Types Of Headaches

UNDERSTANDING HEADACHES What should you know? Seven in 10 people have a headache each year, with about 45 million Americans suffering from chronic headaches. While most headaches last for a short time, there are some that can last for weeks. A look at the three types of headaches: TENSION HEADACHES Most common type of headache for children and adults. Described as a tightening, dull or squeezing pain on either or both sides of the head, lasting for minutes or days. Often start at the back of the head, spreading forward. CAUSES: Temporary stress, anxiety, fatigue, or anger. Can also be caused by tightening shoulder, neck, scalp, or jaw muscles. Percent of Percent of people Americans who with tension have experienced a tension 60% headaches who 90% report reduced headache. social and work activities. MIGRAINE HEADACHES Pain can spread Begins as a dull ache that becomes an intense, throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head that lasts hours to days. to both sides of the head. Pain worsens with movement. CAN CAUSE: Nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and noise. Aura Precedes a migraine. Described as an onset of symptoms such as seeing jagged or wavy lines, dots, or flashing lights. Some people experience tunnel vision or blind spots in one or both eyes. Percent of 20% people with migraines who get an aura. 30 People with migraines usually 25-30 Headache can Migraine is be triggered by weather, certain foods, caffeine withdrawal, lack of sleep, or alcohol. million the most Americans common experience a migraine each year. headache type among patients hospitalized for have their first before age 30. headache (63.1%). CLUSTER Chemical reactions in the HEADACHES brain are also thought to be a Described as sharp, non-throbbing pain that occurs behind an eye. cause of these headaches. Can occur several times a day, attacking in groups, hence the "cluster" description. SYMPTOMS: Include a tearing or bloodshot eye, and a runny nose on the side of the head with the pain. 1 million people in the United States have cluster headaches. Men tend to have cluster headaches more than women. Age of onset cluster headaches is between ages 20 and 40. Related to increased blood flow as a result of widening blood vessels in the brain. FACTS ABOUT HEADACHES TIPS TO PREVENT HEADACHES 3 in 4 of all headaches are caused by tension in the neck or scalp. • Watch your diet carefully. Some foods can trigger a headache. More than 150 types of • Record headaches in a diary, keeping note of the time of day, the length of the pain, and the intensity. headaches are recognized by the International Headache Society. • Document your activities in a diary to help you and your doctor find triggers. More of people with headaches do not than 70% see a doctor. • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. • Manage stress. Headaches are • Exercise regularly. technically classified under two categories. • Eat regular meals. • Get plenty of rest. Primary/benign: Tension, migraine, cluster headaches Secondary/organic: Caused by injury or illness. Sinus headaches are an example, occurring when the sinuses are inflamed, and often accompanied by fever. ZocDoc Disclaimer: You should always check with your doctor or professional healthcare provider before starting or changing any medical treatment. This infographic is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Sources: http://www.acponline.org/patients_families/diseases_conditions/headaches/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003024.htm http://www.headaches.org/education/Tools_for_Sufferers/Headache_Tools http://www.headaches.org/content/diet-and-headache-foods http://www.headaches.org/education/Tools_for_Sufferers/Headache_-_Frequently_Asked_Questi ons http://www.achenet.org/resources/patient_to_patient http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/Help_Screens/headaches.htm http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/headache/headache.htm http://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb111.pdf www.zocdoc.com