What’s a headache?

Headaches are divided into primary and secondary headaches. The most common headaches are migraine, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, and medication overuse headaches. Primary headache has no known so-called cause, but they account for 90% of all headaches. Secondary headaches are the result of some other condition of disease that would cause damage and/or inflammation of pain-sensitive structures and account for 10% of all headaches.

Primary headaches:

  • Migraine

  • Tension-type headaches

  • Trigeminal autonomic headaches

  • Other primary headaches

Secondary headaches:

  • Headaches occurring after trauma or injury to the head or neck region

  • For diseases and disorders of the head area

  • Headaches due to the use of recreational substances and their withdrawal

  • Infections

  • Due to disorders of the skull, neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth, or other facial structures

  • Mental health disorders

  • Other headache disorders

What’s a migraine?

A migraine is not just a headache. Migraine is a neurological disease and a type of headache disorder characterized by recurrent and severe headaches. These are often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. These headaches are typically one-sided and pulsating in nature, and they can last for several hours to a few days.

Migraine symptoms:

In addition to the head pain, migraines can have various associated symptoms, including:

  1. Aura (in some cases): Auras are temporary visual or sensory disturbances that can precede or accompany a migraine. Visual auras may include flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. Sensory auras might involve tingling or numbness, usually in the face or hands.

  2. Nausea and vomiting: Many people with migraines experience nausea, and some may also vomit during an episode.

  3. Sensitivity to stimuli: Individuals with migraines may be more sensitive to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and certain smells.

  4. Fatigue and mood changes: After a migraine attack, a person might feel exhausted, irritable, or depressed.

Migraine causes

The exact cause of migraines is not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some common triggers for migraines include certain foods (like chocolate, cheese, and processed meats), hormonal changes in women, stress, lack of sleep, strong odors, bright lights, and certain medications.

Migraines can significantly impact a person's daily life and productivity. Management strategies often involve a combination of lifestyle modifications, identifying and avoiding triggers, and medication. If you or someone you know is experiencing migraines, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Migraine triggers

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Types of migraines

There are several different types of migraines, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:

  • This is the most prevalent type of migraine. It's characterized by moderate to severe headache pain that is usually one-sided and pulsating. This type of migraine is not preceded by an aura.

  • Auras are temporary sensory or visual disturbances that precede or accompany the headache. These can include visual phenomena like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. Sensory auras may involve tingling or numbness, typically in the face or hands. Not everyone with migraines experiences an aura.

  • This type involves experiencing a headache on 15 or more days per month for at least three months, and at least eight of those headaches must be migraines. Chronic migraines can be particularly challenging to manage and may require specialized treatment.

  • These migraines are closely linked to a woman's menstrual cycle. They typically occur in the days leading up to menstruation or during menstruation itself.

  • This type involves dizziness and problems with balance. People with vestibular migraines may experience vertigo (a spinning sensation), problems with coordination, and unsteadiness.

  • This is a rare and severe form of migraine with aura. It involves temporary paralysis or weakness on one side of the body before or during the headache. Other symptoms can include difficulty speaking, confusion, and vision problems.

  • This is a rare type of migraine characterized by temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye, which can last for less than an hour.

  • This is an extremely rare type of migraine that can cause temporary paralysis or weakness of the muscles surrounding the eye. It is often associated with severe pain around the eye and double vision.

  • This is a rare and severe type of migraine that can last for more than 72 hours. It requires immediate medical attention.

It's important to note that each individual's experience with migraines can vary, and not everyone fits neatly into one specific type. Additionally, a person's migraine pattern may change over time. If you or someone you know is experiencing migraines, it's crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

Medication overuse headache (MOH)

Timely diagnosis and treatment help reduce pain and improve a person’s quality of life. Medication overuse headache (MOH) is defined based on the latest ICHD-3 criteria as a secondary headache caused by an aggravation of a primary headache due to overuse of one or more pain-relieving medications. MOH can be debilitating to the body and can cause biochemical and functional changes in the brain.

MOH is defined as the occurrence of headaches on ≥15 days per month for a period of >3 months as a result of medication overuse due to medications used for the symptomatic treatment of primary headaches. For over-the-counter pain relievers, the maximum medication threshold is exceeded when they are taken for 15 or more days. For triptans, opioids, and combination pain relievers, the threshold is 10 days. Sufferers of migraine or tension-type headaches are also more likely to suffer from MOH. This may imply that the underlying mechanism of MOH may be related to primary headaches. People who experience cluster headaches are less likely to develop MOH unless they suffer from migraines or have a family history of migraines. Neck/shoulder stiffness or pain has been reported more frequently in MOH patients with pre-existing migraine.

Studies have also shown that MOH patients consume many other medications such as decongestants, laxatives, eye drops, sedatives, and sleeping pills. There is enough evidence in the literature that detoxification is a more effective treatment. The goal of treatment is not only to break the cycle of regular pain medication use but to improve sensitivity to both acute and prophylactic medications.

How to manage headaches better?

We suggest 6 ways how to manage your headaches better:

  1. Keeping a migraine diary: This can help you identify triggers, such as certain foods or stressors, that may be causing your migraines.

  2. Practicing relaxation techniques: This can include deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, which can help reduce stress and tension that can lead to migraines.

  3. Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

  4. Avoiding triggers: Once you identify your triggers, try to avoid them as much as possible.

  5. Taking over-the-counter pain medication: Ibuprofen and aspirin can help relieve migraine pain.

  6. Consult with your doctor: they can help you with personalized plan and if necessary, provide you with prescription medication like triptans, which can be effective in treating migraines.

It's important to note that what works for one person may not work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the best migraine management strategy for you.


Get help to manage your headaches!

Track your headaches with the help of a digital headache diary application. Mark down your headache episodes, pain level, taken medications and get medical help via asynchronous help.

Why use a headache diary?

Using a headache diary can have several benefits, including:

  1. Identifying triggers: Keeping track of headaches in a diary can help identify potential triggers, such as certain foods or stressors, that may be causing the headaches.

  2. Tracking the effectiveness of treatment: A diary can help track the effectiveness of different treatments, such as medications or lifestyle changes, in reducing the frequency or severity of headaches.

  3. Communicating with a healthcare provider: A headache diary can provide valuable information for a healthcare provider, allowing them to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

  4. Understanding patterns: A headache diary can reveal patterns of headaches, such as the time of day or the frequency of occurrence, which can help in diagnosis and treatment.

  5. Self-awareness: Keeping a headache diary can help the person suffering from headaches to be more aware of their own condition and to be more involved in the management of their symptoms.

Useful materials

  • Webinars & podcasts

    Learn with the help of experts, how sleep, nutrition, work etc influence headaches.

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  • Headache App user manual

    Not sure how to use the App in the best way for your treatment journey?

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  • Healthcare providers using Migrevention platform

    Find your clinic

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