Enter our online migraine experience center and learn about what migraines are with Dr. Lin Ming-Zhen, the Dean of the Know No Pain Academy!

Headache and migraine

Headache is the most common form of pain. Most people will experience a headache at least once in their lifetime.1,3 Headache is also a major reason cited for missed work or school, as well as visits to the doctor.1,3

There are various different types of headaches and they can be separated into two main categories: primary and secondary headaches.1

Primary headaches1,3

Definition

  1. Headaches not caused by an underlying medical condition
  2. Related to brain chemicals and changes in nerve cell activities

May include:
Migraines, Tension-type headaches, Cluster headaches

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Migraines

  1. Characterized by a moderate-to-severe throbbing pain on one side of the head
  2. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound or odor

Tension-type headaches

  1. The most common form of headache
  2. Can be caused by stress, emotional changes, lack of sleep, etc.
  3. A mild-to-moderate pain that feels as if constant pressure is applied on the face, head or neck

Cluster headaches

  1. The most severe type of primary headache that involves sudden and extreme pain
  2. Usually appear at the same time of the day or night for several weeks
  3. The pain would start from one side of the head, usually behind or around one eye
  4. The nose and eye of the affected side could become red, swollen and teary
  5. May be preceded by migraine-like aura and nausea

Secondary headaches1

Definition

  1. Headaches caused by an underlying medical condition and can be referred to as a sign or symptom of that condition
  2. Will resolve once the underlying condition is treated

May include:
Dehydration headaches4, Sinus headaches5, Medication overuse headaches6, Spinal headaches, Thunderclap headaches

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Dehydration headaches4

  1. Caused by dehydration
  2. May appear with dehydration symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, extreme thirst and dry mouth
  3. The pain could occur all over the head or in just one spot (back, front or side)

Sinus headaches5

  1. Caused by a sinus infection, which could be caused by conditions such as a common cold, seasonal allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum
  2. Appear as a constant dull pain behind the eyes, cheekbones, forehead or the bridge of the nose

Medication overuse headaches6

  1. Caused by long-term use of pain relievers to treat headaches
  2. Occur every day or nearly every day, and patients are often wakened in the early morning due to pain
  3. The pain often improves with pain relievers, but may return once medication effects wear off

Spinal headaches

  1. An intense headache caused by a leakage of spinal fluid from the spinal cord
  2. Usually occur after a spinal tap

Thunderclap headaches

  1. An intense headache that occurs suddenly like a clap of thunder
  2. Visit a doctor immediately as this could be a sign of head injury or bleeding in the brain

Migraine is a type of primary headache characterized by throbbing pain on one side of your head.2,3 The throbbing pain can last for 4 to 72 hours and may worsen with physical activities, lights, sounds and odors.2,3 You may also experience nausea or vomiting.2,3 Left untreated, migraine attacks can be severe enough to affect your daily life.2

Find out if you could have migraine now! Treat early and prevent future attacks to stop migraines from impacting your life.2

Do I have migraine?

References

References

  1. Cleveland Clinic. Headaches. Available at: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches. Accessed Feb 2023.
  2. NHS. Migraine: Overview. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/. Accessed Feb 2023. 
  3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Headache. Available at: 
    www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache. Accessed Feb 2023.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Dehydration headache. Available at: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21517-dehydration-headache. Accessed Feb 2023.
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Sinus headache. Available at: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9641-sinus-headaches. Accessed Feb 2023.
  6. Mayo Clinic. Medication overuse headaches. Available at: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/medication-overuse-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20377083. Accessed Feb 2023.