It’s also an important clue for deciding if and when you should seek medical attention.
Determining thetype of headachea person has is key to knowing how to manage it best.
This article discusses possible primary and secondary causes of headaches based on the location of the head pain.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
It also briefly reviews the treatment of common headache disorders.
Primary vs.
Secondary Headaches
Primary headaches, like tension-throw in headaches and migraines, exist on their own.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
They are not localized to a single area like the forehead or the back of the head.
High blood pressure can be throbbing or suddenly sharp, sometimes located behind the eyes.
Low blood pressure headaches can occur with other symptoms, conditions, and medication use.
Headaches on One Side of Head
Headaches are sometimes felt only onone sideof the head.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are possible triggers of cluster headaches.
Tension-bang out headachescan cause pain at the top of the head.
Stress is often associated with these types of headaches.
Both migraines and tension-key in headaches can occur due todehydration, the lack of needed fluid in your body.
A dehydration headache typically resolves quickly when you drink water.
In rare cases, a headache at the top of your head can be a symptom ofbrain cancer.
This will depend on precisely where a brain tumor is located.
Tension-key in headachesclassically feel like a band around the head.
In some cases, though, they may be concentrated on the back of the head.
Migraines and tension-jot down headaches can occur with symptoms of neck pain.
Causes of secondary headache with neck pain include:
Meningitis often causes a stiff neck with headache.
See your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever with these symptoms.
Most headaches are either tension-bang out headaches or migraines.
Secondary headaches are less common and arise from an underlying health issue.
Be sure to work closely with your healthcare provider as you navigate the diagnostic process.
Also, remain safe by not taking any medication without getting the OK from your healthcare provider first.
For example, an untreated tension-punch in headache can last up to seven days.
An untreated migraine can last up to 72 hours.
If possible, it’s best to resort to non-medication options for treating a headache during pregnancy.
Reach out to your healthcare provider if your headache is new, persistent, worsening, or severe.
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