Orofacial Pain, TMJ Disorders & Dental Sleep Medicine Specialists

Headaches/Migraines

Headaches are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with the World Health Organization (WHO) ranking headache disorders as one of the top neurological burdens. These recurrent disorders are more than just a nuisance; they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and create financial strain.

While headaches are incredibly common, identifying their specific type and cause can be a challenge. Generally, headaches fall into two main categories: primary and secondary.

Primary headaches are the most common type and are not caused by an underlying medical condition. These include migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches.

Secondary headaches are symptoms of another issue, such as a head or neck injury, stroke, or a vascular malformation. While less frequent, they are often more severe.

Primary Headache Types

Migraines

The precise cause of migraines is still unknown, though both genetics and hormone levels are believed to play a role. They are also three times more common in women than in men. While the root cause is unclear, certain triggers can set off a migraine attack. Common triggers include stress, hunger, and fatigue.

Tension-Type Headaches

Affecting a large portion of the population, tension-type headaches are the most frequent type of headache. They occur when muscles in the head or neck become tense, often from stress, injury, or holding a strenuous position for an extended period. Other triggers can include alcohol, caffeine, or jaw clenching.

Understanding your triggers can help you prevent these headaches from occurring.

Cluster Headaches

Like migraines, the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown. However, they may be related to a sudden release of histamine or serotonin. These can be triggered by factors like alcohol, cigarette smoke, heat, or bright light. Some researchers also theorize that an abnormality in the hypothalamus, the brain’s biological clock, could be a factor, which is supported by the fact that these headaches often occur at the same time each day.

Medication-Overuse Headaches

Also known as “rebound headaches,” medication-overuse headaches (MOH) are the most common type of secondary headache disorder. They are caused by the chronic and excessive use of pain medication to treat other headaches. MOH can affect up to 5% of some populations and is more common in women. The pain is often oppressive, persistent, and typically at its worst upon waking.

Groups at Higher Risk

Headaches can be triggered by a wide range of factors, but certain groups are at a higher risk. As mentioned, women are three times more likely to experience migraines than men. Additionally, lifestyle factors can significantly increase risk. People who are more susceptible to headaches often include:

Those who are obese

Smokers

Individuals with high stress levels

Those who consume excessive alcohol

People who engage in too much or too little exercise

A proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Many people mistake one type of headache for another, such as mistaking cluster headaches for migraines, which can lead to ineffective pain relief. Even when the exact cause of a headache is unknown, getting a correct diagnosis can offer significant relief. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic headaches, our team of U.S. Residency-trained specialists can help. We can provide an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan to manage your condition.