Understanding the types of headaches and which kind are affecting you can help you understand better whether your primary care provider or a headache specialist can help.

If youre uncomfortable or your life is being disrupted, please dont hesitate to seek help, said neurologistBrian M. Plato, D.O., headache and migraine specialist with Norton Neuroscience Institute.

There are two broad types of headaches: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are their own condition and are not caused by another condition. Examples are tension type headache and migraine. Secondary headaches can result from medication overuse, trauma to the head, infections or other causes.

The most common forms of daily headache are chronic tension-type headache and chronic migraine, both of which are primary disorders Dr. Plato said.

The areas leading providers of migraine and headache care are now available with Norton Telehealth and shorter wait times for appointments.

(502) 899-6782

A chronic tension-type headache occurs more than 15 days per month. Symptoms include aching head pain and contraction of muscles between the head and neck. Patients often describe the feeling as a tight band around their head, according to Dr. Plato.

When medical attention can help:

Migraines are typically more severe than tension-type headaches and can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Many patients also report a throbbing pain, generally on one side of the head.

When medical attention can help:

Seek urgent medical attention for a sudden thunderclap headache or neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness or inability to speak.

The American Headache Societys SNOOP acronym helps to break down secondary headaches and evaluate how dangerous they may be.

We have specialists who have dedicated their careers to the study and treatment of headache disorders, but it starts with you. Know your body, know your symptoms, but most of all know that these are serious conditions that can be debilitating, Dr. Plato said.

Read the original here:
Know your body and your headache symptoms, and understand there are specialists who can help - Norton Healthcare