Understanding Headaches

A caffeine withdrawal headache is a type of headache that occurs when a person who regularly consumes caffeine suddenly reduces or stops their intake.

When regular consumption of caffeine is halted, the sudden lack of caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including headaches. These headaches are a common part of caffeine withdrawal and can range from mild to severe.

Learn about the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal headaches and when to seek medical attention.

A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from issues in the cervical spine (the neck) and associated structures such as muscles, nerves, and bones.

Pain is referred from the neck to the head, typically affecting one side and often associated with neck stiffness and discomfort. Cervicogenic headaches can result from various conditions, including cervical disc disease, arthritis, or muscle strain.

Learn more about cervicogenic headaches and when to seek medical attention.

A cluster headache refers to a primary headache disorder characterised by intense, recurring pain that strictly affects only one side of the head.

Each headache episode or attack can last anywhere from 15 minutes to around 3 hours and may occur up to 8 times a day or once every other day. These headaches tend to occur in clusters, with each cluster period lasting for weeks to months.

Learn about the subtypes of cluster headaches and when you should seek medical attention.

An exertion headache, also known as an "exercise headache" or “exercise-induced headache,” is a type of headache that occurs during or after physical exertion or strenuous activity.

These headaches can range from mild to severe and are often described as a throbbing pain that typically affects both sides of the head.

Learn about the symptoms and causes of exertion headaches and when it is important to see a doctor immediately.

Hemicrania continua is a rare headache disorder characterised by continuous, unilateral (one-sided) head pain that varies in intensity. The headache is present for most of the day, for at least 3 months.

This condition is unique because the pain is constant, though the intensity of the pain can fluctuate.

Learn how to identify hemicrania continua headaches and when to seek medical attention immediately.

A hormonal headache, also known as a menstrual migraine or a hormone-related headache, is a type of headache that occurs in relation to hormonal fluctuations in the body, particularly those associated with the menstrual cycle.

These headaches typically occur in women and are often triggered by changes in oestrogen levels.

Learn about the types of hormonal headaches and when you should seek medical attention.

A hypertension headache is a type of headache that occurs when blood pressure is extremely high.

High blood pressure can sometimes lead to headaches as one of its symptoms, although not everyone with high blood pressure will experience this.

These headaches are typically associated with severe or chronic hypertension and can be a sign that blood pressure is dangerously elevated, requiring immediate medical attention.

Learn more about hypertension headaches and signs you should seek medical attention.

An ice pick headache, also known as a primary stabbing headache, is characterised by sudden, sharp, stabbing pains that feel like jabs from an ice pick. These brief, intense pains can occur anywhere on the head and typically last only a few seconds. Despite their startling intensity, ice pick headaches are usually benign and not linked to any serious underlying condition.

Learn how to identify ice pick headaches and when to seek medical attention.

A migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterised by a distinctive type of headache with intense, throbbing pain. Additionally, many people experience accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to sound, light, and movement.

Learn more about migraines and how to recognise if they indicate a more serious condition.

A post-traumatic headache is a type of headache that occurs after a head injury, which can range from mild to severe trauma.

These headaches can manifest immediately following the injury or develop days to weeks later. Post-traumatic headaches are a common consequence of head injuries, including concussions, and can significantly affect the quality of life if not managed properly.

Learn about the types of post-traumatic headaches and when you should seek medical advice.

A rebound headache, also known as a medication-overuse headache, occurs when the frequent use of headache medications leads to a cycle of recurring headaches.

This condition typically arises when pain relief medications are used more than a few times a week.

Learn about the types of rebound headaches and how you can prevent them from occurring.

A sinus headache is a type of headache that occurs when the sinuses — air-filled cavities in the skull — become inflamed or congested.

This condition is often associated with sinusitis, which is the inflammation of the sinus lining due to infection or allergies.

Learn about the symptoms and causes of a sinus headache and when you should see a doctor.

A spinal headache occurs when cerebrospinal fluid leaks out of the meninges (the layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) following a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or epidural anaesthesia.

This leakage reduces the fluid pressure around the brain and spinal cord, leading to a headache that typically worsens when sitting or standing and improves when lying down.

Learn more about spinal headaches and when to seek medical attention for them.

A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) headache is a type of headache that originates from issues related to the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the skull.

Dysfunction or disorders of this joint, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can cause pain that radiates to the head, especially when one moves the jaw.

Learn more about TMJ headaches and how they can be managed and prevented.

A tension headache is one of the most common types of headaches. It's characterised by a dull, aching pain or pressure around the forehead, temples, or the back of the head and neck.

Despite causing discomfort, tension headaches are generally not associated with serious health issues and can often be managed effectively.

Learn more about tension headaches and when you need to seek medical attention for them.

A thunderclap headache is a severe, sudden headache that reaches its peak intensity within seconds to a minute. This type of headache can be alarming due to its sudden onset and extreme pain.

Learn about the causes and symptoms of a thunderclap headache, and when it is crucial to seek medical attention.