FAST FACTS: Headache
A headache is pain anywhere in the head or neck caused by disturbance of the pain-sensitive structures around the brain. There are over 200 types of headaches which can be a symptom of several different conditions with causes ranging from harmless to life-threatening. Description of the headache, together with neurological findings, determines the need for further investigations and the most appropriate treatment.
- Types of Headaches
- Primary Headaches occur on their own with no detectable underlying cause
- Migraine- pulsating in character, affecting one side of head, associated with nausea, can be disabling in severity, lasting 3 hours to 3 days
- Trigeminal Neuralgia- a shooting pain in face
- Tension- band-like or squeezing, does not worsen with routing activity, may be brought on by stress
- Cluster- severe pains that occur together in bouts
- Secondary Headaches are caused by an underlying condition or disease
- Brian tumor
- Stroke
- Medication overuse
- Head injury
- Primary Headaches occur on their own with no detectable underlying cause
- Red Flag Symptoms- should be reported to a Healthcare provider immediately
- Sudden onset, new or different headache in someone over 50
- Mental confusion and/or vision problems
- Headache made worse by exertion, coughing or straining
- Headaches in people with HIV, cancer or at risk for blood clot
- Headache with fever, vomiting, weakness, or neck stiffness
- Assessment is Key
- Treatment of a headache depends on the underlying cause.
- Not all headaches require medical attention, and most respond with simple over the counter (OTC) analgesics such as acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- What Caregivers can do to help their loved one with Headache
- Write down and share information about your loved one’s pain with their provider
- Use a Pain Diary to note important information useful to the provider
- Encourage your loved one to try a non-drug treatment to decrease minor pain
Revised 3/2020
