What are the various types of headaches and their locations. How can you identify different headaches based on their symptoms and patterns. What are the most effective treatments for specific headache types.

The Complexity of Headache Diagnosis: Beyond Location

Many people turn to the internet when experiencing headaches, searching for terms related to specific locations such as “temple headache,” “headache behind eye,” or “headache on top of head.” However, it’s crucial to understand that headache diagnosis is not solely based on location. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD3) emphasizes the importance of considering various factors when diagnosing headaches.

Why is location alone insufficient for diagnosis? Headaches are complex neurological phenomena that can manifest in various ways. A single type of headache, such as migraine, can present with pain in different areas of the head across patients or even within the same individual during different episodes. This variability makes it challenging to rely solely on location for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Key Factors in Headache Diagnosis

• Pain characteristics (e.g., throbbing, sharp, dull)
• Associated symptoms (nausea, sensitivity to light or sound)
• Pain intensity and duration
• Frequency and patterns of occurrence
• Triggers and alleviating factors

By considering these factors collectively, healthcare professionals can more accurately identify the specific type of headache and recommend appropriate treatments.

Common Headache Types and Their Characteristics

While location alone doesn’t determine the type of headache, understanding common headache types and their typical presentations can be helpful. Here are some of the most frequently encountered headache types:

Migraine

Migraines are often characterized by:

• Moderate to severe pain intensity
• Throbbing or pulsating sensation
• Unilateral (one-sided) pain, though can be bilateral
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
• Worsening with physical activity

Can migraine pain occur in different locations? Yes, migraine pain can vary widely in location, affecting the front, side, or back of the head. Some people even experience pain behind the eyes or in the face.

Tension-Type Headache

Tension-type headaches typically present with:

• Mild to moderate pain intensity
• Bilateral (both sides) pain
• Pressing or tightening sensation (non-pulsating)
• No significant worsening with routine physical activity
• Absence of nausea (mild nausea may occur)
• No more than one of photophobia or phonophobia

Where do tension-type headaches commonly occur? These headaches often affect the forehead, temples, or back of the head, sometimes described as a “band-like” pressure.

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are characterized by:

• Severe, unilateral pain (often around or behind one eye)
• Short duration (15-180 minutes if untreated)
• Occurrence in clusters or cycles
• Autonomic symptoms on the affected side (e.g., red eye, nasal congestion, eyelid swelling)
• Restlessness or agitation during attacks

Why are cluster headaches considered one of the most painful headache types? The intensity of pain and the associated autonomic symptoms make cluster headaches particularly distressing for sufferers.

The Importance of Comprehensive Symptom Assessment

Given the complexity of headache diagnosis, it’s essential to consider all symptoms and patterns associated with your headaches. This comprehensive approach helps in several ways:

1. Accurate diagnosis: By considering all factors, healthcare providers can more precisely identify the type of headache you’re experiencing.
2. Appropriate treatment selection: Different headache types often require different treatment approaches. An accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the most effective treatment.
3. Identification of potential underlying causes: Some headaches may be secondary to other medical conditions. A thorough assessment can help identify these underlying issues.
4. Personalized management strategies: Understanding your specific headache patterns and triggers can lead to more tailored prevention and management strategies.

How can you keep track of your headache symptoms effectively? Consider using a headache diary or a specialized app to record details about each episode, including location, intensity, associated symptoms, and potential triggers.

Navigating Treatment Options for Different Headache Types

Once a headache type has been identified, treatment can be tailored accordingly. Here’s an overview of treatment approaches for common headache types:

Migraine Treatment

Migraine treatment typically involves a combination of acute and preventive strategies:

• Acute treatments: Triptans, NSAIDs, anti-nausea medications
• Preventive treatments: Beta-blockers, anti-epileptic drugs, CGRP antagonists
• Non-pharmacological approaches: Lifestyle modifications, stress management, trigger avoidance

What are some of the newest treatments available for migraine? Recent innovations include CGRP antagonists, both as preventive medications and acute treatments, as well as neuromodulation devices for both acute and preventive therapy.

