{"id":68758,"date":"2023-03-20T15:57:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T21:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=68758"},"modified":"2025-01-15T08:55:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T15:55:59","slug":"headache-pain-symptoms-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/headache-pain-symptoms-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Headache pain is both common and complex. Learn the symptoms and treatments."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Factors, from genetics to eating habits, play a role in headache pain. Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If one searched for an experience shared by nearly everyone, headaches would be an unpleasant standout candidate. Indeed, the government declares headaches \u201cthe most common form of pain\u201d<\/a> in the country and a major reason for missed work and clinic appointments.<\/p>\n

However, headaches vary greatly in intensity and complexity, as do the approaches to treating them. The most serious, such as migraines, can be severely disabling and costly. To gain more insight into the nature of headaches, UCHealth Today spoke with Dr. Danielle Wilhour<\/a>, an assistant professor of Neurology and headache specialist with the University of Colorado School of Medicine who practices at the UCHealth Neurosciences Center \u2013 Anschutz Medical Campus<\/a>. Dr. Wilhour is also director of the University of Colorado Headache Medicine Fellowship<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Is there a clinical description for the general term ‘headache?’<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cWe define \u2018headache\u2019 as any type of painful sensation in the head,\u201d Wilhour said. \u201cThere are many different types.\u201d<\/p>\n

What types of headaches are there?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The two main headache categories are primary and secondary, Wilhour explained. Primary headache pain is due to the headache itself, not an external cause. Migraines, cluster and tension headaches are examples.<\/p>\n

Pain from secondary headaches comes from an underlying condition, such as dehydration, infection, high blood pressure, meningitis, aneurysms, brain tumors and blood clots, and artery tears in the neck or head, Wilhour said.<\/p>\n

\u201cLuckily, the vast majority of headaches are primary,\u201d she added. \u201cBut as health care providers, our job is to evaluate and rule out the secondary causes and more serious conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Danielle Wilhour, an assistant professor of Neurology and headache specialist with the University of Colorado School of Medicine who practices at the UCHealth Neurosciences Center \u2013 Anschutz Medical Campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What are some factors that frequently contribute to people having headaches?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Genetics can play a role. For example, scores of genes have been identified that predispose individuals to migraines, Wilhour said. \u201cI tell patients that if one of their parents has migraines, there is a 50% risk that their child will have it. If both parents have migraines, there is a 75% chance their child will have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injury, can also increase the risk of headaches, Wilhour noted. Stress, too much or too little sleep, skipping meals, drinking alcohol or caffeine, hormone changes, abrupt shifts in the weather and physical activity can also \u201ctrigger\u201d headaches.<\/p>\n

Does diet play a role in headaches?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It can. For example, foods processed with additives like nitrates and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can flip the headache switch, Wilhour said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn general, I counsel people to eat a natural diet as much as possible, with foods that include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.\u201d People should also be aware that gluten and dairy sensitivities can lead to headaches, she noted.<\/p>\n

When should I become concerned about the frequency of my headaches and seek medical help?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cIf you are having more than one or two headaches a week, it\u2019s reasonable to see a health care provider,\u201d Wilhour said. Individuals should also seek help for headaches that are unusually severe or disabling, produce nausea and vomiting, or don\u2019t respond to over-the-counter medications. In addition, changes in vision, loss of sight, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body lasting minutes to an hour \u2013 called an \u201caura<\/a>\u201d \u2013 can be signs of migraine.<\/p>\n

Most seriously, \u201cthunderclap<\/a>\u201d headaches, which suddenly cause severe pain, may be caused by a brain aneurysm, blood clot or hemorrhage. \u201cThe pain level in these headaches can go from zero to 10 within seconds,\u201d Wilhour said. They require emergency care as soon as possible,<\/p>\n

How does the CU Headache\/Pain Medicine Clinic diagnose headaches? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wilhour said providers gather as much information as possible from patients and use it to tailor their care. The steps include:<\/p>\n