Types of Headaches

HEADACHE /’hedeik/ n. 1.a continuous pain in the head; cause may vary. 2. informal a. a worrying problem. b. a troublesome person. headachy adj.

Tension Headache:
General pain occurring in various points of the head or behind the eyes, caused by muscle tension in the neck, head and shoulders; may be a result from poor postural alignment, trigger points, problems with the eyes, teeth, nose, ears & throat, head trauma (i.e. whiplash), social or
psychological stress, fatigue or a combination.

Migraine Headache:
An intense recurring, throbbing pain that usually affects one side of the head accompanied by one or more associated symptoms: nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell. Temporary narrowing and then widening of arteries to the brain, causing nearby pain receptors to activate, causes them. Food triggers and heredity also play a role.

Cluster Headache:
An extremely painful, rare type of migraine with sudden onset. Attacks come in groups ranging from two per week to several per day. Alcohol, insufficient oxygen (i.e. high altitude) may bring on symptoms.

Sinus Headache:
Mild to very intense pain above & below the eyes. Caused by inflammation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses.

Allergic / Toxic Headache:
Caused by pre-existing sensitivity to foods eaten or inhaled substances; e.g. alcohol, chocolate, perfume or chemicals in cleaning products.