once in his life. It happens to both a child and an old man, regardless of gender, income level or geographical area. Why does headache happen and how to treat it?

What is a headache

Headache is a condition that is characterized by a disturbance in the daily life of a person that occurs against the background of such types of primary headache, such as migraine, tension headache and cluster headache. It may have other causes or a consequence of other causes, for example, in connection with the intake of excessive amounts of medication or pregnancy. This is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system.

People suffering from chronic headaches note both a deterioration in their well-being and a decrease in the quality of life, as well as material losses associated with this. In addition to pain, people may also feel anxiety about their condition, anticipation of new attacks. Frequent pain negatively affects relationships with loved ones and colleagues, hinders personal growth.

Persistent headaches can trigger other illnesses. Headache can occur on its own, in other cases it is supplemented by other symptoms of poor health.

Headache can occasionally occur in perfectly healthy people.

Causes of pain in the head

Sources of pain in the head can be:

• Sleep disorder;
• Infectious diseases;
• Past brain diseases;
• Tumors of the brain;
• Blood pressure fluctuations;
• Chronic stress;
• Hormonal disorders;
• Sun or heat stroke;
• Hypothermia;
• Sensitivity to changing weather conditions;
• Excessive exercise;
• Influence of smoking or alcohol abuse.

In addition, a headache can be provoked by pathologies of the spine (such as scoliosis, kyphosis), insufficient saturation of the brain with oxygen. Often it is pain in the head that is their first sign. In order to establish a diagnosis, the doctor, first of all, needs to determine the place where the headache is localized, as well as how long it lasts, how often it recurs, as well as all the symptoms that accompany it. After the research, he will be able to prescribe a course of treatment.

In children, the most common causes of headaches are injuries, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders.

Types of headache

One of the most famous types of headache is migraine .

• Refers to the type of primary pain.
• Most often, it first happens during puberty, but it is most painful for people aged 35 to 45 years.
• Migraines are more common in women than in men. The reason for this is hormones.
• The cause of migraine is the triggering of a mechanism in the deep parts of the brain, which provokes the release of inflammatory substances around the blood vessels of the head, which provokes pain.
• Place of localization – in the temporal-fronto-orbital region.

Migraine is characterized by recurring attacks throughout life. They can be described by the following symptoms:

• Throbbing severe pain;
• Condition worsens with exercise, pain intensity increases;
• The duration of an attack can be from several hours to several days;
• Pain may be accompanied by nausea;
• Frequency from once a week to once a year.

The most common primary pain is tension headache (THT). May be triggered by physical, psychological, environmental factors.

• First occurs during puberty, it is more typical for women than for men. The reason is the same as with migraine.
• The cause of HDN is stress or disorders in the spinal and cervical spine.
• This pain lasts from 2 hours to 2 days.
• Tension-type headache is characterized by constant pressing pain, described as a tight hoop on the head, most noticeable in the region of the forehead and occiput. The pain begins in the neck, then the pain spreads to the head.
• The person becomes very sensitive to noise and light.
• Accompanied by distraction and sleep disorders.

Another common type is cluster headache (CGB).

• It is extremely rare, and it affects mostly men.
• Occurs after the age of 20, most often people complain about it after 30 years.
• KGB is characterized by repeated intense attacks of pain on one side of the head, which quickly pass. In addition to a headache, they are accompanied by redness of the eyes, tearing, runny nose, general malaise, anxiety.

Headache caused by drug overuse (GBL).

• The cause of such pain is prolonged uncontrolled use of drugs.
• More typical for women than for men.
• GBL is characterized by pressing pain, which peaks in the first half of the day.
• When establishing a regimen for taking drugs, monitoring the patient’s condition by a doctor, such pain quickly disappears.

Headache symptoms

Depending on the type of headache, it can be:

• One-sided, throbbing, in the temple or eye area, may be accompanied by nausea, general weakness, numbness of the extremities. This pain is typical of a migraine.
• Moderate pressing pain in temples or occiput after exercise or nervous strain. This is characteristic of a tension headache.
• Unbearable pain in the temple or eye on one side. It doesn’t go away without medical help. This is a description of cluster pain.
• Pain in the head that came on suddenly, so severe that a person can hardly endure it, accompanying impaired coordination of movements and speech, may indicate a cerebral hemorrhage, stroke.
• If fever, pain in the neck, photophobia are observed simultaneously with headache, then such symptoms indicate meningitis.

First aid for acute headache

In case of any discomfort in the head area, and, moreover, severe sharp pain, you need to lie on your back, if this is not possible, then sit down and relax. It is important that a person has a sufficient amount of fresh air, so it is worth opening the windows to ensure ventilation. The head must be freed from the cap, the hair should be loosened if the hair is tight on the head.

A cold compress can be applied to the head for 3-5 minutes.

If the headache is associated with overload at work, prolonged work at the computer, then it is enough to alternate work and rest to solve the problem of pain.

It is important to eliminate the source of bright light: wear sunglasses outdoors, turn off the TV indoors, dim the lights.

A warm shower can also help with headaches. But a contrast shower is contraindicated for headaches, as it can provoke vasospasm.

The sleep pattern also has a positive effect on the prevention of headaches: you need to sleep at least 7-8 hours, go to bed at the same time. Before going to bed, it is advisable to take a walk in the fresh air, the room in which you will sleep should be well ventilated.

A sufficient amount of pure water helps to cope with a mild headache, while coffee, strong tea can only increase it.

What not to do when your head hurts

If you have a headache, even the most severe one, there is no need to panic.

