Conditions Treated for Headache

Primary headaches include tension, migraine and cluster headaches.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine is a condition that causes attacks (Episodes) of intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light (Photophobia), sound (Phonophobia) and exertion often accompany migraines, which can last several hours or up to three days. Some migraine sufferers experience a visual disturbance called an aura prior to the onset of the migraine. Auras are flashing lights, wavy lines, blurry vision or blind spots.

Who gets migraine?

Migraine is common. About 1 in 4 women and about 1 in 12 men develop migraine at some point in their lives. It most commonly first starts in childhood or as a young adult. Some people have frequent attacks – sometimes several a week. Others have attacks only now and then. Some people may go for years between attacks. In some people, the migraine attacks stop in later adult life. However, in some cases the attacks continue (persist) throughout life.

What are the types and symptoms of migraine?

There are two main types of migraine attack:

Migraine attack without aura (also called common migraine)

The headache is usually on one side of the head, typically at the front or side. Sometimes it is on both sides of the head Sometimes it starts on one side, and then spreads all over the head The pain is moderate or severe and is often described as throbbing or pulsating Movements of the head may make it worse It often begins in the morning, but may begin at any time of the day or night Typically, it gradually gets worse and peaks after 2-12 hours, then gradually eases off However, it can last from 4 to 72 hours. Other migraine symptoms like nausea, vomiting, Photophobia and Phonophobia are common.

Migraine attack with aura (also called classic migraine)

About 1 in 4 people with migraine have migraine with aura. The symptoms are the same as those migraine without aura, but also include a warning sign (an aura) before the headache begins.

Visual aura is the most common type of aura. Examples include a temporary loss of part of vision, flashes of light, objects may seem to rotate, shake, or boil. Numbness and pins and needles are the second most common type of aura. Numbness usually starts in the hand, travels up the arm, then involves the face, lips, and tongue. The leg is sometimes involved. Problems with speech are the third most common type of aura. Other types of aura include an odd smell, food cravings, a feeling of well-being, other odd sensations.

One of the above auras may develop, or several may occur one after each other. Each aura usually lasts just a few minutes before going, but can last up to 60 minutes. The aura usually goes before the headache begins. The headache usually develops within 60 minutes of the end of the aura, but it may develop a lot sooner than that – often straight afterwards.

Tension Headache

Symptoms of a tension headache include pressure and a band-like tightness that begins in the back of the head and upper neck, and gradually encircles the head.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are headaches that occur in groups, or clusters, over a period of several weeks or months separated by headache-free periods of months or years. During the headache period, the cluster headache sufferer experiences several episodes of pain during the day, each of which lasts 30 to 90 minutes. These attacks, which often occur at the same time of day, include sharp, penetrating pain around or behind one eye, watering of the eye and a stuffy nose.