From the Guidelines
The main types of primary headaches are migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Migraine headaches are typically characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, as noted in a study published in the journal Nature Reviews Neurology 1. Tension-type headaches present as a dull, aching pain often described as a tight band around the head, and are the most common type of primary headache, which can be episodic or chronic, according to a guideline published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. Cluster headaches cause severe pain around one eye or temple, often with autonomic symptoms like tearing or nasal congestion, and occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, as described in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. Other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias include conditions like paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua, which share some features with cluster headaches but have distinct patterns and treatment responses, as noted in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. Understanding these different types is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as each type may respond best to specific medications and management strategies, such as triptans for migraines and oxygen therapy for cluster headaches, as recommended in a guideline published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
Some key characteristics of these headache types include:
- Migraine: throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound
- Tension-type headache: dull, aching pain, often described as a tight band around the head
- Cluster headache: severe pain around one eye or temple, often with autonomic symptoms like tearing or nasal congestion
- Other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias: share some features with cluster headaches, but have distinct patterns and treatment responses
It is essential to accurately diagnose and manage these headache types to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, as emphasized in a study published in the journal Nature Reviews Neurology 1.
From the Research
Types of Primary Headaches
The primary headache disorders can be categorized into several types, including:
- Migraine
- Tension-type headaches
- Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs), which include:
- Other primary headache disorders 4
Characteristics of Primary Headaches
Primary headaches are defined as headaches that are unrelated to an underlying medical condition and are characterized by a lack of clear underlying causative pathology, trauma, or systemic disease 2, 5, 6.
Prevalence of Primary Headaches
The prevalence of primary headaches varies, with tension-type headache affecting approximately 38% of the population, and migraine affecting around 12% and being the most disabling 4.
Diagnosis and Classification
It is essential to evaluate patients presenting with headache to determine whether their headache is most likely a primary or a secondary headache disorder, and to rule out underlying medical conditions 4, 5, 6. Accurate anamnesis and physical examination are crucial in diagnosing the aetiology of headache 6.