Do not self-medicate, even if the drugs have been recommended to you by friends who have benefited from them or you have seen them advertised on TV. Only a doctor can recommend a truly effective drug based on your clinical picture. Even if the drugs are prescribed by a doctor, they should not be abused and deviated from the prescribed regimen.

Do not take a hot bath, this can lead to an increase in headache.

Do not take alcoholic beverages – they do not help with headaches, but only serve as a catalyst for increasing its intensity.

When to call a doctor

• If your head hurts more than once a week;
• You have to increase the dose of your medication to relieve your headache;
• Pain intensifies, its location changes;
• Discomfort in the head is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, general weakness, vomiting, impaired coordination of movements;
• If you strictly adhere to the recommendations prescribed by a specialist, and the pain does not go away;
• Headache that first occurred after age 50;
• Pressure surges and pain associated with them;
• You suspect or know for sure that you are pregnant.

During pregnancy, a headache can be very disturbing for the expectant mother. Its cause is a change in hormonal levels, an increase in blood volume in the body. During this period, you should avoid taking any medications that are not agreed with your doctor. This can harm not only the pregnant woman, but also her baby. Therefore, with any discomfort, including a headache, it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

When to call for emergency medical assistance

• Pain that increases when you try to move, cough, turn your head – may be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure, swelling.
• Pain that appeared after a blow to the head, injury.
• Sudden onset of intense pain that has not happened before.
• Headache due to high temperature, which does not go astray, as well as intolerance to bright light and loud noise.
• Nausea, flickering before the eyes with throbbing pain in the temples.
• Numbness of the extremities, decreased sensitivity against the background of pain in the head.
• Confusion of speech and thinking, impaired coordination of movements with complaints of headache.
• Headache occurs simultaneously with pain in the region of the heart.

There are a lot of reasons that provoke pain in the head. If you consult a doctor in time, undergo a comprehensive examination, adhere to all prescriptions, you can avoid repeated attacks or minimize them.

A correct sleep pattern, alternation of work and rest, moderate physical activity, walks in the fresh air, proper nutrition will help to avoid headaches.

Author of the article:

Why does a child have a headache

Contents:

• Causes of headaches in children

• Causes of headaches in babies

• The head can hurt in different ways. How to find out the reason depending on the complaints

• Situations when you need to be especially careful

• When to call an ambulance

Headache in children is one of the most common complaints when visiting a pediatrician. If it is not so common among preschoolers, then by the age of 12-15, more than half of children and adolescents periodically experience headaches. In some cases, parents recall that long before the start of attending kindergarten, the child periodically became restless and held his head with his hands.

Causes of headaches in children

Doctors divide headaches into primary and secondary . Primary are independent diseases. In childhood, it is mainly migraine and tension headache. With secondary (cephalgia) – this is only one of the symptoms of another disease. More than 150 diseases are known, which are accompanied by complaints of headache.

The basis of the causes of headache is always a violation of the blood supply to the brain. But why this happens – there can be quite a few answers to this question. For example:

• Imperfection of the vegetative system of the body,
• Incipient colds (prodrome),
• Presence of any serious disease: kidney disease, endocrine disorder, anemia, rheumatism and others;
• Toothache causing headache;
• Sequelae of head injury;
• Excessive nervous tension associated with stress, long hours of work, conflict, serious feelings, etc.
• Influence of the external environment: prolonged stay in a stuffy room, increased solar radiation, prolonged exposure to the sun, etc.

Headaches can occur as a reaction to changes in the environment or in the body (reactive), unhealthy lifestyle: when a child has too little or too much sleep, spends too much time in front of a computer or TV screen, is not physically active, eats improperly. After the initial examination of the patient with complaints of headaches, the pediatrician will refer you for the necessary consultations and examinations, depending on the identified violations. In most cases, children with complaints of headaches are observed and registered with a neurologist.

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Causes of headaches in infants

Infants have headaches due to the process of adaptation to environmental conditions, to the new world. The child’s cranium is still tender and elastic, so adaptation processes can provoke changes in intracranial pressure. Intracranial pressure especially increases if the baby has hydrocephalic syndrome.

The head can hurt in different ways. How to find out the reason depending on complaints

Pain in the back of the head. If a child, complaining of a headache, points to the crown and back of the head – most often, we are dealing with a tension headache. It usually occurs in the afternoon, associated with posture, when the child is already quite tired: he spent a lot of time sitting during the day. Approximately one third of visits to the doctor with a complaint of headache are for this type of pain.

Tension headache is associated with overload of the neck muscles. Invite the child to stretch his neck and shoulders, do a calm exercise, lie down on the floor to relieve tension from his back and neck.

Pain in the temples. Pain in the temporal region often indicates an autonomic disorder. Here it is worth looking for an individual method, but most often either resting in a well-ventilated room or a short walk helps.

Sore forehead and crown. This is usually pain in the first half of the day and may be caused by increased intracranial pressure. If such pain is repeated systematically, you should consult a pediatrician, ENT doctor and undergo additional examinations.

Half of the head hurts . It seems to be a manifestation of migraine: unfortunately, it can start at an early age. This is a sharp pain that occurs suddenly, at any time of the night, and intensifies within 10-15 minutes from mild to almost unbearable. In this case, the most important thing is to stop the attack as soon as possible. If the child has had migraines before, it is better to give him a painkiller as soon as he begins to complain of increasing pain.

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Situations when you need to be especially careful

The most alarming symptoms of a headache are nausea, vomiting, photophobia, hyperocusia (when sounds are annoying), increased excitability or lethargy .