10 May 2019 Author : Raquel Gil-Gouveia Headache is the generic name for pain in the head or upper neck (cervical region). Its causes are manifold, and is the most common pain felt. Headaches are currently the third leading cause of disability in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Headaches are classified into three major groups, depending on their origin: Primary headache; Secondary headache; Neuralgia. Primary headaches The first group is primary headaches. This includes the most frequent types of headaches , such as: Migraines Tension headaches. They are characterised by recurrent headaches that occur with no change in the structure of the brain or skull justifying the pain. In most cases, no further examinations are necessary to diagnose headaches in this group. Secondary headaches The second group is secondary headaches. These occur due to injury to: The skull; The intracranial compartment; The face (including eyes, ears, nose and mouth); The neck; And due to body dysfunctions that influence the brain. These headaches are, for example: Post-traumatic ; Associated with sinusitis or earache; Due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction; Associated with high blood pressure. In these cases it is necessary to identify the type of pain and any warning signs. After examination, it may be necessary to perform additional tests. Neuralgia The third group consists of a special kind of pain called neuralgia. These occur when the cranial nerves are disturbed . The main cranial neuralgia is trigeminal neuralgia, which may be: Secondary, e.g. tooth inflammation or infection Primary Neuralgic pain is a sharp, intense pain, like a twinge or electric shock, in the affected nerve area. Treatment The treatment of primary headaches involves: Identifying the type of pain Administering the treatment that is most likely to be effective. Treatment of secondary headaches or neuralgia involves: Identifying the cause of the pain Treating the cause, if possible. The treatment of headaches can therefore be very different and involve different specialisms. Meet the neurology team from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
