Types of Headaches Page 1

Non-throbbing, pressure pain in part or all the head; may be associated with neck pain or tightness.
Often described as a "tight band" around the head, or feeling like the head is "in a vise".
Usually not associated with nausea or avoidance of light/sound. Not made worse by routine
physical activity. Mild or moderate pain intensity.

Pain can be unilateral or bilateral, and is most often pulsating or throbbing in quality. Fifty per cent
of migraine sufferers report the onset of migraine pain in the occipital region (back of the head.)
Regardless of where pain begins, it often settles into a one-sided headache. Often, migraine pain is
made worse by routine physical activity, such as climbing stairs. Moderate to severe pain intensity.

If not treated early, up to 80% of migraine sufferers can develop a highly sensitized pain called
allodynia, in which a usually normal level of touch is perceived as painful.

There is usually associated avoidance of light, sound, or even smell. There is often nausea or loss
of appetite. Many migraine sufferers have difficulty thinking or concentrating during an attack.

About 20% of migraine sufferers report a prodrome preceding their headaches, consisting of vague
symptoms like mood changes, yawning, food cravings, thirst, or excessive urination.

Fifteen to twenty per cent of migraine sufferers sometimes or always have an aura preceding
their headaches. Auras are neurologic symptoms, most often affecting vision with spots, colors,
sparkles, or vision loss. An aura can also cause stroke-like symptoms like tingling, numbness, or
weakness in the face, an arm, or sometimes an entire side.





	Types of Headaches No two people feel or describe pain the exact same way. However, the various types of headaches have symptoms that are fairly consistent. The following descriptions are provided to help you determine what sort of headaches you experience. Commonly Occurring Tension-type headache Migraine Non-throbbing, pressure pain in part or all the head; may be associated with neck pain or tightness. Often described as a "tight band" around the head, or feeling like the head is "in a vise". Usually not associated with nausea or avoidance of light/sound. Not made worse by routine physical activity. Mild or moderate pain intensity. Pain can be unilateral or bilateral, and is most often pulsating or throbbing in quality. Fifty per cent of migraine sufferers report the onset of migraine pain in the occipital region (back of the head.) Regardless of where pain begins, it often settles into a one-sided headache. Often, migraine pain is made worse by routine physical activity, such as climbing stairs. Moderate to severe pain intensity. If not treated early, up to 80% of migraine sufferers can develop a highly sensitized pain called allodynia, in which a usually normal level of touch is perceived as painful. There is usually associated avoidance of light, sound, or even smell. There is often nausea or loss of appetite. Many migraine sufferers have difficulty thinking or concentrating during an attack. About 20% of migraine sufferers report a prodrome preceding their headaches, consisting of vague symptoms like mood changes, yawning, food cravings, thirst, or excessive urination. Fifteen to twenty per cent of migraine sufferers sometimes or always have an aura preceding their headaches. Auras are neurologic symptoms, most often affecting vision with spots, colors, sparkles, or vision loss. An aura can also cause stroke-like symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness in the face, an arm, or sometimes an entire side. Copyright 2006 HEADquarters Migraine Management Inc. All Rights Reserved Headache Info: Headache Types Headache Causes Migraine Triggers Treatment Comorbid Conditions Migraine Quiz Pathophysiology Women and Headaches Men and Headaches