Primary headaches occur independently and are not symptoms of an underlying health condition. Common types of primary headaches include:

• Migraine: severe pain that throbs, pulsates or pounds and usually occurs with other symptoms like light or noise sensitivity and nausea. Headaches can be triggered by certain foods or activities and may be associated with an aura.
• Tension: dull or squeezing pain, like a vise or tight band around your head that is often associated with stress and muscle tightness. Pain typically affects the back and both sides of your head and may also involve your shoulders, jaw or neck.
• Cluster: severe pain around one of your eyes experienced more frequently by men than women. Pain lasts for periods of 15 minutes to three hours throughout your day. Attacks may occur daily for weeks or months and then disappear for one month or longer before reoccurring.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: sudden burning or severe shooting pain on one side of your face. Headaches can occur throughout your day and may be triggered by movement like talking, drinking, eating, laughing or brushing your teeth.

Secondary headaches are caused by another health issue. The headache is a symptom of the disease. Common types of secondary headaches include:

• Allergies and sinusitis: painful, throbbing pressure that forms around your eyes, forehead and cheeks and often worsens as you bend forward.
• Post-traumatic: dull ache, vertigo and lightheadedness with memory loss and irritability that occurs two to three days after a head injury.
• Rebound: potentially disabling pain caused by frequent or excessive use of pain relieving or anti-migraine drugs.

No matter what type of headaches you’re experiencing, Penn State Health provides the advanced diagnosis and treatment options you need to find relief.

If you experience headaches four or more times a month, our experts may recommend preventive measures to relieve your pain and deter additional attacks, including:

• Prescription medication
• Dietary supplements like melatonin or B2
• Biofeedback training
• Botox injections
• Lifestyle changes like diet modification and relaxation training
• Cefaly device
• Spring TMS device

Abortive headache treatment keeps your headache from getting worse or stops it before it starts. Treatment is available by mouth, nasal spray, Cefaly or Spring TMS devices or self-injection. It can be an effective form of relief if you have headache-related nausea and vomiting.

Treatment options include:

• Prescription medication
• Nerve blocks
• Oxygen therapy

Diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination and review of your medical history. Our neurology experts take the time to understand your headaches - when they started, how long they last, how often they occur, etc. - and use that information to determine what, if any, further testing is needed to get to the root of your problem.

Tests may include:

• Bloodwork and/or lumbar puncture
• Neurological exam that tests your brain function, nerves, eyes, muscular strength and reflexes
• Sinus X-rays
• Advanced imaging like CT or MRI scans to rule out serious conditions like stroke, tumor or multiple sclerosis

If you suffer from chronic headaches, an accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs can often provide lasting relief. Our team can help you pinpoint the cause of your headaches and give you the strategies you need to get them under control.