Cluster Headaches

Much like the name implies you get a grouping of headaches in the same region of your head in a short period of time. This often affects men more than women and stress can increase the frequency and occurrence.

Migraines

Migraines can run in families and are diagnosed using certain criteria.

• At least five previous episodes of headaches
• Lasting between 4–72 hours
• At least two out of these four: one-sided pain, throbbing pain, severe pain they  interfere with, is worsened by, or prohibits routine activity
• At least one associated feature: nausea and/or vomiting, or sensitivity to light and/ or  sound
• A migraine may be indicated by aura, such as visual distortions or hand numbness. (About 15% to 20% of people with migraines experience these.)

Migraine is a common, chronic, incapacitating neurovascular disorder, characterized by attacks of severe headache, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and in some patients, an aura involving neurological symptoms.  The exact pathogenesis of migraines still needs to be determined, however, more recently the migraine pathophysiology has shifted away from the vascular theory and now primary neural mechanisms are thought to be the cause.

The pain mechanisms of migraines are not completely understood, but 3 key factors have been found to play a role:  the cranial blood vessels, the trigeminal innervation of the vessels, and the reflex connections of the trigeminal system with the cranial parasympathetic outflow.  The involvement of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve and the overlap with structures innervated by C2 explain the common distribution of migraine pain over the frontal and temporal regions, as well as the involvement of parietal, occipital, and high cervical regions by referred pain mechanisms.

The condition is more prevalent among women, with about 15-18 percent of women worldwide getting them, compared to six to seven percent of men. About 60 percent of women affected have menstrual-related migraines, meaning they tend to coincide with their menstrual cycle.

Tension Headaches

This is usually local pain in your head with a constant ache around temples of the head. Often feels like there is a belt tightening around your head.