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Headaches

Headaches can be grouped as

  • Primary headache (Tension type headache, Migraine, Cluster headache);
  • Secondary headache (Medications, Trauma, stroke, cancer, related to other systemic illnesses);
  • Cervicogenic headache (pain arising from cervical vertebrae or soft tissues around the neck)
  • Headache due to Temporomandibular disorder
  • Cranial Neuralgia (Trigeminal Neuralgia )

The figure shows the prevalence of various types of headaches in society

According to global burden of disease, migraine is the second largest cause of years lost to disability globally.

TENSION TYPE HEADACHE MIGRAINE
Duration of the headache is Variable Headache lasts for 4-72hrs
Pain is present on Both sides (Right & Left) Headache is one sided
Pressing type of pain Pulsating type of pain
Mild-Moderate intensity pain Moderate-Severe intensity pain
Physical Activity will not increase pain Physical Activity increases pain
Headache is not associated with Nausea, Light sensitivity, Sound sensitivity Headache is associated with nausea, photophobia, phonophobia

Treatment:

  • Pharmacological
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Cognitive Behavioural therapy
  • Biofeedback
  • Acupuncture

Trigeminal Neuralgia

  • Sharp, Shooting Type Of Pain, Shock Like, Which Is Very Severe In Character.
  • They Occur In Short Episodes Of Few Seconds, Triggered By Brushing Teeth, Combing Hair, Chewing.
  • Patient Is Usually Pain free Between The Episodes.
  • Management:
  1. Pharmacological Methods
  2. Interventional Methods
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