Cluster headache is a very painful headache on one side of the head that usually lasts between 15 minutes and three hours. This type of headache can occur several times a day for days to weeks, or even months. Cluster headache is the most common type of one-sided headache. Other types of one-sided headaches include:

• Hemicrania continua: This headache causes constant pain that lasts for at least three months.
• Paroxysmal hemicrania: This headache happens several times a day and lasts from a few minutes up to 30 minutes.
• Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA): SUNA causes moderate to severe pain around one eye that lasts from five seconds to 10 minutes and may occur five or six times each hour. It also causes one or more symptoms including runny nose; facial sweating; eye pressure, redness, or tearing; eyelid swelling; and ear fullness.
• Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT): SUNCT is similar to SUNA in frequency, length, and intensity but only causes eye tearing and redness.

High pressure in the fluid around the brain causes IIH, leading to symptoms such as headaches and vision problems. A multidisciplinary team of neuro-ophthalmologists, interventional radiologists, and neurosurgeons treats this condition.

This fairly common but underrecognized headache is caused by tiny leaks of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which lead to low CSF pressure. CSF leaks may result from head or neck trauma, spinal surgery, a spinal tap, or unknown causes. This type of headache is usually worse when standing and goes away when lying down. 

Migraine is a genetic disorder with symptoms that can include head pain, nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. Most people with migraine have fewer than 15 headache days a month (episodic migraine). But some people have chronic migraine. Symptoms last for more than three months and include:

• More than 15 headache days a month
• At least eight moderate to severe headache days

NDPH is a rare type of headache that starts suddenly and doesn’t stop. It can be unrelenting and difficult to treat. NDPH can resemble other types of headaches, but it lasts for at least three months and causes moderate to severe pain.

Occipital neuralgia is a headache felt primarily at the back of the head, usually on one side. It often occurs along with other headache types, such as migraine.

Post-traumatic headache most commonly occurs after head trauma like concussion. This mild to severe headache is often seen in athletes, veterans, and teenagers. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and light and noise sensitivity may resemble other headache types.

Tension-type headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It’s usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Unlike migraine, it doesn’t cause nausea or light and sound sensitivity.

Trigeminal neuralgia is nerve pain that causes sudden, short-lasting, stabbing pain on one side of the face. This condition typically affects the lower two-thirds of the face. Any stimulation in that area, such as drinking or smiling, can trigger trigeminal neuralgia. 

Our experts will suggest immediate treatment options when you have an active headache. Medication is the cornerstone of treatment. We may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relief, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Prescription headache medications, such as triptans for migraine, and anti-nausea medications

We can recommend treatments and strategies to help minimize external and internal triggers that can impact headache. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Strategies to help prevent headaches may include:

• Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies
• Oral medications
• Procedures such as nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and onabotulinumtoxinA  (Botox) injections

We also recommend CIM strategies to help reduce headaches, including:

• Dietary supplements, such as CoQ10, feverfew, magnesium, and riboflavin
• Education on and referrals for physical therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, and pain management
• Lifestyle modifications, such as keeping a consistent schedule for meals, doing aerobic exercise, and getting enough sleep