Tension-Type Headache Treatment

Treatment for tension-type headaches may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Stress management techniques
• Physical therapy or massage
• Preventive medications in chronic cases (e.g., amitriptyline)

Why is it important to limit the use of over-the-counter pain relievers for tension-type headaches? Overuse of these medications can lead to medication overuse headaches, potentially worsening the overall headache burden.

Cluster Headache Treatment

Cluster headache treatment focuses on both acute relief and prevention:

• Acute treatments: High-flow oxygen therapy, triptans, intranasal lidocaine
• Preventive treatments: Verapamil, lithium, corticosteroids (for short-term prevention)
• Neuromodulation: Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation

Why is oxygen therapy considered a first-line treatment for cluster headaches? Oxygen therapy can provide rapid relief for many cluster headache sufferers without the side effects associated with pharmacological treatments.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Headache Management

While medication plays a crucial role in headache management, lifestyle factors can significantly impact headache frequency and severity. Consider the following aspects:

Sleep Hygiene

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate sleep quality can help reduce headache frequency. Poor sleep is a common trigger for various headache types, particularly migraines.

How can you improve your sleep hygiene? Try these strategies:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed
• Ensure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool

Stress Management

Stress is a well-known trigger for many headache types. Implementing effective stress management techniques can help reduce headache frequency and intensity.

What are some effective stress management techniques for headache sufferers?

• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Regular exercise
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Time management and prioritization strategies

Diet and Hydration

Dietary factors can play a significant role in headache occurrence, particularly for migraine sufferers. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for all headache types.

How can dietary modifications help manage headaches?

• Identify and avoid personal food triggers
• Maintain regular meal times to avoid blood sugar fluctuations
• Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day
• Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger headaches in some individuals

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches

While many headaches can be managed at home or with the help of a primary care physician, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Be aware of the following red flags:

• Sudden, severe headache often described as the “worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or neurological symptoms
• New onset of headaches after age 50
• Headaches that worsen with lying down or coughing
• Persistent changes in headache patterns or characteristics

Why is it crucial to seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms? These signs may indicate serious underlying conditions, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, or intracranial pressure abnormalities, which require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Innovative Approaches in Headache Diagnosis and Treatment

The field of headache medicine is continuously evolving, with new diagnostic tools and treatment options emerging. Some recent advancements include:

Advanced Imaging Techniques

While not necessary for most headache diagnoses, advanced neuroimaging can help in complex cases or when secondary causes are suspected.

What are some cutting-edge imaging techniques used in headache diagnosis?

• Functional MRI (fMRI) to study brain activity during headaches
• PET scans to investigate metabolic changes associated with certain headache types
• Advanced MRI sequences to detect subtle structural abnormalities

Neuromodulation Devices

Non-invasive neuromodulation devices offer new treatment options for various headache types, particularly for patients who don’t respond well to traditional medications.

What are some examples of neuromodulation devices used in headache treatment?

• Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) for migraine
• External trigeminal nerve stimulation devices
• Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation
• Remote electrical neuromodulation devices

Precision Medicine Approaches

The future of headache treatment lies in personalized approaches that consider individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

How might precision medicine improve headache treatment in the future?

• Genetic testing to predict medication responsiveness
• Biomarker analysis to guide treatment selection
• Personalized trigger identification through advanced data analysis
• Tailored combination therapies based on individual patient profiles

The Importance of Patient Education and Self-Advocacy

Given the complexity of headache disorders and the potential impact on quality of life, patient education and self-advocacy play crucial roles in effective management.

Understanding Your Headache Type

Take an active role in understanding your specific headache diagnosis. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your treatment and lifestyle choices.

How can you become more informed about your headache condition?

• Ask your healthcare provider detailed questions about your diagnosis
• Utilize reputable online resources from organizations like the American Headache Society or the National Headache Foundation
• Consider joining support groups or patient advocacy organizations
• Stay updated on the latest research and treatment options

Communicating Effectively with Healthcare Providers

Clear communication with your healthcare team is essential for optimal headache management.

