In Part I of this series on the most common types of headaches, we discussed three of the most common types of primary headaches. Those are: 1) migraines, 2) tension headaches, and 3) cluster headaches. In today’s article, we will be looking at seven types of secondary headaches. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary headache? A secondary headache, unlike a primary headache, is the result of another symptom, like allergies or hypertension.
Our headache clinics in North Texas and South Oklahoma are committed to helping you manage and treat whatever kind of headache you are suffering from. To schedule an appointment with a professional headache specialist, contact Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders today!
The Most Common Types of Secondary Headaches
In today’s post, we will be discussing the following types of secondary headaches:
- Allergy/sinus headaches
- Caffeine headaches
- Hormone headaches
- Hypertension headaches
- Rebound headaches
- Exertional headaches
#1: Allergy/Sinus Headaches
Did you know that allergies can result from allergic reactions? If you suffer from seasonal allergies or sinusitis, you are at risk of experiencing a sinus headache. However, make sure you see a professional to distinguish it from a migraine headache, as many times people will be diagnosed with sinus headaches when they really have migraines. The treatment for a sinus headache is different from the treatment for a migraine headache. Treating a sinus headache often entails thinning out the mucous to reduce sinus pressure — utilizing things like over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants. Taking decongestants if you have a migraine headache is, on the other hand, not going to be effective. Sinus headaches can also be caused by sinus infections, so treatment may also involve antibiotics. By treating the allergies or sinusitis, we can alleviate the headache as well.
#2: Caffeine Headaches
Anyone who drinks copious amounts of caffeine likely knows the feeling of a caffeine headache. This type of headache can occur if you have drunk too much caffeine, as well as be a symptom of caffeine withdrawals. When you are used to exposing your brain to regular stimulation, you may get a headache if you suddenly stop providing it. However, not everyone who cuts back on caffeine experiences withdrawal headaches. It is also not the case that taking too much caffeine will inevitably cause you a headache. As caffeine affects the blood flow to your brain, one is always at risk of headaches when one takes too much caffeine or suddenly stops taking it. However, these symptoms will almost always go away on their own after your body adjusts to the new dosage (whether that is another cup a day or no caffeine at all) soon enough. To avoid getting caffeine headaches, keeping your intake steady, or cutting caffeine out of your diet entirely, can help prevent them.
#3: Hormone Headaches
Another type of secondary headache that is commonly experienced by women are hormone headaches; headaches associated with fluctuations in one’s hormones. Things like menstruation, pregnancy, and birth control pills all can trigger headaches through their impact on your hormones. Headaches associated with your menstrual cycle are specifically called “menstrual migraines” — which can occur during, before, or after the cycle occurs. Treating a hormone headache may involve over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
It is estimated that around 60% of women who have migraines experience migraines triggered by menstruation. To help reduce the frequency and severity of hormone-related headaches, things like yoga and relaxation can help.
#4: Hypertension Headaches
If you have high blood pressure, you are at risk of having a hypertension headache. Hypertension headaches are not insignificant occurrences — if you experience one of these, it may be a medical emergency. Seek medical attention ASAP if you have a blood pressure-related headache. Symptoms of a hypertension headache include things like pressure on both sides of your head that gets worse if you do any kind of activity. Similar to migraines, it has a pulsating quality to it, and can involve changes in your vision, chest pain, nosebleeds, tingling, and shortness of breath. Alleviating hypertension headaches can be directly addressed by getting your blood pressure under control. As soon as you have your blood pressure properly managed, hypertension headaches should not occur.
#5: Rebound Headaches
Rebound headaches are headaches caused by the overuse of medications, like the OTC medications commonly used to treat other types of headaches. Therefore, if you have a rebound headache, it is a mistake to use things like acetaminophen or aspirin to treat it, as those are actually what are causing it! If you are taking OTC pain relief medication regularly and experience regular headaches, the only way to alleviate the pain is to wean yourself off of the medications. At first the headaches may start to become more severe, but they will usually subside within the first few days. If you are taking OTC pain reliever medication and experience regular headaches, schedule an appointment with the Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders in North Texas or South Oklahoma for diagnosis and a custom treatment strategy. We will help make the process of weaning off OTC pain relievers as headache-free as possible.
#6: Exertional Headaches
Strenuous physical activity like running and bouts of sneezing can trigger exertional headaches. This type of headache usually only lasts for a short period of time, but they can also last for a few days. The pain is similar to that of a migraine — with throbbing pain throughout the head — and they are more common with people who are genetically predisposed to be triggered by migraines. If you experience cluster headaches resulting from exertion — from sports to sexual intercourse — schedule an appointment with your doctor, as it could be serious.
When to See a Doctor
There are over 150 different types of headaches, as classified by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Today, we have covered only a few of them. Most headaches are not very serious, and can be effectively managed at home with OTC painkillers and rest. However, some headaches are persistent, recurrent, or severe enough to require professional medical assistance. You should see a doctor in any of the following scenarios:
- Headaches occurring after a significant head injury
- Headaches accompanied by numbness or weakness
- Recurrent headaches in children
- Headaches that are suddenly extremely painful
- Headaches accompanied by symptoms of persistent vomiting
- Headaches accompanied by blurry vision, loss of balance, or slurred speech
- Headaches accompanied by fever, rash, seizures, or unconsciousness
If you are in North Texas or South Oklahoma visit the headache clinic at Texas Institute for Neurological Disorders for help with acute or chronic headache management. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.