Vim & Vigor - Spring 2020 - Northside Hospital - 53

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How many types of
headaches are there?

"There are a surprising number of different
headache types, nearly 300, and you've likely
heard of some of the most common-tension,
cluster, migraine and sinus," Dr. Jones says.
"What most people don't know is that each
headache type falls into two categories:
primary and secondary." Primary headaches
are stand-alone conditions, meaning there
aren't other illnesses causing them. Primary
headaches include tension headaches,
migraines and cluster headaches.
"Conversely, secondary headaches are
merely a symptom of another condition,
such as allergies or hormonal fluctuations,"
Dr. Jones says. "The types that fall into this
category include sinus, hormone, caffeine,
exertion and hypertension headaches."

Americans say
they've experienced
a migraine or severe
headache in the past
three months.

What's causing
my headache?

"Of course, the cause of a headache is
dependent on the type of headache you're
dealing with," Dr. Jones says. "Still, some of
the most common causes or triggers are the
same for multiple kinds of headaches."
For example, a lack of sleep can spur
on tension headaches and be a trigger
for those who suffer from migraines. The
foods you consume can also set off caffeine
headaches and migraines. "Other common
causes include stress and anxiety, physical
activity-or a lack thereof-posture,
hormones and environmental factors,
such as bright lights and loud sounds,"
Dr. Jones says.

PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

What does the timing
of a headache mean?

"The timing of your headaches can say a lot
about the causes and potential conditions,"
Dr. Jones says. "Take morning headaches, for
instance. Because they're at a time when your
body's natural painkillers are lowest, and other
triggers, such as food, stress and medications,
may be absent. This suggests causes like sleep
apnea or teeth grinding." On the other hand,
afternoon headaches are more likely the result
of dehydration, muscle tension or stress.
"Most noteworthy, however, are headaches
that happen at night," Dr. Jones says. "This is
because nighttime headaches often indicate
the type of headache you may be coping with,
such as hypnic headaches-which exclusively
happen at night-or cluster headaches, which
are cyclical and often start at night."

Does location
make a difference?

"The location of your headache can provide
crucial insight into the type of headache you're
experiencing," Dr. Jones says. "For instance,

if you have pain that's concentrated
in your forehead, it's likely a sinus or
caffeine headache; however, if that
pain wraps around your temples to the
back of your head, you're looking at a
tension headache."
Migraines, on the other hand, often
cause a deep, pulsating pain, and for 75% of
migraine sufferers, neck pain can also occur.
"Cluster headaches are also notorious for
causing intense pain, but it's often located
around one eye and may radiate down that
one side," Dr. Jones says.

Expert Care
Shouldn't
Be a Pain

With skilled providers,
comprehensive services
and personalized care all
in one place, the Northside
Peachtree Corners Health
Center is prepared to help
you tackle the toughest of
headaches. To schedule a
primary care appointment, visit
northside.com/peachtreecorners.

When should I be worried?

Although headaches are common and
typically not a cause for concern, there are
instances when they could be an indication
of something more serious.
"Whenever patients experience
accompanying symptoms alongside their
headache, this is a dead giveaway there's
something more going on," Dr. Jones says.
"In the event of a stiff neck, rash, vomiting,
confusion, slurred speech, fever or
paralysis with your headache, get medical
care immediately." *
VIM & VIGOR SPRING 2020
http://www.northside.com/peachtreecorners
Vim & Vigor - Spring 2020 - Northside Hospital

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