Headaches are among the most common disorders of the nervous system. They can be painful and disabling to someone’s lifestyle, causing people to look for pharmacological or non-pharmacological help. They can affect people from childhood through older adulthood.
Because causes can vary, and because it can sometimes be difficult to get in quickly with a primary care provider, people often use over-the-counter medication to manage pain.
Quick takeaway: Most headaches are primary headaches, but warning signs matter. Sudden, severe, changing, or neurologic symptoms should be taken seriously.
Primary Headaches
Headaches are commonly divided into two groups: primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches involve dysfunction or overactivity of sensitive structures within the head and neck. They account for roughly 80 to 90 percent of headaches and are more common.
Headaches in the primary category include:
- Tension-type headaches, which are the most common type.
- Migraine headaches.
- Cluster headaches.
- New daily persistent headaches.
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headaches occur as a symptom, meaning they are caused by another condition. There is a lower chance of someone experiencing secondary headaches, but identifying them is important.
Red flags can include sudden onset, high pain intensity, a change in headache pattern, neurological changes, seizure, or systemic changes. Secondary headaches may be attributed to vascular, inflammatory, traumatic, or neoplastic causes.
Headaches in the secondary category can include:
- Substance withdrawal, such as caffeine withdrawal.
- Infections, such as meningitis.
- Head or neck trauma.
- Vascular disorders, such as aneurysm or stroke.
When an Evaluation May Help
It can be a challenge to get in quickly with your primary care provider. At Bannockburn Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center, we can set you up with an initial exam and treatment, if warranted, on the same day to help you feel and function better.
Headaches FAQ
What is the difference between primary and secondary headaches?
Primary headaches are disorders involving sensitive structures in the head and neck. Secondary headaches are symptoms caused by another condition.
What headache symptoms should be taken seriously?
Sudden onset, very high pain intensity, a change in headache pattern, neurological changes, seizure, or systemic symptoms should be evaluated promptly.