Quick Facts About Headaches

There are a variety of headache disorders. We decided to give you an all-in-one BLOG post where you can learn the basics about each headache type. This will help you identify which one you suffer from and talk to your doctor for appropriate treatment. The best way to differentiate between headaches is to pay attention to triggers and symptoms. While some of them have similarities, they typically have distinctive factors.

Migraine

A neurological condition with varying intensity and is usually accompanied by one or more symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

Triggers

  • Hormonal changes
  • Certain foods and drinks
  • Stress

Symptoms

  • Throbbing in one area with varying intensity
  • Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound
  • Irritability, nasal congestion, or scalp tenderness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or malaise

 

Cluster Headache

Severe pain on one side of the head with a burning or piercing quality.

Triggers

  • Sudden release of histamine or serotonin in the body
  • Alcohol use
  • Cigarette smoking

Symptoms

  • Sudden onset of pain
  • Around or behind the eye
  • Restlessness or agitation
  • Red or watering eyes.
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sweating
  • Eyelid drooping or swelling

 

Tension Headache

Generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around your head that can be chronic or episodic.

Triggers

  • Unknown

Symptoms

  • Dull, aching head pain
  • Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of head
  • Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles

 

Allergy or Sinus Headache

Circumstantial headaches that occur when exposed to a chemical or substance that you are allergic to. While Allergy headaches and Sinus headaches are interchangeably used, Sinus headaches differ in that it specifically relates to obstruction, blockage, and inflammation of the sinus cavity.

Triggers

  • Nasal or sinus congestion
  • Stress
  • Certain foods
  • Smoke

Symptoms

  • Pain localized over the sinus area
  • Facial pain
  • Throbbing, usually one-sided
  • Nausea

 

Menstrual Headache

Due to the withdrawal of estrogen as part of the normal menstrual cycle and release of prostaglandin during the first 2 days of menstruation.

Triggers

  • Menstrual cycle

Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Acne
  • Joint pain
  • Decreased urination
  • Constipation
  • Lack of coordination

 

Caffeine Withdrawal Headache

Occurs 24-48 hours after stopping caffeine intake

Trigger

  • Stopping caffeine intake

Symptoms

  • Drowsiness
  • Inability to focus
  • Changes in mood
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Muscle aches
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