What strategies can help improve communication with your healthcare provider?

• Keep a detailed headache diary to share with your doctor
• Prepare a list of questions before each appointment
• Be honest about medication use and compliance
• Discuss the impact of headaches on your daily life and quality of life
• Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns aren’t being adequately addressed

In conclusion, understanding headache locations and their meanings is just the beginning of effectively managing headache disorders. By considering the full spectrum of symptoms, patterns, and associated factors, patients and healthcare providers can work together to develop comprehensive, personalized treatment strategies. As research continues to advance our understanding of headache disorders, new diagnostic tools and treatment options offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for headache sufferers worldwide.

Types of Headaches & Headache Location Chart

I can picture it now. You’re sitting there late at night breaking out into a cold sweat, heart racing, convincing yourself a brain tumor is the cause of your headache as you are Googling a variety of terms for your headache location meaning such as…

temple headache, headache behind eye, headache behind eyes, headache on top of head, headache in the temples, headache back of head, headache in front of head, headache on one side, front of head headache, headache on right side, headache on left side, headache in temple, headache forehead, pain behind eye, headache behind the eyes, headache and nausea, pain behind eyes, headache on left side of head, headache on right side of head, headache in back of head,

front head headache, headache temple, headache at the front of head, stomach upset, left side headache, right side headache, headache behind right eye, temples headache, headache behind left eye, nausea and headache, pain in head, sharp pain in head, neck pain and headache, constant headache, head pressure, ice-pick headache, headache front, pressure headache, sex headache, exertion headache, cough headache, right temple headache, left temple headache,

throbbing headache, headache meaning location, frontal headache, types of headaches diagram, headache types chart, pounding headache, headache locations chart, headaches in eyes, pain top of head, headache above left eye, headache map, headache above right eye, etc…

Ok, I think you get the point. Sound familiar? Now that you’ve earned your honorary Doctor Google degree, let me help provide some direction for your headache self-research to determine types of headaches and location, areas of headaches, and headache location meaning.

But let me tell you a BIG secret…

Headaches are not diagnosed based only on their location. They are diagnosed by the “company they keep”. In other words, the characteristics, patterns, and associated symptoms that go with the headache are the most important pieces of information to narrow down the most likely headache types. Headache location by itself without any other information is actually quite useless.

The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD3) classifies every headache type according to the headache and all of the associated features. Each headache type must match a specific set of characteristics and associated symptoms set forth in the criteria. Headache location is only one of many features taken into account.

By combining the headache location with associated symptoms, patterns, and characteristics of the pain, it can then be more accurately narrowed down. This makes choosing the correct treatment more accurate and effective. This is absolutely key.

The end result is that you are on a more effective path to improvement rather than throwing “headache” pills randomly at a headache that hasn’t given a specific name. Thus, the treatment being used may not be the treatment that your specific type of headache needs (and sometimes it can even make it worse). I see this scenario in my headache clinic every day given the shortage of headache specialists. This is why I created a FREE headache and facial pain symptom checker.

Let’s take migraine as just one example. Migraine can vary widely in its location between patients and between attacks within the same patient. Any one of those Googled headache location terms listed at the top could potentially represent migraine. Those locations could also represent many other specific types of headaches as well. Many of those other headache types would require a different type of treatment or evaluation than migraine would.

The headache location doesn’t fully match with migraine until you combine it with the required criteria of associated symptoms that make the migraine diagnosis. These other symptoms include things such as nausea, sensitivity to light (photophobia), sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), throbbing or pounding pain, moderate to severe pain intensity, worsening with exercise, one sided predominance, and of course ruling out other more concerning “secondary” causes of the headaches.

So clearly, Googling the headache location alone doesn’t help you figure out the cause or type of the headache at all, nor the most effective treatment. The bottom line is that location of pain alone doesn’t narrow down the type of headache or facial pain that you have. The associated symptoms and patterns that go with the headache are the keys to deciphering between the possible headache types.

