Headache

A headache is a condition that causes pain in any region of the head. Headaches may produce gradual or sudden pain, pain in an isolated area, pain throughout the head, or pain that lasts a few minutes, hours, or days.

Many people suffer from chronic or acute tension headaches, migraines, or other pain of the head and face. Headaches and other pain of the head area can be the primary condition, or can be secondary to other causes, such as using too much medication, infections (sinuses, for example), issues with the trigeminal or occipital nerve (neuralgia), among other causes.

According to the World Health Organization, up to 75% of adults age 18 – 65 have had headaches in the past year, and of these, 30% reported having migraines. 

The main categories of primary headaches include:
Headaches are a common reason for doctor visits and missed work. Up to 4% of the world’s adult population reports headaches on 15 or more days every month. Headaches don’t just cause suffering, they also cause lost productivity and reduced quality of life. Those suffering from frequent headaches are also more at risk for other conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Causes Of Headaches

Headaches are typically caused by over-activity of pain-sensitive structures in the brain. They may also be caused by a chemical reaction in the brain, a change to the nerves or bloods vessels outside the skull, or by tension in the head, neck, shoulders, or upper back. Headaches can be acute or chronic and may be caused by: 

Headache Symptoms

Depending on the type and cause of a headache, symptoms may include the following: 

How To Treat Headaches

For chronic headaches, a pain management physician may recommend the following treatment options: 

The first step in treating your head pain is to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor can determine your best treatment options. At Windermere Pain Centre, we offer help with diagnosing your pain, as well as a range of treatments to help get you back to your normal activities.