Types of Headaches

What is a migraine?

A recurrent headache with two of the following features is most likely migraine: moderate to severe pain that interferes with daily activities; nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. The pain of a migraine can be located in the sinuses or in the neck—almost all headaches thought to be sinus or tension headaches are actually migraine.

What is a cluster headache?

Cluster headaches affect mainly men. The pain of a cluster headache is usually concentrated over one eye and is associated with eye tearing and/or nasal stuffiness. The pain is sometimes described as being like a "hot poker thrust into the eye and twisted." Patients cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack.

What causes headaches?

Many tension and sinus headaches are really migraine. The exact cause of most headaches is unknown but common triggers include: emotional stress; alcohol use; skipping meals; changes in sleep patterns; excessive medication use; tension and depression. In some cases, the headaches may be the result of a blow to the head (trauma) or very rarely a sign of a more serious medical condition. Headaches that come on suddenly, are significantly different from past headaches or are accompanied by fever and weight loss can be signs of a serious illness.

For information about our headache treatments, please call (727) 461-8635.

The Neurosciences Institute
at Ptak Orthopaedic & Neuroscience Pavilion
430 Morton Plant Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 461-8635