It is estimated that there are about 40 million headache sufferers in Japan. And I have a headache, too. There are different types of headaches. Each headache has a different treatment. In my blog, I will explain the types of headaches and their treatments.
TYPE OF HEADACHE
First of all, there are two types of headaches.
1) primary headache
2) secondary headache
About 80% of all headaches are primary headaches. And these three headaches are classified as primary headaches.
・migraine
・tension headache
・cluster headache
A secondary headache is a headache caused by a disease in the brain or body. Here are some brain disorders that cause secondary headaches.
・head injury
・cerebrovascular accident
・brain tumor
・brain infections
It also lists non-cerebral disorders that cause secondary headaches.
・systemic illness（cold, influenza, etc.）
・disease of the nose（chronic sinusitis）
・eye disease（glaucoma, eyestrain, etc.）
There are many other medical conditions that can cause secondary headaches. Continuing to take painkillers on a daily basis can lead to headaches known as medication overuse headaches. Here, I will try to classify primary headaches and secondary headaches more clearly.
1) primary headache
→ non-fatal headache
2) secondary headach
→ potentially fatal headache
Some headaches are dangerous and lead to death. Let's take a closer look at primary and secondary headaches.
PRIMARY HEADACHE
Most headaches are primary headaches. Let's take a closer look at the three most common types of primary headaches.
1. migraine
A migraine is a common headache. It is estimated that there are approximately 8.4 million patients nationwide suffering from migraine headaches. This means that about 1 in 15 Japanese suffer from migraine. Here are three characteristics of migraine headaches.
・throbbing pain in the temple
・lasts for hours
・aggravated by crowds, noise and stress
Migraine headaches may also have an aura of scintillating scotoma. If the headache medicine sold at the drugstore does not work, please see a doctor. There are medications for migraines. It helped me a lot when I was suffering from migraine headaches. You will only lose if you endure.
2. tension headache
The second is tension headache. It is an unfamiliar type of headache, but it is estimated that about 8 million people nationwide suffer from tension headaches. Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension. List three characteristics of tension headaches.
・tight pain in the back of the head and temples
・pain in the afternoon and evening
・severe stiff shoulders and neck
I often encounter patients with tension headache during outpatient care. In order to treat tension headaches, it is important to eliminate stiff shoulders. But if it doesn't improve, go see a doctor. There are medications specifically for tension headaches.
3. cluster headache
The third is cluster headache. Cluster headaches are common among young men. There are three characteristics of cluster headaches.
・severe pain like gouging the back of one eye
・lasts for weeks to months
・occurs during sleep and may wake you up
It got its name from the clusters of headache attacks. Most headache medications do not work for cluster headaches. If it hurts too much and you can't stand it, go see a doctor.
SECONDARY HEADACHE
What kind of headache is a secondary headache? A secondary headache is a type of headache that occurs secondary to another disorder. A variety of medical conditions can cause headaches, including head trauma, cerebrovascular accidents, brain tumors, and infections. This secondary headache can be caused by too many diseases to be explained all at once. I will introduce them little by little in this blog.
SUMMARY
Commonly called headaches are primary headaches. There are three types of primary headaches: migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches, each with different causes and treatments.
Secondary headaches are headaches that occur secondary to other conditions. Some of these secondary headaches are caused by life-threatening conditions. I will continue to introduce them on this blog.
See you soon !
