Different Types of Headaches and Their Causes

If there’s one thing everyone can likely agree on, it’s that there is little worse than a headache at any point. You may be unsurprised to learn that headaches come in a wide variety of types, and each of them has different characteristics that separate them from others. Some of them are simple garden-variety headaches that can be managed with a little rest and an over-the-counter medication. Others are indicators of more serious problems and require the attention of a physician.

Some Common Forms Of Headaches

Considering that some headaches warn of potentially life-threatening conditions, it’s important to be able to tell them apart. Below we’re going to touch on some of the known types of headaches and, when possible, their causes.

• Cluster Headache – This form of headache most commonly appears in men. They are cyclic in nature and tend to occur in men between the age of 20 and 40.

• Exertional Headache – As the name implies, these types of headaches are brought on by high levels of activity, including coughing fits, exercise, even sex.

• Menstrual Headaches – Hormones have been discovered to be closely tied to certain types of headaches. Menstrual headaches are among those triggered by hormonal fluctuations.

• New Daily Persistent Headache – This form of headache is commonly diagnosed in those who previously didn’t have headaches that were unremitting and occurred on a daily basis. Its cause is typically unknown.

• Pressure Headaches – This form of headache is the result of a leakage of internal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Laying down typically relieves some of the pain.

• Tension Headaches – This type of headache accounts for the vast majority of all headaches, and nearly 78% of all people have experienced them at one time or another.

These are among the most common types of headaches that occur. Notably absent from this list are the various types of migraines. While definitely a type of headache, they are severe and unusual enough to merit a discussion all their own. Painful and often debilitating, migraines often require care beyond simple over-the-counter medications.

What Treatment Options Are Available For Headaches

What kind of treatment is best for the headaches you experience depends strongly on the type of headache. Some may require nothing more than a little peace and quiet in a darkened room to ease. Others can be treated with over-the-counter medication, cold and hot compresses, even massage. If these simple treatments don’t work, it may be time to see a specialist.

The team at Delaware Valley Pain and Spine Institute is there to help you manage your headache pain and identify any underlying cause. Under the guidance of Todd Bromberg, our specialists work to help patients in the Chalfont, PA area find relief from their headache and spinal pain. Don’t let recurring headaches and migraines impact your day to day life. Schedule an appointment with us, and our team of specialists will take steps to help you find lasting and meaningful relief from headache and migraine pain.