Headache Syndromes

The nagging throbbing pain behind your eye is growing more intense by the moment, and you know immediately that you soon will be out of commission. The agonizing pain, the sensitivity to light and noise, and the nausea are all part of your migraine. Headaches are a common medical complaint, and the majority of these consist of migraines, tension and cluster headaches.

A typical migraine starts gradually as a dull ache and intensifies over time to a throbbing pain. Visual or neurological symptoms called auras may precede a migraine. Associated symptoms may include sensitivity to lights, smells or sounds, nausea, or vomiting. Migraines can worsen with physical exertion and improve with lying down in a dark quiet room. Migraines have several triggers including caffeine, alcohol, aged cheese, menses, stress, skipping meals and bright lights. Women have migraines three times more often then men.

Tension headaches start with pain or pressure in the back of the skull or neck and may feel like a band squeezing the head. Muscles in the posterior neck and upper back may be tender and sore. Tension headaches are also associated with stress or anxiety. They may proceed to a migraine, but typically don't have migraine's associated symptoms.

Cluster headaches are rare and more common in men. They have a quick explosive onset, peaking quickly within a few minutes, and occurring on one side in or around the eye. Associated symptoms include eye redness, congested or runny nose and tearing of the affected eye. Cluster headaches recur frequently over a few weeks to months, and then there may be no episodes for several months or years.

Although most headaches are not life threatening, there are a few danger signs that warrant immediate medical attention. A severe headache with a sudden onset and described as the "worst headache of your life" should be seen at once. A headache associated with a fever or a stiff neck may indicate meningitis and needs prompt medical treatment. Other symptoms associated with life threatening headaches include numbness, weakness, change in vision, loss of consciousness, confusion, or if the headache begins immediately following physical exertion or minor trauma. People who experience frequent headaches, a new onset of migraines, changes in the type or quality of the headaches or who have headaches that awaken them should be seen by their health care providers as soon as possible.

Headaches can disrupt our lives and cause turmoil if we allow them. However, there are many treatment options available and your health care provider can assist you in discovering the right treatment for you.

For more information regarding headache syndromes, please visit the American Headache Society at www.ahsnet.org, the American Council for Headache Education at www.achenet.org or the Mayo Clinic Headache Center at www.mayoclinic.com/health/headaches/HE99999.