Types of Headache
Headaches can vary significantly in number of ways, including:
- Intensity
- Location
- Frequency
- Cause
Primary Headaches
A primary headache is when the headache itself is the main problem. It is not a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. While the pain from primary headaches can be disabling, the headaches are not dangerous. The brain cannot feel pain, so the pain associated with primary headache comes from the inflammation of pain-sensitive parts of the body in and around the neck and head, including:
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
- Muscles
There are several categories of primary headaches. Some of the most common types of primary headaches include:
Secondary Headaches
A secondary headache is caused by another condition that triggers pain-sensitive areas in the neck and head. Secondary headaches are rare, but they can also be much more serious than primary headaches. Secondary headaches can be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition, including:
- Brain tumors
- Aneurysm
- Meningitis, a bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation of the brain
- Neck or brain injury
Secondary headaches typically start out of nowhere and are excruciating.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sudden, debilitating head pain, it is important to call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical assistance.
