The different types of headaches can occur in several locations. Obtain more information about the areas that are usually affected and the associated symptoms.

Headaches are a common ailment suffered by people of all ages. They can vary in intensity, duration and location, so it is crucial to identify the specific type of headache for precise diagnosis and treatment. Headaches can be classified into different categories according to their location, each with their own characteristics and causes.

Migrañas: One of the most serious types of headaches, migraines are usually characterized by sharp pain on one side of the head. This pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine can last from a few hours to several days and considerably disturb daily activities. It is believed that they are caused by the dilation and constriction of the blood vessels of the brain.

Tensional headaches: tension headaches are the most common type and are usually described as a deaf pain that affects both sides of the head. The pain is usually mild to moderate and does not worsen with physical activity. Stress, anxiety and muscle tension are some of the usual triggers of tension headaches. The pain usually begins on the forehead, temples or the back of the head and can spread to the neck and shoulders.

Understanding Headache Pain

Headache is characterized by pain or discomfort in the head, face or cervical region. This pain can go deaf and pulsatile to acute and intense. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and dizziness. The headaches can be classified as primary and secondary, being the most frequent primary.

Primary headaches are not caused by an underlying disease. These are independent diseases. Examples of primary headaches are tension headaches, migraines and cephaleas in cluster. They can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, certain foods or hormonal changes.

1. Tensional headaches: tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. They are usually described as constant pain or pressure around the head, especially in the temples or on the back of the head. Tension headaches can be caused by muscle tension or stress.
2. Migraines: Migraines are a type of primary headache characterized by intense throbbing or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. They can last hours or even days and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
3. Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are a less common type of primary headache that occur in cyclical patterns, or clusters. They are known for their excruciating pain, usually located around one eye or temple. Cluster headaches may last weeks or months and then go away for a while before coming back.

Tension Headaches: Understanding the Location of Pain

When it comes to tension headaches, the location of the pain can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience pain in a specific area, while others may feel it throughout the head. The pain is usually described as tightness or pressure and may be present on both sides of the head. It can also radiate to the neck and shoulders, increasing general discomfort.

Common Locations of Tension Headaches:

1. Forehead: One of the most common locations for tension headaches is the forehead. It is usually characterized by a feeling of pressure or tightness in the form of a band in the front of the head.
2. Temples: Another frequently affected area is the temples. Many people experience a stabbing pain on the sides of their temples, which may spread to the back of the head.
3. Back of the head and neck: Tension headaches can also cause discomfort in the back of the head and neck. The pain may feel like a dull, constant ache or a persistent tightness that affects mobility.

It is important to remember that, although they are common locations, tension headaches can manifest differently in each person. Some people may experience pain in several areas simultaneously, while others may have a more localized sensation. Recognizing the location of pain can be helpful in differentiating tension headaches from other types of headaches and guiding treatment approaches.

Migraine: The Location and Symptoms

Migraines are usually unilateral, meaning they affect one side of the head. However, in some cases, the pain may spread to both sides or alternate between sides during different episodes. The location of the pain can vary within the head: some people experience pain in the front, while others feel it in the back or on one side.

• Unilateral or bilateral headache
• The pain may be in the front, back, or one side of the head
• Pulsatile or throbbing sensation
• Severe pain that worsens with physical activity
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Sound sensitivity (phonophobia)

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Visual alterations (aura)
3. Dizziness or dizziness
4. Hormigueo or numbness on the face or limbs
5. Difficulty in speaking or finding words
6. Fatigue or exhaustion

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that affects approximately 14% of the world’s population.

It is three times more frequent in women than in men.

The exact cause of migraines is not yet known, but it is believed that it implies a combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors.

Identifying the location and symptoms of migrañas is essential for a precise diagnosis, since it helps to differentiate them from other types of headaches. This information also helps develop effective treatment plans adapted to the specific needs of each person. If you experience recurring headaches with any of the mentioned symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an exhaustive evaluation and proper treatment.

Sinus Headaches: Identifying the Affected Areas

Affected areas:

1. The forehead: one of the areas most affected by sinus headaches is the forehead. Pain is usually described as a constant pressure or deep pain. You can start above the eyebrows and spread on your forehead, giving a feeling of oppression or heaviness.
2. The cheeks: the cheekbones are another place where sinu s-headed pains can feel. The pain can be acute or deaf and is usually characterized by a sensation of swelling or fullness in the area. It can radiate to the upper teeth, causing more discomfort.
3. The nose bridge: sinus headaches can also manifest as pain or sensitivity in the bridge of the nose. This area can be sensitive to touch, and pain can be intensified when the affected person leans forward or presses the nose.

Sinus headaches are usually associated with congestion and inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. The pain experienced on the forehead, the cheeks and the nasal bridge can be attributed to the accumulated pressure in the sinus cavities. Sinusitis, allergies or underlying infection are common causes of sinus headaches, and the correct identification of affected areas is crucial for proper treatment.

Cluster Headaches: The Unique Location of Intense Pain

A distinctive feature of cluster headaches is their unilateral nature. Unlike other types of headaches that can affect both sides of the head, cluster headaches occur mainly on one side. The pain often occurs around one eye, known as periorbital pain, although it can also radiate to the temple, forehead, and even the neck and shoulder on the same side. The precise location and distribution of the pain may vary from person to person, but it consistently remains on the same side throughout the agglutination period.

The Locations of Cluster Headaches

The following table describes the different locations in which cluster headaches are usually experienced:

The unique location of cluster headaches is crucial in distinguishing them from other types of headaches. Severe, one-sided pain centered around the eye, temple, or forehead distinguishes them and makes diagnosis and treatment more specific.

Cluster headaches can significantly affect a person’s quality of life due to the severity and frequency of the attacks. Recognizing the specific locations in which these headaches manifest is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment strategies. If you experience severe pain on one side of your head, especially centered around the eye, temple, or forehead, it is important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.

Cervicogenic Headaches: Neck-related Pain and Discomfort

The exact cause of cervicogenic headaches is not completely known, but they are usually associated with cervical injuries, cervical spine disorders, or tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. The pain is usually felt on one side of the head and can be aggravated by certain movements or postures of the neck.

Important information:

• Cervicogenic headaches are caused by an underlying condition in the neck.
• The pain is usually unilateral and can radiate to other areas of the head.
• Cervical injuries, cervical spine disorders, and muscle tension can contribute to cervicogenic headaches.
• Like primary headaches, cervicogenic headaches can be aggravated by certain movements or postures of the neck.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont