Author: Blaise Ntacyabukura, MD, MMedSc
First and foremost, headaches are very common and can be primary or secondary. A primary headache is a result of problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head, while a secondary headache is a result of an underlying disease. Even though the pain from primary headaches could be disabling, it is not dangerous as the secondary headaches. So, how would you know that you are having a primary or a secondary headache? This article will describe the main characteristics of primary and secondary headaches, their risk factors, and some tips on how to approach each.
Primary headaches:
As the table below illustrates, nearly 90 percent of all primary headaches fall under the following categories: Migraine, Tension-type, and Cluster headache.
Symptoms | Migraine headache | Tension headache | Cluster headache |
Location | On one side in 60 to 70%, forefront or generalized in 30% | Both sides | Always on one side, usually begins around the eye or the temple |
Characteristics | Gradual in onset; throbbing; moderate or severe intensity; aggravated by routine physical activity | Pressure or tightness which periodically change in intensity |
|
Duration | 4 -72 hours | 30 minutes to 7 days | 15 minutes to 3 hours |
Other symptoms |
| None | Shedding tears on the same side as the pain, with red eyes; stuffy nose; free discharge of a thin nasal mucus; sweating; restlessness or agitation; sensitivity to alcohol |
Triggers:
Migraine is a disorder of recurrent attacks. It is triggered by factors such as stress, menstruation, visual stimuli, weather changes, fasting, wine, and sleep disturbances.
Tension-type headache attack is often mild to moderate intensity and occurs without other symptoms. No specific triggers have been described.
Cluster headache makes severe attacks very often, one lasting between 15 to 180 minutes. Cluster headache may sometimes be confused with a life-threatening headache since the pain from a cluster headache can reach full intensity within minutes. However, cluster headache is transient, usually lasting less than one to two hours.
A primary headache usually responds to regular pain killers such as Panadol or acetaminophen.
Secondary headache
Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying condition. As discovering an underlying condition could be challenging, our doctor will explore many factors including the few mentioned below:
Age at onset
Frequency, intensity, and duration of an attack
Number of headache days per month
Time and mode of onset
Quality, site, and radiation of pain
Associated symptoms and other abnormalities
Family history of migraine
Precipitating and relieving factors
Exacerbation or relief with change in position (eg, lying flat versus upright)
Effect of activity on pain
Relationship with food/alcohol
Response to any previous treatment
Review of current medications
Any recent change in vision
Association with recent trauma
Any recent changes in sleep, exercise, weight, or diet
State of general health
Change in work or lifestyle (disability)
Change in method of birth control (women)
Possible association with environmental factors
Effects of menstrual cycle and exogenous hormones (women)
Blood pressure and pulse
Examination to listen for bruit at neck, eyes, and head
Danger signs:
The following features can serve as warning signs of possible serious underlying disease. Thes red flags listed below are worth to be noted and exa
mined:
Systemic symptoms include fever
History of any form of cancer
Decreased consciousness)
A sudden or abrupt onset
Older age (onset after age 50 years)
Positional headache
Precipitated by sneezing, coughing, or exercise
Pregnancy or puerperium
Painful eye with the shedding of tears
The post-traumatic onset of headache
HIV
Painkiller overuse
You need an emergency evaluation if;
You have a thunderclap or explosive headache, defined as a very severe headache of sudden onset (ie, that reaches maximal intensity within a few seconds or less than one minute after the onset of pain)." Thunderclap headache requires urgent evaluation as such headaches may be announcers of bleeding in the brain.
You have a new onset of neck pain associated with weakness of one part of the face.
You have a severe headache with fever, confusion, with or without neck pain.
Your headache with associated with paralysis with or without nausea and vomiting
Your headache is associated with visual impairment.
Secondary headaches require evaluation with medical professionals since pain killers could only address the consequences and not the cause which is the underlying condition. For an instant, affordable, and most secure consultation with medical doctors, use the BYON8 platform, the service is available 24/7.
Until next time – Stay safe
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