Types of Headaches In Stone Mountain, GA

Although a common complaint, headaches should not be overlooked. In general, it is good to keep a diary of headaches noting frequency, symptoms, and level of pain and disability. This will help with diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Orofacial pain specialists are trained to diagnose and treat most primary headache disorders or refer to appropriate specialists.


Some important signs not to be missed or ignored if you have headaches include the following concerns:


  • Systemic features including fever with headache
  • Cancer history
  • Neurologic deficit or dysfunction (especially loss of consciousness)
  • Sudden or abrupt onset headache
  • A new type of headache after the age of 50
  • A recent change in headache pattern
  • Postural headache such as when leaning over
  • Headache started during sneezing, coughing, or exercising
  • Headache after trauma
  • Painful eye with redness or tearing
  • Headache after starting a new drug or after frequent use of a painkiller


Some signs that your headache is not an emergency but may still require treatment include:


  • The current headaches have been the same since childhood
  • The headache is related to menstrual cycle
  • Headache-free days are common
  • Close family members have similar headaches
  • The headache occurred or stopped more than a week ago


Remember a sudden-onset and severe headache must be considered a medical emergency until proven otherwise.

  • Tension-type headaches

    Tension-type headache (TTH) is usually mild to moderate in pain intensity, occurs on both sides, and feels like a tight band around the head. It is usually in the forehead, back of the head and in the neck. It is described as pressure but not usually throbbing in quality.  The temporalis and masseter muscles (those responsible for chewing and clenching) may be involved, so a TMD source may be present if the headache changes with jaw movement or chewing. TTH does not include nausea or worsen with routine physical activity but it may have associated light or noise sensitivity.


    TTH is very prevalent and considered the most common neurological disorder. It is by far the most common headache disorder. TTH is experienced by over one quarter of all people with a 3:2 higher prevalence in women.


    TTH has long been considered a condition originating in muscles of the head and neck because it is often associated with head and neck tenderness. Now TTH is believed to involve the central nervous system (CNS). To evaluate a patient suspected of having TTH a series of muscle palpations are performed, but it is unknown which causes which, the muscle tenderness causing headache or the headache leading to muscle and tendon sensitivity. Referred pain from the head, neck, and shoulders can mimic TTH so ruling out myofascial triggers is important in diagnosis and management of TTH.


    Most people with TTH never seek medical treatment for their headaches and instead self-medicate with aspirin, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter medications. Medications that include caffeine have been shown to be more effective. However, caffeine containing medications appear to be more likely to cause rebound or medication overuse headaches so their use should be limited. People with very frequent or chronic TTH may respond to preventive regimens so be sure to discuss these treatments with your doctor.

  • Migraine

    The second most prevalent primary headache disorder is migraine. It is second only to lower back pain in prevalence of disabling illnesses. Migraine is considered an inherited CNS disorder and presents as increased brain sensitivity.


    The distinguishing signs of migraine include recurrent moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraine attacks typically last between 4 and 72 hours unless treated. Associated symptoms of migraine may include nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and are made worse by physical activity. Neurologic features prior to a migraine attack may include visual disturbances or other sensory changes called an aura. Odd tingling sensations or speech problems may also be present. In some patients the aura may present without subsequent headache. A prodrome occurring 2 to 24 hours prior to the migraine may be experienced as tiredness or agitation, hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli such as bright light, loud noises or smells. Some patients also report increased thirst or hunger in the hours before the migraine attack.


    It is now generally recognized that migraine and hypersensitivity of the head and scalp is a process of activation and sensitization of the dural-trigeminal-vascular system. Migraine is processed in same area of the brainstem as TMD and other facial pain disorders.


    Treatment of migraine involves both preventive and interventional measures dependent on the severity, frequency, and length of migraine attacks. In addition to medications, behavioral modification and avoidance of triggers are important parts of an effective management strategy. These are all important aspects to discuss with your doctor.

  • Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias

    Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are less common primary headache disorders. Specific TAC disorders are distinguished based on specific symptoms, frequency, and duration as well as response to medications. These disorders include cluster headaches, SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headaches with conjunctival injection and tearing), SUNA short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headaches with cranial autonomic symptoms, Paroxysmal hemicrania, and hemicrania continua.


    Management of these headaches is primarily with medications and are specific to the diagnosis.

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