A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Primary headaches, like tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, arise on their own and are the most common. Secondary headaches result from other medical conditions, such as a sinus infection or high blood pressure.
Common Symptoms:
Tension Headaches:
- Dull, aching head pain
- Feeling of tightness or pressure across forehead or sides/back of head
- Tenderness in scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
Migraines:
- Moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual disturbances (aura) in some cases
Cluster Headaches:
- Severe pain around one eye or on one side of the head
- Restlessness
- Excessive tearing and redness in the affected eye
- Nasal congestion or runny nose on the affected side
Commonly Prescribed Medications:
- Amitriptyline 10mg
- Cyclobenzaprine 5mg, 10mg (Flexeril)
- Ibuprofen 600mg, 800mg
- Naproxen 500mg
- Propranolol 60mg
- Rizatriptan 5mg ODT, 5mg tab, 10mg ODT, 10mg tab (Maxalt)
- Sumatriptan 50mg, 100mg (Imitrex)
- Tizanidine (to be added): 2mg, 4mg
- Topiramate 25mg (Topamax)
- Zolmitriptan 2.5mg ODT, 2.5mg tab, 5mg ODT, 5mg tab (Zomig)
Further Reading:
1. Mayo Clinic's guide on headaches
2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's headache information