Thus, I created a FREE headache and facial pain symptom checker. The purpose is to help and provide you with more personalized self-research with a list of possible headache types. This list can be discussed with your doctor. My hope is to help you and your doctor have a more useful discussion of possible headache types to think about, as well as better treatment considerations.

Remember, any type of headache and facial pain requires an office visit and physical examination with your doctor. There is no way around this requirement. This symptom checker tool is purely educational to provoke thinking of a variety of headache possibilities. However, bad causes of headache can present as mild and simple headache disorders such as migraine. So, a visit to your doctor to evaluate your headache is a mandatory step that you must do.

When you are trying to narrow down the type of headache or facial pain you may have, the following characteristics and symptoms must be taken into consideration. These are the key questions a headache specialist will ask you in the office. Go through the following list of headache features and symptoms, think about each one, and write down your responses.

If you have different types of headaches, it is important to focus on and think about only one type at a time (even though they are typically different manifestations of the same underlying headache disorder).

1) Location of pain.

As mentioned above, pain location is only one of many important characteristics of a headache disorder. Without factoring in the associated symptoms, patterns, and characteristics, it is quite useless alone. I have broken down 8 general patterns of headache and facial pain locations to choose from. Go through the following headache location charts and pick the one that is most consistent with your headache or facial pain location.

These are screenshots from the first step of the headache and facial pain symptom checker tool. There may be some variation to your attacks and the location may vary between different attacks, so pick the one which summarizes the areas involved most commonly for the particular type of headache you are analyzing.

Forehead, Cheek, Temporal (not variable)

• The headache is 100% always on 1 side only.
• It never alternates between 1 side and the other side.
• It never involves both sides of the head at the same time.

Forehead, Cheek, Temporal (variable)

• The headache is variable in location.
• It may alternate between 1 side or the other side of the head at different times.
• It may commonly occur more often on 1 side or the other, however, it is not 100% always on the same side.
• It may sometimes involve both sides of the head at the same time as well.

Chin

• Beneath the angle of the lower jaw, back of the throat or tonsils, back/base of the tongue, inside ear, or deep in the ear.

Parietal-Occipital (not variable)

• The headache is 100% always on 1 side ONLY.
• It NEVER alternates between 1 side and the other side.
• It NEVER involves both sides of the head at the same time.

Parietal-Occipital (variable)

• The headache is variable in location.
• It may alternate between 1 side or the other side at different times.
• It may commonly occur more often on 1 side or the other. However, it is not 100% always on the same side.
• It may sometimes involve both sides of the head at the same time as well.

Whole Side of Head (not variable) (Forehead, Cheek, Temporo-Parietal-Occipital)

• The headache is 100% always on 1 side only.
• It never alternates between 1 side and the other side.
• It never involves both sides of the head at the same time.

Whole Side of Head (variable) ((Forehead, Cheek, Temporo-Parietal-Occipital)

• The headache is variable in location.
• It may alternate between 1 side or the other side at different times.
• It may commonly occur more often on 1 side or the other. However, it is not always on the same side. 
• It may sometimes involve both sides of the head at the same time as well.

Whole Head (not variable) (Forehead, Cheek, Temporo-Parietal-Occipital On Both Sides At the Same Time) 

• The headache is never on 1 side only. It always involves the whole head on both sides at the same time. 

2) Frequency of the headache or facial pain attacks.

How often do the attacks of headache of facial pain occur? Once per day and several days per month, 8 different attacks per day, etc.? Is there a pattern to the attacks, such as a seasonal occurrence?

3) Duration of the headache or facial pain attacks.

When you get an attack of headache or facial pain, how long does each individual attack last until it goes away completely if it is untreated or unsuccessfully treated? 30 minutes, greater than 4 hours, 15 minutes, several days, etc.?

4)Description and characterization of the headache or facial pain.

How would you describe the pain of the headache or facial pain if you had to put it into words? Throbbing, pounding, pulsating, achy, excruciating, pressure, electrical, shock, burning, sharp, stabbing, ice pick stabbing, etc.?

5) Associated neurological symptoms.

