USF-COM Department of Family Medicine

Patient Education Information on... Index of Patient Education Topics

Introduction

The three most common types of headache are migraine, cluster and tension headaches.  Some of the symptoms of these types of headaches overlap, while others can help your doctor figure out which type of headache you are having.

Return to top of page

MIGRAINE HEADACHE - What does a migraine headache feel like?

The pain of a migraine headache can be intense. Over 10% of the population has migraine headaches, women being more likely to get them.  Migraines don’t feel the same in all people.  Symptoms of migraines may include the following: Return to top of page

MIGRAINE HEADACHE - Are there different kinds of migraines?

Yes, the two most common are migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

An aura is a set of warning signs that usually occur before the headache.  Sometimes, though, the aura and the pain overlap or the pain never occurs.  Auras last about 15 to 30 minutes.

The Aura often involves changes in the way you see.  You may see flashing lights or zigzags of light.  You may lose some of your vision for a short time in one or both eyes.  For example, you may lose your peripheral vision (side vision).  Things may also seem like they are different sizes or shapes or are in different locations.  You may also feel a strange prickly or burning sensation or muscle weakness on one side of your body.

Migraines without aura may still have some warning signs.  Two hours to three days before the pain begins you may feel tired, crave certain foods, feel depressed, irritable, anxious or restless, or be more talkative than usual.  This type of migraine starts more slowly than migraine with aura, last longer and interfere more with your activities.

There are many other, less common types of migraines.  One type has an aura that isn’t followed by head pain and another type lasts longer than three days.

Return to top of page

MIGRAINE HEADACHE - How long do migraines last?

Migraines usually last from two hours to three days.  They may occur once or twice a year or as often as twice or more times a week.  In women, migraines tend to get less severe after menopause.

Return to top of page

MIGRAINE HEADACHE - What causes migraines?

Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain things such as food, alcohol, caffeine, sleeping too much, being around strong smells, loud noise, bright lights, weather changes, and many other things.

Return to top of page

MIGRAINE HEADACHE - How can you treat migraines?

Available without prescription, OTC pain relievers such as Aspirin, Tylenol, and Advil.  Each has specific advantages and side effects however the most common of these is stomach upset
Among prescription medications, there are medications such as Ergotamines that are used to treat migraines once they have already started, and medications such as B-blockers and certain anti-depressants that are used to prevent migraines from ever starting.  Common side effects to these medications include tiredness, weight gain, and dry mouth.

Return to top of page

TENSION HEADACHES - What does a tension-type headache feel like?

Tension headaches are the most frequent of all headaches, accounting for about 70% of all new headaches.  The pain of a tension-type headache is dull and ongoing, and changes in intensity.  You may feel like a band is tightening around your head.

Tension-type headaches are not associated with nausea or vomiting, but you may not feel as hungry.  You may be more sensitive to sound or light.  You generally won’t feel worse if you’re active, but you may not want to do some activities.

Return to top of page

TENSION HEADACHES - How long do tension-type headaches last?

Tension-type headaches may last 30 minutes to seven days.  You may have tension-type headaches once or twice a year to as often as three to four times a week.

Return to top of page

TENSION HEADACHES - What causes tension-type headaches?

The pain from tension headaches may be related to the blood vessels and nerves in your head.  Tension headaches seem to be related to stress.

Return to top of page

TENSION HEADACHES - How do you treat tension-type headaches?

Tension headaches in some people respond to nonprescription pain relievers like aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil if taken regularly for several days.  However it is important not to take large quantities of these types of medications as it may cause severe stomach irritation and bleeding.  Other useful therapies include relaxation techniques, message, biofeedback, and counseling.  Some prescriptions drugs, such  as antidepressants have been use to prevent occurrence of these headaches.

Return to top of page

CLUSTER HEADACHES - What does a cluster headache feel like?

Cluster headaches occur rarely, but most often in middle aged men.  Cluster headaches are severe, usually occurring at night and may wake you up.  While these headaches don’t have an aura and usually aren’t related to nausea or vomiting, they may include the following symptoms: Return to top of page

CLUSTER HEADACHES - How  and why do cluster headaches happen?

Each headache may last from 15 to 90 minutes and occur in groups or "clusters."  You may have one to eight per day and the attacks may go on for 3 wks to 4 months.

The exact cause has not been found, but may be related to the hypothalamus or the "clock" in your body that controls the rhythm of your sleeping and waking cycles.

Return to top of page

CLUSTER HEADACHES - How do you treat cluster headaches?

The treatment of cluster headaches must me fast and effective.  Most nonprescription pain relievers don’t work quickly enough.  Prescription medication  to stop the headache is usually given by injection or  nasal spray.  The best treatment is to prevent the occurrence of these headaches, beginning treatment as soon as a cluster period begins.  Consult your doctor on the best medication for you.

Return to top of page

References