Why is it important to know what type of headache you have? When you know what type of headache you have it is easier to focus on the cause of the headache so that you can feel better faster and also so that you can prevent getting another headache in the future or at least minimize the amount of headaches you get.
Did you know that there are over 300 types and causes of headaches? Everyone gets headaches at one point in their lifetime. Some individuals get more headaches than other do. 99% of the U.S. population gets a headache occasionally. You may even get more than one type of headache. You can even get more than one type of headache at the same time!
Did you know that there are different way to categorize headaches? There are two basic types of headaches. The one type of headache is called a secondary headache because it is caused by another problem and when you solve the problem the headache goes away. Examples of secondary headaches are headaches caused by getting hit in the head or other trauma, or when you are sick with a cold or flu, or when you have a serious illness like meningitis. Sinus headaches and headaches as a result of allergies are secondary headaches. When making a diagnosis, a doctor will always try to rule out secondary causes for your headache first.
The second type of headache is called a primary headache. When you have a primary headache, the problem IS the headache. Migraines are primary headaches.
Some will classify headaches into the following categories:
Tension-type headaches
Migraine headache
Cluster headache
Hormone headache
General misc. type of headache
Under the General or misc. category of headache falls rebound headaches that are medication-induced headaches sometimes caused by over-medicating yourself. Then, there are sinus headaches and organic headaches, which are headaches as a result of an abnormality in the brain or skull. Malignant brain tumors, brain aneurysms, hematomas, meningitis, brain abscesses, brain infections, a cerebral hemorrhage, and also encephalitis cause organic types of headaches.
The individual can determine some types of headaches and other types need to be diagnosed by a doctor. Organically caused headaches need to be diagnosed by a doctor. In order to determine the type of headache you are having, keep a headache journal. In the journal record everything you did before the headache such as what foods you ate, if you were emotional or stressed out, or if you were smoking or drinking prior to the headache.
