Migraines, Tension, Cluster & Stress-Related Headaches – Overview

Here’s a brief look at a few types of headaches: Migraines, Tension Headaches, Cluster Headaches and Stress-related Headaches.

Peaceful sunset scene over a body of water; the way relief following a hedaache can feel. — Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash

Migraine

One of the oldest conditions known to mankind. As yet there is no known cure but some treatments are effective at controlling the one-sided headaches which are a principal feature of Migraines.

Migraine is the third most common disease in the world with an estimated global prevalence of around 1 in 7 people.

Migraine is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.

Migraine affects three times as many women as men, with this higher rate being most likely hormonally driven.

Migraine often starts at puberty and mostly affects those aged between 35 and 45 years, but it can happen in much younger people including children.

About 4% of boys and girls before puberty suffer from migraine. As children get older, it becomes more common in girls.

Tension Headaches

A tension headache feels like a band tightening around your head.

Tension headaches are common, not dangerous and the pain isn’t usually severe

They are caused by jaw problems, neck pain or eye strain from computer use.

Sleep problems and stress can also contribute to tension headaches.

Cluster Headaches

These are rare types of headaches that affect about 1 to 2 people in every 1,000.

A Cluster headache is one of the most painful conditions known to mankind.

It is described by female sufferers as a pain that is worse than childbirth.

Cluster headache can start at any age but most commonly starts at 20’s or older.

It is unlikely that people will outgrow a cluster headache, although as people get older it is likely that the pain-free periods between attacks of cluster headache will get longer.

Approximately 1 in 20 people with cluster headaches have a family member who also has the condition.

Unlike migraine, it is more common in men than women (by five to six times).

It is also more common in heavy smokers.

As with all forms of headache, cluster headache occurs in children but it is less common than in adults.

Essentially these are headaches brought about by stress.

Tension-type headaches feature hugely among these types.

Dealing with the situation creating stress such as work or domestic problems will help alleviate these types of headaches.

Stress management techniques are useful in reducing the effects of stress.