What are headache types
- Secondary headache
- Migraine headache
- Sinus headache
- Tension headache
Secondary Headache
Secondary headache is one of the most common headache types seen in a dental office. Headache types of dental origin can be caused by bite problems or can be referred from other dental sites.
Headache types caused by bite problems
Headache can be caused by bite problems. Poorly aligned or missing teeth can cause bite problems. This causes strain of the masticatory musculature or the Temporomandibular joint. Muscle stain cause headaches. The strain can be felt as painful areas in the masseter or temporalis muscles. It can also cause bruxism (teeth clenching). Botox is used effectively to reduce muscle strain in the masseter and temporalis muscles.
Headache types caused by referred dental pain
Dental and/or jaw pain can be referred (radiate) to other areas of the head and neck. People can feel such referred pain in the eyes or ears. People often complain of headache when having toothache. Pain from teeth radiates unilaterally but (unlike headache) rarely crosses the midline.
Migraine Headache:
Migraine headache is an inherited neurological disorder that is characterized by over excitability of specific areas of the brain. Migraine headache is one of the most debilitating headache types. It is throbbing and is often worse on one side. It gets worse with physical activity and causes increased sensitivity to light, smell and sound. There is no definitive treatment for migraine headache. Preventive measures are used to reduce headache frequency and to stop individual headaches when they occur. Botox is used to prevent migraine headache.
Sinus Headache
Sinus Headache is often associated with facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, and headache. Sinus headache can be caused by infection or inflammation of the sinus (sinusitis), or can be caused by dental disease (often originating in the upper teeth). Sinusitis is characterized by nasal discharge and sinus pressure.
Tension Headache
Tension headache is usually felt as pressing or tightening sensation. It does not cause throbbing or pulsation sensation as migraine headache. It also occurs on both sides of the head. Tension headache is often relieved by common headache medications such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen.