Headache is a very common complaint in daily practice. It is basically examined in two classes; 'Primary' and 'Secondary' (due to another cause) Headaches.

The detailed history taken from the patient will help us distinguish between Primary and Secondary Headache. Neurological and physical examination, auxiliary laboratory and imaging methods also contribute significantly to diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Primer Baş Ağrıları tüm baş ağrılarının %90’ını oluşturmaktadır. Uluslararası Baş Ağrısı Topluluğu’nun son klasifikasyonu olan “The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd Edition” tüm baş ağrıları, tanı kriterleriyle tekrar gözden geçirilip oluşturulmuştur.

Classification of headaches is as follows, with the main headings of the International Headache Society's ICHD-3 classification:

A. Primary Headaches

1- Migraine
2- Tension Type Headache
3- Trigeminal Autonomic Headaches
4- Other Primary Headache Syndromes

B. Secondary Headaches

5- Headache due to head and/or neck trauma
6- Headache due to cranial or cervical vascular disorders
7- Headaches due to non-vascular intracranial disorders
8- Headache due to substance use or withdrawal
9- Headache due to infection
10- Headache due to homeostasis disorder
11- Headache or facial pain due to disorders of the cranium, neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, mouth or other facial or cranial structures
12- Headache due to psychiatric disorders

C. Painful Cranial Neuropathies, other facial pain, and other headaches

13- Painful Cranial Neuropathies and other facial pains
14- Other headache disorders (unclassifiable)

Primary headaches are headaches that are not associated with the central nervous system or other systemic diseases. Secondary headaches describe headaches that occur due to systemic or central nervous system pathologies. Quick diagnosis It is often of vital importance.

History features suggestive of secondary headache:

– New onset acute and very severe headache

– Beginning before the age of 10, after the age of 50

– Occipital location, especially in children

– A history of resistance to treatment that started within the last 6 months and is ongoing

– Current diagnosis of malignancy in the patient

– Diagnosis of existing systemic disease in the patient – Definition of the “most severe headache” in the patient's life

– Occurrence during pregnancy and postpartum

– Headache that occurs during functions such as physical activity, straining, or coughing

– Postural feature (occurring while standing or lying down) – Accompanied by resistant vomiting.

In summary, headache is not a complaint that should be ignored. It is very important to distinguish between primary and secondary headache. Consult a Neurologist to improve the quality of life of patients with primary headaches and to find and treat the disease causing the headache in patients with secondary headaches.

Dr. Gülsün Akansoy Üstünel
neurology expert

Contact Us For Appointment:

Telephone line: 0392 444 3548 (ELIT)

Contact Form: https://www.elitenicosia.com/iletisim/