Headache Syndromes

Melissa Hart
4/24/2016
NUR3205

National Headache Foundation

TYPES OF HEADACHES
Tension

Migraine

Cluster

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the

most prevalent type of primary
headache. It is not a vascular or
migrainous headache. It is a mild to
moderate bilateral headache with a
sensation of a tight band or pressure
around the head. The onset of pain is
usually gradual. Episodic tension-type
headache may last for several hours or
several days. It is not aggravated by
physical activity. Chronic tension-type
headache evolves from episodic
tension-type headache and represents
headache that occurs at least 15 days
per month for at least 3 months.
(McCance & Huether 2014)

A migraine headache is an episodic

neurologic disorder whose marker is
headache lasting 4 to 72 hours.

These uncommon headaches occur in

clusters for a period of days followed by
a long period of spontaneous remission.
Cluster headache has an episodic and a
chronic form with extreme pain
intensity and short duration.

Migraines are diagnosed when they

are not attributable to any other
disorder and when any two of the
following features occur: unilateral
head pain, pulsating pain, pain
worsening with activity, moderate
or severe pain intensity, and at
least one of the following: nausea or
vomiting, or both, or photophobia
and phonophobia. (McCance &
Huether 2014)

The headache attack usually begins

without warning and is characterized by
severe, unilateral tearing; and burning,
periorbital, and retrobulbar or temporal
pain lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours. One
or several attacks may occur in a day,
usually at the same time of day or
night. (McCance & Huether 2014)

TREATMENTS
According to a study by Marmura
M, Silberstein S, Schwedt (2015),
specic medications within the
following classes are deemed
effective for migraine acute
therapy: triptans, ergotamine
derivatives, nonsteroidal antiinammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
opioids, and combination
medications.
The same may be used to treat
Cluster Headaches.

In addition for a Migraine it may be helpful to the sufferer to lie down in a

dark room, void of any disruptions.

For traditional tension headaches, mild headaches are treated with ice,
and more severe forms are treated with aspirin or NSAIDs. (McCance &
Huether 2014)

The 2000 AAN Guidelines established ibuprofen as effective for acute

migraine treatment. (Marmura, Silberstein, & Schwedt 2015)

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

MUSC Patient Handout Patient and Family Education About Migraine Headaches
American Headache Society
National Headache Foundation
MedLine Plus Health Topic - Migraine

REFERENCES
Marmura, M. J., Silberstein, S. D., & Schwedt, T. J. (2015). The Acute Treatment of Migraine in
Adults: The American Headache Society Evidence Assessment of Migraine Pharmacotherapies.
Headache: The Journal Of Head & Face Pain, 55(1), 3-20 18p. doi:10.1111/head.12499
McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2014). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in
adults and children (7th ed.). Retrieved from http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com ISBN:
9780323088541
National Headache Foundation, http://www.headaches.org/2007/10/25/migraine/, Retrieved
April 23, 2016