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23 November, 2009

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Headache - different types explained

Headache is one of the most common health related conditions in Australia, with around 15 per cent of us taking painkillers for a headache at any given time. It is likely that nearly all of us will experience headache during our lifetime. People of any age can be affected, but a recent study undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that people between the ages of 25 and 44 years were more likely to report having a headache. There are a number of different types of headache and many different causes, which explains why the condition is so common.

Headache can be classified into two broad categories - primary and secondary. Examples of primary headache include migraine, cluster or tension headache. Secondary headaches are triggered by an underlying disorder - such as infection, injury or tumour - and can be considered as a side effect of the main illness.

Pain receptors
Pain is felt when various structures of the head are inflamed or irritated. These structures include:

The muscle and skin of the head
Nerves of the head and neck
The arteries leading to the brain
The sinuses, which are air-filled cavities inside the head that form part of the respiratory system.

The sensation of pain can also be ‘referred’, which means that pain occurring in one area can transmit the feeling of pain to an area nearby. An example is the referred pain of a headache arising from a sore neck.

Different causes
Different stimuli can cause headaches. Anything which stimulates the pain receptors in the head and neck can cause a headache, including:

Dental or jaw problems
Injuries to the neck
Eye strain
Muscular tension
High blood pressure
Disorders of the nose, ear or throat.

Common primary headaches
The different types of primary headache are caused by a variety of factors and require different treatments.

Tension headache
Tension headache is the most common type of headache. Two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime. Tension headache:

Feels like a tight band of pressure around the head
Can be caused by physical or emotional stress
Is best treated by making lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise, diet, stress management and attention to posture.

Migraine headache
Three times as many women (15 per cent) as men (5 per cent) suffer from migraine, and hormones are thought to play a significant role. Migraine headache:

Feels like a throbbing or pulsing pain.
Sometimes includes other symptoms, such as visual disturbances, numbness of the face or extremities, nausea and vomiting.
Is associated with a spasm of the blood vessels leading to the brain.
Can be triggered by many different things, including food, stress, heat and cold, strong smells, emotions, fatigue or hormonal fluctuations.
Is treated with medications and lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding factors that trigger an attack.

Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are relatively uncommon and tend to mainly affect men. Cluster headaches:
Usually involve severe pain, localised to one eye.
Include other symptoms, like swelling and watering of the affected eye.
Can be triggered by alcohol and cigarettes, but the underlying cause is unknown.
Is treated with medication or oxygen therapy.

Secondary headaches
A secondary headache is a side effect of another disorder. Headache can be ‘secondary’ to:

Head injury
Meningitis
Sinus infection
Brain tumour
A variety of eye diseases
Spinal injury
Arthritis
Inflammation of the arteries (temporal arteritis).

Diagnosing a headache
Persistent headaches need to be medically investigated. Tests can include scans, eye tests and sinus x-rays. The different factors that are considered when diagnosing a headache include:

Location of the pain, such as around one eye or over the scalp
The degree of pain experienced
Duration of the headache
Other symptoms, such as visual disturbances or a sore neck
How often the headache recurs
The factors that worsen the headache, such as certain foods
The factors that improve the headache, such as massage.

Treatment varies
Treating a headache depends on its cause. Some of the various treatments include:

Over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin or paracetamol
Relaxation techniques, such as massage
Alterations to the diet
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic
Stress management
Prescription medication
Treatment for the underlying disorder if the headache is secondary.

Where to get help

Your doctor
Neurologist
Chemist
Complementary medicine professional.

Things to remember

Headache is a common disorder, with around 15 per cent of Australians taking painkillers for headache at any given time.
There are different types of headache and many causes, which explains why the condition is so common.
Types of headache include tension, cluster and migraine.

You might also be interested in:
Head injury - home care tips.
Headache - some causes explained.
Headache - treatment options.
Headache and diet.
Headache and ear nose and throat problems.
Headache and eye problems.
Headache and hormones.
Headache and jaw problems.
Headache and medications.
Headache and nerve problems.
Headache and the musculoskeletal system.
Headache - migraines.

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