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An overview
Headaches are an extremely common complaint. They vary in pain intensity, pattern and location from individual to individual. Although irritating the majority of headaches do not require medical intervention.
Medical assessment should be sought if headaches occur that:
Clinical approach and assessment
On assessment, the practitioner may try and narrow down what type of headache is being experienced. This is done by taking a clinical history of symptoms namely the location, severity and frequency of the headache. Other factors that may be included in the assessment are:
There are a number of different classifications of headache. Below is an overview of the most common types and those associated with sporting activities.
Vascular Headaches
These headaches are extremely common, affecting approximately 20% of the population at some stage of their life These headaches are thought to be associated with an increase in blood flow to the head causing a throbbing sensation. Two main types exist:
a) Migraine
Signs and Symptoms of migraine:
This headache is characterized by an intense, throbbing, or pounding pain that is felt periodically in the forehead, temple, ear, jaw, or around the eye. In some cases, prior to the pain, patients may see flashing lights, stars, or other white objects. This is known as an aura and usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. Visual disturbance, problems with speech, vomiting and nausea may also be present during or after the attack.
A number of factors commonly predispose to migraines such as:
Treatment of migraines
b) Cluster Headache
These headaches are so called as they commonly occur in ‘clusters’ over a period of weeks or months, at approximately the same time of day.
Signs and Symptoms of a cluster headache:
c) Cervical Headache
The other main type of headache is a cervical headache. These headaches are caused as a result of dysfunction in the muscles, joints, nerves or fascia in and around the neck region. Pain radiates towards the skull giving the sensation of a steady dull, ache.
Causes of cervical headache