Is the headache associated with visual disturbances such as lost vision, flashing lights, shapes, zig-zags, colors, wavy lines, kaleidoscope, jagged edges, etc.? Is there numbness or tingling in an area of the body associated with a headache attack such as on one side of the face and body? Is there weakness on one side of the body with the headache? Are there problems speaking or getting words out with a headache attack?

6) Additional symptoms.

Is your stomach upset or do you feel nauseated or sick to your stomach with a headache attack? Do you vomit? Do you feel sensitive to bright light and/or loud sound when the headache is at its worst (where you would prefer to be in a dark quiet area if you had the chance)?

Does an eye turn red or tear excessively during a headache attack? Does your nose run or get congested on one side during a headache attack? Does your eyelid droop on one side or does it get puffy around an eye on one side with a headache attack?

When you are done going through and thinking about all of these headache characteristics, patterns, and associated symptoms, take a run through this FREE headache and facial pain symptom checker. This will give you a list of possible headache types to consider, and treatments to discuss with your doctor. From that list, you will be directed to the most common and effective treatments for you and your doctor to consider together. These vary widely depending on the specific type of headache.

For example, for migraine there are a wide variety of effective treatments for aborting (taking something “as needed” to stop) a migraine attack including triptans, gepants (Ubrelvy, Nurtec), ditans (Reyvow), and neuromodulatory devices, If the frequency of attacks is high, there are many effective  preventive migraine treatments consisting of medications, CGRP monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments (Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality, Vyepti), gepants, Botox, natural supplements, herbals and vitamins, neuromodulatory devices, yoga and meditation, acupuncture, acupressure and pressure points.

Good luck! I hope this tool leads you in a better direction of more educational and effective discussions with your doctor regarding possible headache types and more effective treatment considerations.

Do me a HUGE favor and if you have found this headache symptom checker tool helpful and it led to a more successful outcome of narrowing down your headache types and treatments when you saw your doctor, PLEASE let me know and drop me a message here or on Twitter!!

IF YOU HAVE HEADACHE, MIGRAINE, OR FACIAL PAIN AND ARE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ON ANYTHING RELATED TO IT, A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS HERE TO HELP, FOR FREE!

FIRST, LET’S DECIDE WHERE TO START:

IF YOU HAVE AN EXISTING HEADACHE, MIGRAINE, OR FACIAL PAIN DIAGNOSIS AND ARE LOOKING FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION, HOT TOPICS, AND TREATMENT TIPS, VISIT OUR FREE BLOG OF HOT TOPICS AND HEADACHE TIPS HERE. THIS IS WHERE I WRITE AND CONDENSE A BROAD VARIETY OF COMMON AND COMPLEX  MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE RELATED TOPICS INTO THE IMPORTANT FACTS AND HIGHLIGHTS YOU NEED TO KNOW, ALONG WITH PROVIDING FIRST HAND CLINICAL EXPERIENCE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A HEADACHE SPECIALIST.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE AN EXISTING HEADACHE, MIGRAINE, OR FACIAL PAIN DIAGNOSIS AND ARE LOOKING FOR POSSIBLE TYPES OF HEADACHES OR FACIAL PAINS BASED ON YOUR SYMPTOMS, USE THE FREE HEADACHE AND FACIAL PAIN SYMPTOM CHECKER TOOL DEVELOPED BY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST NEUROLOGIST HERE!

IF YOU HAVE AN EXISTING HEADACHE, MIGRAINE, OR FACIAL PAIN DIAGNOSIS AND ARE LOOKING FOR FURTHER EDUCATION AND SELF-RESEARCH ON YOUR DIAGNOSIS, VISIT OUR FREE EDUCATION CENTER HERE.

Headache Location Meanings & Headache Anatomy: What the Location of Your Headache Can Tell You | Blog

Headache Location Meanings & Headache Anatomy: What the Location of Your Headache Can Tell You

11/20/2021 6:19:36 AM

Headaches are one of the most commonly faced ailments by a majority of the world. It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of adults have experienced a headache at some point in their lives. Though quite a common problem, headaches also happen to be symptoms of underlying diseases and can be important in the diagnosis of these conditions. Another integral aspect of headaches is their location, headache location meanings are essential in understanding the type of headache and determining its cause. 

