There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each. The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary category. Primary headaches occur to almost everyone, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem. Although this isn’t life threatening, it sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning. Fixing these Headache Types can be crucial to restoring enjoyment of daily life activities. 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 known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict. This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided. A cluster headache can disable an individual, so great is the pain. Pain usually centers behind one or both eyes, and presents with visible symptoms like runny and watery eyes and nose. Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches. Treatment of this pain should be the immediate and overriding concern. 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 result from 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. Poor blood flow and internal bleeding can also trigger secondary headaches. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of Headache Types suffered fit into the primary headache category. As many as 90% of primary headaches are caused by so called “tension” headaches. A tension headache takes place when cranial muscles contract, 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.