There are many classifications of headache, but all fit into three basic categories. The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache. Primary headaches afflict millions every day, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. Primary headaches can occasionally become very painful, or can become a chronic problem. Although this isn’t life threatening, it sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning. Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches can usually be done with the use of over the counter medications.
Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated. Although not life threatening in itself, the pain associated with a cluster headache can drive patients to take unreasonable measures. Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in chronological groupings, and can be very hard to predict. This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in first occurrences that are hard to avoid. A cluster headache usually prevents any daily function. Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes. Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches. Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible. Over the counter medications may do little to help under these circumstances.
Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue. As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem. Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening. In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor. There are dozens of other possible secondary headache causes. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.
The vast majority of headaches suffered fit into the primary headache category. As many as 90% of primary headaches are so called “tension” headaches. A tension headache occurs when the muscles over the skull contract tightly, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head. The pain usually centers around the temples. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.