More than 45 million people suffer from chronic, recurrent headaches every year. For all types of headaches and migraines, see the specialists at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center for a thorough exam and treatment. With locations in Olney, Rosedale, Hyattsville, Lanham, Gaithersburg, Dundalk, and Baltimore, Maryland, you can get relief close to your home or office if you’re in Maryland or the Washington, D.C. area. Call CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Yes, headaches are classified into five different categories, based on the location and cause of your pain. These categories include:
Types of primary headaches include tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. These are all considered primary headaches because there’s no other underlying medical condition or cause of your pain.
Secondary headaches are the result of an injury, illness, or other medical condition. Secondary headaches may be a symptom or side effect of cerebrovascular disease, head trauma, infection, a tumor, or metabolic disease.
Cranial neuralgias affect nerves in your face and can cause severe, electrical-like sensations and pain in your face and head.
Facial pain may be attributed to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, sinus issues, or other conditions that affect nerves and blood supply in the face.
This includes a variety of headaches and pain patterns that can’t be classified among the other categories.
To determine what type of headache you have, the team completes a thorough evaluation, physical exam, and diagnostic testing.
To diagnose the cause of your headache, the team must understand the location of your headache and any pain patterns or potential headache triggers that you experience. During your consultation, the team performs the following as part of your exam:
Based on their findings, the team identifies the cause of your headache and diagnoses your condition. They also recommend an appropriate treatment program to reduce or eliminate your headaches, focusing on both their frequency and severity.
While occasional headaches are common and fairly normal when your daily habits fluctuate — including eating, sleeping, and drinking water, caffeine, or alcohol — some headache symptoms are warning signs of a more serious condition.
Potential warning signs include:
If you experience any of these signs, immediate medical attention from the team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center is necessary to avoid complications. Schedule an appointment online or by phone today.