You need to remain educated about the location types of headaches as they can be instrumental in determining potentially serious conditions. In this article, we detail what different headaches mean, the differences between migraine vs. headache, and also provide a ‘types of headaches’ chart to highlight their most salient features. 

What are The Different Types of Headaches?

Though there are nearly 150 identified forms of headaches, they can be broadly classified under two categories: 

• Primary Headache: These are the types of headaches that are not caused by any underlying medical condition. Primary headaches can be caused by factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, hunger, alcohol, exhaustion, or a psychosomatic response. The most prevalent types of primary headaches are: 
• Tension headaches 
• Migraines 
• Episodic headaches 
• Chronic headaches 
• Cluster headaches 
• Chronic daily/New daily persistent headaches 

• Secondary Headaches: These headaches are often the result of underlying medical conditions. Headaches are symptoms of these conditions and understanding the headache location meanings can help diagnose their causative disease. The most common types of secondary headaches observed are: 
• Hypertension headaches 
• Traumatic headaches 
• Allergy-related/Sinusitis headaches
• Hormone-related headaches 
• Infection-associated headaches 
• Medication overuse headaches 
• Caffeine headaches 
• Exertion/ Exercise-associated headaches

Headache Types & Their Features

Here are some of the most common headaches and what they entail: 

• Primary Headaches
• Tension Headaches: 
• A dull aching sensation that takes over the entire head or a band around the head, and results in tenderness and sensitivity over the neck.  
• Tension headaches are caused by a psychosomatic response and are also called psychosomatic headaches. 
• The pain can radiate to the neck and the adjoining areas of the shoulders; regions most commonly associated with stress. 
• Over-the-counter painkillers can help, however, when tension headaches are a regular occurrence or take up a chronic form, a detailed medical examination is the best course of action. 

• Migraines
• Migraines are characterized by a pulsating pain on one side of the head, often arising from deep within. 
• They severely limit your ability to perform basic tasks as the pain is severe, throbbing, and can last between a few hours to several days.  
• A prominent difference between a migraine vs. headache is that the former can cause a severe sensitivity to light and sound. 
• People suffering from migraines report seeing flashing auras, lights, stars, and even blind spots in their visual field. 
• Due to certain similarities, people also tend to get confused between the characteristics of a COVID-19 headache vs. migraine. 
• While COVID-19 headaches too tend to have a pulsatile nature, they tend to occur on both sides of the head, while migraines occur only on one side. 

• Episodic Headaches
• Episodic headaches last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.  
• Episodic headaches occur regularly. 

• Chronic headaches
• Unlike episodic headaches, chronic headaches are more consistent and occur over a longer period. 
• They can even last for several days at a time and require a systematic treatment approach to manage the pain and other symptoms associated with these headaches. 

• Cluster Headaches
• Cluster headaches occur in only one side of the head and are often felt within the eye socket. 
• The pain is described as burning & piercing, and the affected side can even become slightly swollen and red.  
• Tears from the affected eye socket and nasal congestion on the same side are also notable features of cluster headaches. 
• These are episodic, and each episode lasts between a few minutes up to a couple of hours. Patients commonly report up to four episodes a day.

• Chronic Daily Headaches
• These headaches are seen in people that have no prior history of other headache-related conditions. 
• Chronic daily headaches have a sudden onset and can last for nearly three months, before being resolved. This is followed by a symptom-free period. 
• It occurs on both sides of the head and does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication.  

• Secondary Headaches
• Hypertension headaches 
• These headaches indicate dangerously high blood pressure levels. 
• The pain is pulsatile and worsens with activity. 
• It’s important to visit a doctor immediately if you have a history of high blood pressure and suffer from a severe, uncontrollable headache on both sides of your head. 
  

