Primary Headaches are not caused by another medical condition. They include:
- Migraine: Recurrent, throbbing headaches often on one side of the head, with symptoms like nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and aura (visual disturbances) in some cases.
- Rationale: Migraine is a common primary headache with distinct features that help differentiate it from other types.
- Tension-Type Headache: Mild to moderate, pressing pain on both sides of the head, often described as a "band around the head." No nausea or vomiting.
- Rationale: This is the most common primary headache, often linked to stress or muscle tension.
- Cluster Headache: Severe, one-sided pain around the eye, with tearing, nasal congestion, and restlessness. Attacks occur in clusters (weeks to months).
- Rationale: Cluster headaches are rare but intensely painful, with a distinct pattern of recurrence.
- Other Primary Headaches: Such as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (e.g., paroxysmal hemicrania), which are less common but have specific triggers and symptoms.
- Diagnosis: A detailed headache diary, medical history, and sometimes imaging (e.g., MRI) are used to rule out secondary causes.
- Management: Lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., triptans for migraine), and stress management are key.