headache

headache A pain in the head, with the pain being above the eyes or the ears, behind the head (occipital), or in the back of the upper neck. Headache has many causes. All headaches are classified as primary or secondary headaches. Primary headaches are not associated with other diseases. Examples of primary headaches are migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by other diseases, and the associated diseases can be minor or major. Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache, and migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. Cluster headaches are a rare but important type of primary headache, affecting mainly men. Secondary headaches may result from innumerable conditions, ranging from life-threatening ones such as brain tumors, strokes, meningitis, lupus, and subarachnoid hemorrhages to less serious but common conditions such as withdrawal from caffeine and discontinuation of analgesics (pain-killing medications). Many people suffer from “mixed” headache disorders, in which tension headaches or secondary headaches may trigger migraines. The treatment of the headache depends on the type and severity of the headache and on other factors, such as the age of the patient. Treatment options include short-term and longterm medications. Also known as cephalgia. See also cluster headache; headache, tension; hematoma, epidural; hematoma, subdural; hemorrhage, subarachnoid; migraine headache; subarachnoid hemorrhage.