Headaches are not all the same, and the causes, symptoms and severity between them can drastically differ. Differentiating between types of headaches and having a proper headache diagnosis is key to treating a problem and providing quick headache relief. Headaches can commonly be classified into two main categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches.
Primary Headaches
Primary headaches are headaches which are not a symptom of another problem. Simply put, primary headaches are the problem themselves. One common type of primary headache is a tension headache. These headaches are often short lived and have a variety of triggers including stress, dehydration, stress, anxiety and depression. These headaches can often be prevented by eating well, sleeping well, exercising, and managing stress levels.
Migraines are also a well-known type of primary headache. Migraines are usually more painful than tension headaches, and tend to last for longer periods. These headaches may cause other symptoms rather than pain, such as light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea or even vomiting. These headaches can last for a long time, often days.
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headaches are headaches which are caused by another problem. This means that the headache is the symptom of another problem. Common causes of secondary headaches include caffeine withdrawal, jaw and dental problems, or head injuries. Hormonal changes in women, such as those that happen during a period, during pregnancy, or during menopause can also trigger secondary headaches.
Another common cause of a secondary headache is a hangover, caused by the consumption of too much alcohol. This throbbing headache usually includes sensitivity to light and movement, and may take a day or two to fully recover from.
Within these two main categories are a number of other types of headaches. What is important is to recognize and differentiate the cause or reason for having a specific type of headache, and to seek help should it be a sign of something more serious, or preventing you from enjoying life. For more information, seek out a headache clinic in Vancouver, such as BC Headpain.
