HeadacheTypes
There are many classifications of headache, but all fit into three basic categories. The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary category. Primary headaches afflict millions every day, 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 sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning. Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches can usually be done with the use of over the counter medications.
Cluster headaches present with a far greater pain level. Although not life threatening in itself, the associated is very serious and often debilitating. Cluster headaches are known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict. This results in treatment that is difficult to apply, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided. A cluster headache usually prevents any daily function. Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes. Patients may undergo a pain crisis when presented with a cluster headache. Treatment of this pain should be the immediate and overriding concern. Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.
Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue. As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem. Secondary headaches result from 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. 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 usually centers around the temples. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.
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