3 Types of Headaches and How They’re Treated

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves that make up your nervous system are responsible for all the signals that help you breathe, heal, see, feel, taste, hear and so much more. Your brain is the center of this system, and headache disorders are a major problem that affects people globally. 

In fact, headache disorders rank third overall for neurological disease, behind stroke and dementia. Despite this frequent occurrence, the problem is underdiagnosed and undertreated.

People living in the Sugar Land, Texas, area who are coping with persistent headaches or other neurological problems can find help with Dr. Irfan Lalani and our team at Irfan Lalani, MD, PA.

There are over 150 different types of headaches, some being more common than others. Getting your relief from these headaches means knowing what we’re dealing with, so let’s explore more about what headaches are, the common types people often get, and the methods by which they’re treated.

Understanding headache disorders

About 75% of adults have experienced a recent headache, the general term for head pain that can be dull, throbbing, sharp, or constant. While some headaches may come and go, others can be severe and persistent, affecting your overall quality of life. 

Despite the vast number of headache types, they all fit into one of two categories: 

• Primary: The most common type, this is when the main source of symptoms are related to the headache itself; they’re often brought on by stress and sleeping problems

• Secondary: This is a headache that develops as a symptom of another illness, such as hypertension, medication overuse, head injury, or mental health issues

Headaches can be triggered by many different factors, like anxiety, sadness, depression, alcohol consumption, allergic reactions, loud music, certain foods and drinks, medications, emotional trauma, hormonal changes, and flashing lights.

Common headache types and treatment

The three primary headache types many people struggle with are:

1. Tension headaches

Tension headaches often come with your whole head feeling tight, dull, and achy, along with tenderness and sensitivity extending to your neck, shoulders, forehead and scalp. 

They’re generally triggered by stress, and anyone can get them. Tension headaches may occur once a month or less (infrequent episodic), up to 14 times a month for up to three months (frequent episodic), or more than 15 times a month during the same time period (chronic).

Treatment approach

Depending on the severity of your tension headaches, treatment may involve any combination of OTC drugs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin), tricyclic antidepressants, stress reduction, biofeedback, and various therapies (cognitive behavioral therapy; massage).

2. Cluster headaches

This severe headache type can happen up to eight times a day and can last 15 minutes to three hours. Cluster headaches typically emerge at the same time each day, causing symptoms like severe burning or piercing head pain, swelling, flushing, and redness — and often, additional symptoms like sweating, nasal congestion, and eye tearing.

Treatment approach

Several medications are used to relieve cluster headache symptoms, such as corticosteroids, topiramate, calcium channel blockers, and sumatriptan. Other treatments like oxygen therapy and lidocaine injections can also help.

3. Migraine

This is a neurological disorder that presents with some pain similar to other headaches, but develops in phases: prodrome, aura, pain, and postdrome. Not everyone who gets migraines deals with every phase, but most who experience migraine pain also develop some degree of light or sound sensitivity along with nausea and/or vomiting. 

Treatment approach

While mild migraine attacks can often be managed by OTC pain relievers and rest, abortive and preventive prescription medications (i.e., metoprolol, propranolol, amitriptyline) are often used to manage more severe and frequent migraine disorders. 

At-home tips to reduce migraine symptoms include resting in a quiet, dark room, applying warm or cool compresses, massage, and consuming small amounts of caffeine.

Ready for lasting relief from headache pain? 

Getting relief for your headache means knowing what kind you’re dealing with, and our expert team at Irfan Lalani, MD, PA, is here to help. Call our Sugar Land, Texas, office today, or use our easy online booking feature to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lalani at your convenience.