Common Questions/Information

Not all headaches are migraines. This page defines briefly other forms of headaches. 

Cluster Headache
Pain is often felt behind the eyes and sinuses.  The Cluster Headache is often received in a cyclical fashion. Affecting men more frequently than women, these headaches will come in waves and display increasing intensity with each “cluster.”

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
These headaches are unremitting, chronic occurring daily. They can be bilateral   (both sides of the head)  and may be constant from onset or rapidly build up to continuous unremitting pain.

Intractable Migraines
Intractable Migraines are severe in nature and typically do not respond to conventional methods of treatment.

Occipital Neuralgia
Chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the eyes. Pain originates from  specific nerves called the Greater or Lesser Occipital Nerves in the back of the head and upper neck. This condition most often manifests itself in the form of chronic headaches in the back of the head and around or over the top of the head. The cause of this condition is attributed to damage of the Lesser and Greater Occipital Nerves and is commonly treated by nerve blocks, injections, or peripheral nerve stimulation.

Supraorbital Neuralgia
Much like Occipital Neuralgia, this condition is caused by damage or abnormal function of the Supraorbital Nerves, located just above each eye. Pain is localized to the lower forehead, but may include areas of the upper forehead and scalp. Chronic headaches are often a result of this condition, which can be treated by nerve blocks, injections, or peripheral nerve stimulation, among others.

Chronic Pain Syndromes
Chronic pain syndromes of the head and neck can result in severe chronic headaches. These headaches, which have underlying vascular or neurological causes, are often misdiagnosed as Tension, Cluster, or Migraine Headaches.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
The more accepted terminology is  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It is characterized by intense chronic pain that is not in proportion to the apparent injury which caused the disorder. Pain usually gets worse over time. Causes of RSD are unclear. This can be permanently disabling. Diagnosis is often delayed. CRPS is characterized by intense chronic pain that is not in proportion to the apparent injury which caused the disorder. Pain associated with CRPS usually gets worse over time. Causes of CRPS are unclear.

Acute Headaches
Headache with a sudden, rapid onset with intense or severe pain. Often last a relatively short period of time, but can be frequent. Many types of headaches can be considered acute, based on their attributes and duration. Although short-lived, Acute Headaches can affect quality of life.

Adolescent Migraines
Similar to Pediatric Migraines, Adolescents commonly experience Migraines lasting longer than adult Migraines. Adolescent Migraines are also experienced bilaterally.

Trigeminal Neuralgia
A type of Neuropathic pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia is a result of a disorder contained in the nervous system and is often chronic. It has a sudden and intense onset, with sharp, shooting pain in areas of the head and neck. There are usually specific triggers for this type of pain. Patients are unable to perform simple everyday activities for fear of triggering the onset of pain.

Tension Headache
Tension Headaches are the most common type of Primary Headache, characterized by pain that wraps around the head and causing pressure. These headaches are commonly caused by stress, as well as noises and bright lights. Most people experiencing Tension Headaches will notice increasing intensity with time as well as pain originating in the back of the head (Occipital region), moving to the front of the head. Other notable causes include interrupted sleep cycles and depression.

Neuropathic Pain of the Head
Neuropathic Pain is a result of a disorder contained in the nervous system and is often chronic. Trigeminal Neuralgia, a type of Neuropathic Pain, has a sudden and intense onset, with sharp, shooting pain in areas of the head and neck. There are usually specific triggers for this type of pain. Patients are unable to perform simple everyday activities for fear of triggering the onset of pain.