There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each. The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache. Primary headaches occur to almost everyone, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. Primary headaches can occasionally become very painful, or can become a chronic problem. Although this isn’t life threatening, it can be a serious impediment to quality of life. Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be crucial to restoring enjoyment of daily life activities. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches is usually possible with just over the counter medication.
Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated. Although not life threatening in itself, the associated is very serious and often debilitating. Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in chronological groupings, and can be very hard to predict. This results in treatment that is difficult to apply, resulting in first occurences that are hard to avoid. A cluster headache usually prevents any daily function. Pain usually centers behind one or both eyes, and presents with visible symptoms like runny and watery eyes and nose. Patients may undergo a pain crisis when presented with a cluster headache. Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible. Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.
Secondary headaches are the third and rarest form of headache types. As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem. Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening. In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.
The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary categorization. What are the causes of headaches? As many as 90% of primary headaches are caused by so called “tension” headaches. A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head. The pain can typically be felt around the temples and around the eyes. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.