• Traumatic Headaches
• These headaches occur following a severe head injury and can last for up to a year after the trauma. 
• Their locations and implications are similar to those of tension headaches and migraines.  

• Allergy/Sinusitis Headaches
• These headaches are the result of an allergic reaction, or may occur due to full sinuses. 
• The pain is focused around the sinus areas on the face. 
• Patients often report symptoms like pressure in the forehead and make statements like, ‘When I cough, my head hurts.’ These are common indicators of a sinusitis headache. 
• Nasal decongestant sprays are often helpful in relieving these headaches by clearing out the mucus in the sinuses. 

• Hormone-related Headaches
• These headaches are reported in women.  
• Several patients get confused when it comes to symptoms of migraine vs. headache, especially when suffering from this type of condition. 
• Given that both migraines and hormone headaches are more prevalent in women and have similar symptoms, these headaches are also called menstrual migraines. 
• They can occur because of pregnancy, menstruation, and even due to birth control pills altering hormone levels. 

• Substance-associated Headaches
• Substances such as caffeine, certain medications, and other stimulants can affect the rate of blood flow to the brain. 
• The sudden increase or decrease in the rate of the consumption of these substances can cause headaches.  
• Quitting these substances cold-turkey can also result in similar conditions. The best solution to rid oneself of these pains is by tapering off the quantity of the substance gradually. 

• Infection-related Headaches
• These headaches arise from infections of the head and neck. 
• A stiff neck associated with a headache warrants immediate medical attention. 
• Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and space infections of the face can lead to severe and radiating headaches. These are serious conditions that need to be addressed in a hospital. 
• Viral infections like influenza can also cause headaches that are centred around the forehead and the sinus regions.  
• If you experience a runny nose, weakness and headache, you will need an influenza test to confirm the diagnosis.

• Exertion/ Exercise-related Headaches
• Headaches can be caused by an increased rate of blood flow to the head. 
• Exertion headaches are caused by intense bouts of physical exercise such as weight lifting, running, or strength training. 

Types of Headaches Chart

Below are listed common headache location meanings, so you know where to look the next time you encounter an episode. 

Be sure to keep track of your symptoms and don’t forget to refer to the above chart when in doubt. If you suffer from episodic headaches that occur more than 15 times in a single month, it is likely that the condition has developed into a chronic one. Take note of the intensity and don’t forget to contact your doctor immediately if a headache is unbearable.

Treatment of headaches in the medical center “Clinic ABC”

Headache is more dangerous than people think!

Headache is a very common complaint that is not taken seriously by many people. It is important to recognize that ignoring a headache is extremely short-sighted, as it can be a symptom of a disease that tends to progress and impair quality of life.

Finding the cause of the headache

Diagnosis requires:

• examination by a neurologist;
• electroencephalography;
• measurement of intracranial pressure with a slit lamp;
• ultrasound scan of the vessels of the head and neck.

The most common diseases that cause headache include pathologies of the cervical spine, arteries of the neck and head, chronic inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, brain tumors. Also, injuries and unsuccessful neurosurgical operations often lead to headaches.

Types and locations of headaches

Pain that is localized in the occipital region, has a pressing dull character, may occur due to spasm of the muscles of the head and neck. This condition is provoked by prolonged stress, and can also serve as a sign of vegetovascular dystonia. Muscle tension can lead to compression of the occipital nerve. This condition, if left untreated, tends to worsen over time, causing pain and tension to increase.

Pain that is localized in the neck and radiates to the head (to the temporal region, to the eyes) may indicate osteochondrosis or an inflammatory process in the cervical vertebrae or sinuses.

Long-term neglect of the disease can lead to spasm of cerebral vessels, which complicates the process of oxygen and nutrients supply. Possible consequences: deterioration of hearing, vision, sleep disturbance, sexual weakness, headache, dizziness.

If the pain is evenly felt throughout the head, there is reason to assume increased intracranial pressure. This condition is characterized by an excess of cerebrospinal fluid that fills the cavities of the brain.

Without proper treatment, hearing impairment, fatigue, memory impairment are observed.

