Question

A 40-year-old man presents with complaints of headache.
What are the types of headache seen in general practice? Write briefly about them.

Hint:

When evaluating headaches, always consider the patient's history and associated symptoms to distinguish between primary and secondary headaches.

Answer 1

Step 1: Tension-Type Headache.
This is the most common type of headache. It is typically described as a dull, steady pain that feels like a band around the head. It is often triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle strain.

Step 2: Migraine.
Migraines are characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. They can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines may be triggered by specific factors such as certain foods, hormonal changes, or stress.

Step 3: Cluster Headache.
Cluster headaches are severe, unilateral headaches that occur in clusters over a period of weeks or months. They are often associated with autonomic symptoms like tearing, nasal congestion, and eye redness. These headaches are intense and can last 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Step 4: Secondary Headache.
Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying medical condition, such as sinusitis, a head injury, or a brain tumor. They can be distinguished from primary headaches by the presence of other neurological signs or a history of trauma or illness.

Step 5: Conclusion.
Headaches are common and can be categorized into primary headaches like tension-type, migraines, and cluster headaches, and secondary headaches, which have an underlying cause. Diagnosis is important to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment.