Less Common Types of Headaches

Below are descriptions for some of the less common (non-migraine) headache types that may sometimes be confused with migraines:

Aneurysm headache: an aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the head ruptures and causes a hemorrhage. An aneurysm headache is indicated by extremely severe head pain that’s usually accompanied by neck pain and sometimes accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness. If you believe you’re suffering from an aneurysm headache you must seek medical help immediately by going to the emergency room. This can be a life threatening condition.

Caffeine withdrawal headache: these headaches occur when the individual greatly decreases his/her caffeine consumption or completely ceases all caffeine intake. The headaches are usually localized to the head area and are sometimes accompanied by fatigue or irritability.

Carbon monoxide headache: carbon monoxide exposure can occur by being in proximity to an automobile’s exhaust system or a defective furnace. The headache symptoms are throbbing head pain, nausea, dizziness, and weakness. Prolonged carbon monoxide exposure is very dangerous.

Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania: this rare headache type typically occurs in women and has symptoms similar to a cluster headache (see Migraines vs. Other Types of Headaches). They usually only last 1-2 minutes but can occur multiple times during a 24-hour period.

Drug withdrawal headache: these headaches occur when an individual either greatly reduces or totally ceases to consume drugs.

Exertion headache: these headaches occur during or after prolonged exercise or short, intense periods of exertion. They can also occur when lifting objects, bending over, or when coughing or sneezing. The headaches are usually throbbing and brief but if they are sudden and severe you should seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency room because it could indicate a hemorrhage.

External compression headache: these headaches occur when there’s prolonged pressure on the head. Wearing a tight hat or tight swim goggles can sometimes cause this type of headache.

Eyestrain headache: this headache occurs after working on the computer for prolonged periods of time or reading in low light.

Glaucoma-related headaches: the symptoms of this headache type are blurred vision and halos around lights, extreme eye and/or forehead pain, red eye, or vomiting. If you experience this type of headache you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Hangover headache: the cause of this type of headache is self explanatory. They occur the morning after consuming large amounts of alcohol or more alcohol than is usual for the individual.

Head injury headache: this headache type is linked to a head injury and may occur months or even years after the original injury. If the pain gets worse over time you should notify your doctor because this may indicate a blood clot (subdural hemotoma).

High-altitude headache: this type of headache usually occurs after being at an altitude above 10,000 feet. Moving to a lower altitude usually stops the headache.

Hunger headache: these headaches usually occur when meals are skipped.

Hypertension headache: this type of headache has nothing to do with chronic high blood pressure. It’s a rare headache that occurs when the blood pressure suddenly and unexpectedly rises.

Ice cream headache: these headaches occur immediately after quickly eating or drinking something very cold. The headaches are very brief and usually stop after a few minutes.

Idiopathic stabbing headache: the symptoms of an idiopathic headache are dull, aching pain on one side of the head accompanied by sharp, ice-pick like stabs of pain. If this type of headache occurs on a frequent basis you should seek medical attention.

Meningitis headache: this headache occurs when the membranes around the spinal cord and brain become inflammed due to an infection. The symptoms of this headache type are fever, severe head and neck pain and stiffness, and malaise.

MSG headache: the symptoms of MSG headaches are tightness of the face and throbbing pain in the forehead and temple areas. They usually occur after eating food with MSG (monosodium glutamate).

Occipital neuralgia: people who suffer from occipital neuralgia experience sudden stabbing pain at the back of the head which is sometimes accompanied by tenderness in the same area.

Sinus headache: this type of headache is usually accompanied by sinus inflammation. It’s interesting to note that many people that have chronic sinus inflammation typically suffer from migraines, not sinus headaches.

TMJ headache: these headaches are indicated by dull, aching pain that gets worse by chewing. They are usually accompanied by joint pain (temporomandibular joint - TMJ) or pain in the joint area in front of the ear.

Travel headache: these headaches may be accompanied by motion sickness that occurs by riding in a car, boat, or a turbulent plane ride. Taking motion sickness medication should alleviate the headache.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Less Common Types of Headaches”

  1. mike hosick on April 6th, 2009 10:34 am

    I am a 62 year old male with a fifty year history of migraine, severe as a young adult, less so after. A about 5 years ago I began to have occasional aura without headache. Most recently, no aura, intense blood rush to the head followed by intense throbbing headache lasting five minutes to hours depending on how much I had just eaten of virtually any solid food. No GI related symptoms. Blood sugar is always normal. Have tried withdrawal of gluten, complex carbohydrates, fructose, lactose. MD shrugs his shoulders. Tends to be dismissive of Migraine issues

  2. rebecca on August 23rd, 2009 8:52 pm

    i am an 18 year old female…i have been getting headaces since i was a child….now that i am older i have been getting them more commonly…i have pain in my temples occasionally other times it is t the back the sides or the very front it happens to be different every headache my headaches occur habitually now and i rarely go a day without a headache of some form….now they are affecting me after i eat accompanied with discomfort in my stomach sometimes quite uncomfortable or quite mild….as of now it is afte dinner and i have a headache it is quite mild it is at the back of my head and close to my jaw…it is dull and tight it is not severe i can get by but i know it is there and can exascerbate…at any time…….i also wake up with headaches and have them go away but i will get one later on again…and of course there are the headaches i get all day and the ones that rush when i sit up or get up too quickly and remain for a few moments then disappate………..please i have been unwell can you help me

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