The Headache Institute at Texas Neurology

There is no such thing as a regular headache. Headaches can be classified based on their characteristics and features as either primary or secondary.

The most commonly experienced headaches are the primary headaches whose cause is thought to be an underlying inherited predisposition. Those things that trigger primary headaches are often confused with the underlying biological causes. This has led to misunderstandings and misdiagnoses. The primary headache disorder falls into 3 main categories:

Migraines

Tension-type headaches

Cluster headaches

Secondary headaches are caused by underlying medical problems and are much less common than primary headache syndrome. More serious causes of secondary headache syndromes include, but are not limited to, brain trumors, bleeding in the brain, aneurysms or vascular abnormalties and infections. Less serious causes include sinus infections, allergies, neck or jaw problems, eye problems, dental problems and TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome).