A headache is basically defined as pain in the head located above the eyes or above the ears, behind the head, or in the back of the upper neck. There are many things that can...

A headache is basically defined as pain in the head located above the eyes or above the ears, behind the head, or in the back of the upper neck. There are many things that can cause an individual to experience a headache. Read on to learn more about headaches.

There are two different types of headaches that most of us experience from time to time – primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are those headaches that are caused by other diseases such as migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. An associated disease causes secondary headaches and these headaches can be minor or they can be life threatening. Secondary headaches are indicative of an underlying condition or disease such as a headache that accompanies meningitis, cerebrovascular disease, infection, a brain tumor, head trauma, diabetes, thyroid disease, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), glaucoma, or when an individual is withdrawing from the use of painkillers.

Tension headaches are the most commonly experienced primary headache. Women tend to experience tension headaches more than men.

Migraine headaches are the second most common of the primary type of headaches. Children and adults can get migraines. After puberty, females tend to get more migraines than males. Migraines often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as either tension or sinus headaches.

Sinus headaches are when you feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. Your head usually throbs. You typically get sinus headaches when you have sinusitis. Sinusitis is a condition when your sinuses become swollen and inflamed. Some individuals will have a headache that they think is a sinus headache and it really is a tension headache or a migraine. If your headache really is a sinus headache, you will need to see a doctor for proper treatment in order to relieve your symptoms.

Cluster headaches are a rare form of primary headache. They may start in your childhood but most sufferers begin to experience them between ages 28 and 30.

Secondary headaches not only are associated with conditions or diseases but can also be as a result of withdrawing from caffeine and a discontinuation of analgesics.

There is also something called a “mixed” headache disorder in which individuals will suffer tension headaches or secondary headaches that trigger a migraine headache – OUCH, double whammy!

There you have it, some basic information about primary and secondary headaches. A headache as it turns out, just isn’t a headache; it can be any one of the many different headaches caused by diseases or conditions. If you experience a headache that does not go away or intensifies in pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. It is important to be examined by a medical doctor if you are over 50 and start getting regular headaches, or you get a sudden severe headache without any known reason, or you have a constant headache that gets gradually worse over time, or you develop a headache after strenuous exercise, or after straining, or coughing or after you have had sexual activity. You should also seek medical care if your headache is in combination with feeling drowsy, or you experience confusion, or memory loss along with your headache.

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