Types of Headache
Cephalalgias are divided into primary and secondary types. The first group includes conditions where the pain itself is an independent syndrome, not a result of another disease. Secondary cephalalgias occur as a symptom of disorders in the brain, blood vessels, cervical spine, or after trauma or infections.
In medical practice, vascular, tension, migraine, cluster, and post-traumatic types of pain are also distinguished.
Primary Headache
Primary cephalalgia is the most common type. It is not associated with organic brain lesions but can significantly reduce quality of life. The causes include stress, chronic tension, fatigue, lack of sleep, prolonged computer work, and emotional overload.
The pain often has a dull or pressing character and feels like a “tight band” around the head. Attacks can last from several minutes to several days.
Secondary Headache
Secondary cephalalgias develop as a result of another condition — infectious, vascular, endocrine, or neurological. For example, the pain may accompany increased intracranial pressure, sinusitis, head trauma, cervical osteochondrosis, or brain tumors.
Treatment in such cases is aimed primarily at eliminating the underlying cause, not just relieving the pain.
Vascular Headache
The vascular type of cephalalgia is associated with disturbances in the tone of brain vessels. When the arteries spasm, pulsating or pressing pain occurs, most often in the temples or back of the head. Dizziness, darkening of vision, and ringing in the ears may also appear.
Such pain can occur with hypertension, hypotension, vegetative disorders, or migraine. It is important to distinguish vascular cephalalgia from other forms, as treatment principles differ in each case.
Tension Headache
One of the most frequent types of cephalalgic syndromes. Tension headache appears due to prolonged psycho-emotional stress or physical strain of the neck and head muscles.
It feels like dull, bilateral pressure without pulsation. It may be accompanied by fatigue, reduced concentration, and irritability. Common in adults, often after long computer work or poor posture.
Migraine
Migraine is a specific type of primary cephalalgia, more common in women. It is characterized by unilateral, pulsating pain, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells.
The cause lies in a complex combination of vascular and neurological factors, as well as genetic predisposition. Attacks can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, weather changes, or certain foods.
Cluster Headache
A rare but extremely intense type of cephalalgia. The pain occurs in series (“clusters”), usually at night, localized around one eye or temple, and accompanied by tearing, facial redness, and nasal congestion.
Cluster headaches are more common in men and require careful diagnostic evaluation and treatment by a neurologist.
Post-Traumatic Headache
Occurs after a blow, concussion, or other head or neck injury. The symptom may appear days or weeks later. The pain is usually dull and constant, worsening with exertion, lack of sleep, or stress.
Post-traumatic cephalalgia requires medical observation, as it can sometimes indicate structural brain changes or impaired blood flow.
Causes of Cephalalgia
Cephalalgic syndrome can have many causes:
- vascular disorders (spasm, dilation, high blood pressure);
- inflammatory diseases (sinusitis, meningitis, upper respiratory infections);
- head and neck injuries;
- muscle tension;
- hormonal changes;
- chronic stress and fatigue;
- eye or dental problems.
Sometimes cephalalgia occurs in children and adolescents due to excessive study load or lack of sleep; in adults — due to physical inactivity and prolonged sitting at a computer.
Diagnosis of Cephalalgia
Since cephalalgia is a symptom, not a disease, the doctor’s goal is to determine its cause. Diagnosis begins with a detailed patient interview, analysis of pain characteristics, frequency, triggers, and accompanying symptoms.
Patients are often advised to keep a headache diary to track patterns: when and under what circumstances pain occurs, and how it responds to medication and rest.
Diagnostic Methods
To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe:
- neurological examination;
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT);
- ultrasound of the neck and head vessels;
- blood tests to detect inflammation or hormonal imbalances;
- ophthalmologic examination if intracranial pressure is suspected.
Sometimes consultation with other specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist, ENT doctor) is required. A comprehensive approach helps accurately determine the type and cause of pain.
Treatment of Cephalalgia
Treatment methods depend on the type and cause of cephalalgia. The doctor selects therapy individually: for primary headaches — to reduce attack frequency and improve quality of life, for secondary — to eliminate the root cause.
Medications (analgesics, anti-inflammatory, or vascular agents), physiotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments are used. Sleep hygiene, proper nutrition, stress reduction, and avoiding bad habits are crucial.
Treatment of Chronic Headache
If the headache becomes chronic (more than 15 days per month), the condition of the nervous system and therapy plan should be re-evaluated. Sometimes chronic cephalalgia results from overuse of painkillers, requiring gradual dose reduction under medical supervision.
Relaxation techniques, massage, therapeutic exercises, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are also prescribed. With the right approach, the frequency and intensity of pain episodes can be significantly reduced.
Prevention of Headache
Prevention is a key element in treating cephalalgic conditions.
It is recommended to:
- maintain regular sleep and rest schedules;
- alternate mental and physical activity;
- drink enough water;
- limit screen time;
- monitor posture and stretch neck muscles regularly;
- avoid overwork and severe stress.
Regular preventive measures help reduce the risk of recurrence, even with chronic pain.
How to Quickly Relieve a Headache
If the pain occurs suddenly and is not related to trauma or high blood pressure, try simple measures:
- ventilate the room, take a break, and relax;
- drink water — sometimes cephalalgia results from dehydration;
- gently massage the temples and neck;
- if necessary, take a pain reliever (as recommended by a doctor).
If headaches are frequent, do not rely only on symptomatic treatment — it is important to identify the cause.
When to See a Doctor
Medical attention is required if:
- the pain starts suddenly and is very severe;
- accompanied by speech, vision, or motor impairment;
- occurs after head trauma;
- worsens over time or does not respond to medication;
- accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or dizziness.
Early diagnosis helps rule out dangerous conditions and choose effective treatment.
MARUS Support for Cephalalgia
MARUS helps make treatment a thoughtful and comfortable process. If you suffer from frequent headaches, the team of specialists will find a reliable clinic, organize diagnostics, and handle all logistics.
MARUS collaborates with leading Russian doctors and clinics so that patients from other countries can receive accurate diagnosis and modern treatment — all in a calm atmosphere, with translation, transport, and full assistance.
Taking care of yourself means not only treatment but also comfort at every stage. MARUS helps make this journey easy and clear.