Understanding the Different Types of Headaches

There are over 150 types of headache, though in clinical practice, there are fewer common forms.

If you have headaches that feel distinct from each other, there’s a chance you’re experiencing multiple types of headache, such as those caused by stress or tension, and others that follow sinus congestion. 

We’re headache specialists at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in Des Moines and West Des Moines, Iowa. When you experience headaches frequently or your headache pain interferes with life, visit us for the medical help you need to get back on track. 

We’ve prepared this month’s blog to help with understanding the different types of headaches. Here’s what you need to know. 

Primary or secondary? 

There are two categories that headaches usually fall into. Primary headaches are their own pain event, not related to medical conditions as symptoms. Secondary headaches arise as symptoms of other conditions. 

Migraines and tension headaches are examples of primary headaches, while secondary headaches include those caused by dehydration or sinus congestion. 

Most headaches aren’t serious, but on rare occasions, headaches can indicate concerning or dangerous conditions. 

Types of headaches

Tension headaches, a condition that falls into the primary headache category, are the most common form of all headaches. Virtually everyone experiences tension headaches at some point in their lives. 

Other types of primary headaches include: 

• Migraines
• Cluster headaches: severe pain on one side of the head that occurs multiple times a day
• Food-triggered headaches: food additives like nitrates are a common trigger
• Nicotine headaches: following nicotine use in any form
• Hunger headaches
• Cough headaches: may also start with sneezing or straining
• Exertion headaches
• Posture-related headaches
• Sleep-disruption headaches

Sometimes, a genetic connection increases a person’s risk of primary headaches. 

The most common form of secondary headache is medication-overuse headache (MOH). Also called a rebound headache, MOH occurs when excessive use of medication to treat headaches causes additional headaches. These are common with migraines and cluster headaches.

Other secondary headaches include: 

• Dehydration headaches
• Sinus headaches
• Trauma-related headaches
• Headaches caused by infections
• Vascular disorders: including those caused by aneurysm and stroke
• Substance-related headaches: from eliminating or overusing substances like caffeine
• Cervicogenic headaches: neck problems that radiate to the head
• Systemic illness headaches: related to conditions like hypertension or thyroid disorders

Thunderclap headaches are extremely painful headaches that start suddenly. While sometimes harmless, they could be a symptom of a brain bleed, head injury, or other serious medical problem. Treat thunderclap headaches as a medical emergency. 

These are just a few of the many types of headaches. Chances are that your headaches are included here, but if you suspect something serious or unusual, contact the headache experts at Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management. 

Call or click today to make an appointment at one of our convenient locations.