Rs Neurology

It is common knowledge that headaches are an extremely common part of the human experience. According to the World Health Organisation, about 50 percent of the global population experiences at least 1 headache per year.

There are many different types of headaches. In fact, the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) defines more than 150 different types of headaches. Pain from headaches may range from mild to severe, and can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Headaches can be sorted into 2 broad categories:

Primary headaches.  A primary headache is a result of overactivity or problems with the pain-sensitive structures in your head. It is not caused by an underlying disease or medical condition. As such, primary headaches can usually go away on their own with rest and pain-relief medications if necessary. Some common types of primary headaches include:

• Tension headaches. A tension headache feels like a constant, dull ache on both sides of your head. You may also experience a sensation of tightness or pressure on your scalp, forehead, back of your head and shoulders. Tension headaches are usually caused by stress, can can last for anywhere between 30 minutes to a few days.
• Migraines. A migraine feels like a throbbing pain, usually moderate to severe and on one side of your head. You may also experience nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for anywhere between 4 to 72 hours.
• Cluster headaches. A cluster headache feels like a sharp, burning pain, usually on one side of your head behind your eyes. Cluster headaches often occur suddenly, and pain can be very severe. Cluster headaches can last for anywhere between 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Secondary headaches. Unlike primary headaches, secondary headaches are symptoms of other underlying medical conditions. Some signs that indicate that you may be experiencing a secondary headache includes:

• If your headache wakes you up from sleep
• If it is the worst headache you have experienced in your entire life
• If your headache causes you to faint or experience a seizure
• If you feel weak on one side of your body or have trouble walking

The most common type of secondary headache is a thunderclap headache. Thunderclap headaches occur suddenly and out of the blue, just like a clap of thunder. Pain associated with thunderclap headaches is typically very severe, often peaking at the 30 second mark. Thunderclap headaches usually last for a few hours but less severe headaches may persist afterwards for weeks.

Some underlying medical conditions which may cause secondary headaches include:

• Aneurysms. An aneurysm is a bulging artery that occurs where the arterial wall is weak. The enlarged artery inflates in the weak area, and the walls can continue to weaken over time, increasing the risk of a rupture. An aneurysm is often compared to the inflation of a balloon.
• Vasculitis. Vasculitis is a condition where there is inflammation of the blood vessels. It can affect any type of blood vessel and usually occurs because the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels.
• Neuro-infections. Neuroinfections occur when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi or prion invade the nervous system through the bloodstream or peripheral nerves.
• Brain tumours. Brain tumours are masses of abnormal cells that grow within the skull.
• Intracranial hypotension. Intracranial hypotension is a condition whereby there is abnormally low pressure or volume within the brain cavity.
• Intracranial hypertension. Intracranial hypertension refers to a build-up of pressure around the brain.

If you are currently experiencing signs of a secondary headache, visit a doctor and seek medical attention immediately.