Throbbing pain that is migratory (temporal, eye) is migraine. The disease is considered rare and poorly understood. One of the versions of its pathogenesis is inflammation of the sinuses or cervical spine, in which the cerebral arteries are irritated, which leads to their sharp narrowing and expansion.

Migraine can lead to depression, brain function is not impaired.

Treatment of headaches

Before prescribing therapy, the doctor must find out the cause of the headache. Depending on the pathology, methods are used:

• acupuncture;
• conservative treatment;
• surgery;
• psychotherapy.

In case of repeated attacks of headache, contact the specialists of the ABC Clinic, who will competently make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Living without a headache is pleasant, useful and achievable.

Primary source medical center “ABC Clinic”

Headache – the main diagnostic methods and the benefits of MRI

Headache, sleep disturbance, reduced level of performance of functional duties – common complaints of people of working age. A visit to the doctor should not be postponed, since such symptoms indicate diseases of various etiologies, including vascular damage, homeostasis disorders, and mental disorders.

Types of cephalalgia

If you have a headache, examinations are prescribed after a physical and neurological examination, as well as the results of laboratory and instrumental screenings. Most patients have primary forms — migraine and tension headache (EH). In other cases, “secondary” cephalgia is diagnosed, which are associated or appear due to systemic diseases. GB classification? is a multi-level list, however, the most common forms of cephalgia can be distinguished:

• vascular;
• muscle tension;
• neuralgic;
• psychological;
• mixed;
• cluster;
• temporal arteritis;
• paroxysmal hemicrania;
• Pain caused by infection and injury.

Very often, headaches are caused by a combination of pathogenetic factors, in some cases, standard headache tests do not reveal the causes of poor health.

Basic diagnostic methods

What tests are prescribed for headaches? An atypical clinic, suspicion of a tumor or other morphological changes require a comprehensive MRI of the brain, as well as various types of ultrasound examinations, CT, angiography. In some situations, it may be necessary to consult narrow specialists: an ophthalmologist, an otolaryngologist, a dentist, a vascular surgeon.

Taking into account the multifactorial causes of GB? diagnostic measures are aimed at differentiation and exclusion of serious organic disorders: tumors, traumatic injuries, disorders of cerebral circulation, infectious and inflammatory processes. An important role is played by the detailing of complaints, the identification of trigger factors and heredity.

Comprehensive MRI of the brain – what does it show?

The technique includes the study of all structures: the ventricular system, the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, the trunk, the pituitary gland. For headaches, complex MRI is performed in three projections, while the slice thickness is no more than 5 mm. In a native examination, brain structures are displayed in sagittal, axial and transverse projections.

The pituitary gland, temporal lobes, and other small structures require close examination using coronal planes with cuts no greater than 3 mm. If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging with a contrast agent is performed. The technique allows to visualize with high accuracy the locations and boundaries of the pathological focus, to assess the prevalence of the process. Indications for the diagnostic procedure are suspicions of the following diseases:

• anatomical anomalies of the structure of the brain;
• Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease;
• multiple sclerosis;
• traumatic brain injury;
• ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke;
• tumors and cysts;
• intracranial hypertension.

The images clearly visualize zones of ischemia, deformities of the pituitary gland, violations of the boundaries of white and gray matter, small focal hemorrhages, hyperplastic nerve endings.

Preparation and basic principles of diagnostics

The examination technology is based on the principles of magnetism and the phenomenon of resonant absorption of electromagnetic waves in a constant field of high intensity. The tomograph provides a stable position of charged particles and registers magnetic waves emanating from the patient’s body. All data is recorded and subjected to computer processing, after which the picture is visualized and displayed on the monitor.

If the head hurts, the examination is carried out without prior preparation, because early diagnosis plays a crucial role in emergency cases. Immediately before the procedure, the patient must remove all metal accessories, including clothing with fittings made of similar materials.

An exception is the complex MRI of the brain with the introduction of a contrast agent, which is not prescribed for patients with impaired renal function. A relative contraindication is pregnancy, chronic diseases in the acute stage.