“Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic [long-term] daily headaches. Rather than a specific headache type, chronic daily headaches include a variety of headache subtypes. The constant nature of chronic daily headaches makes them one of the most disabling headache conditions” [1]. Strong initial treatment, and regular long-term management from a Pain Doctor, is the best course of action, if you want to ameliorate your condition and reduce your pain
The Low-Down
If you are suffering from headaches as many days as you are are not having them — at least 15 days every month, then your condition falls into the category of what are referred to as, chronic daily headache (also known as CDH). Rather than a particular form of headache, CDH is the medical terminology used to describe any number of headache types. There are many forms of headaches which people experience on a daily, or close to daily, time-frame [2]. These comprise:
• Cluster
• Migraine
• Tension-type
• Hemicrania continua
• Idiopathic intracranial hypotension, and
• A Mixture of types (most commonly tension and migraine) [2]
Of note, there are long-lasting and short-lasting chronic daily headaches. The former continue for more than four hours [2].
What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
Here are the symptoms of 4 types of common headache. Your Pain Doctor will diagnose exactly what type of headache you are suffering from, so it is very important to be aware of the types of symptoms you experience.
In the case of chronic migraine:
• Impact one or both sides of the head
• Generate a throbbing, pulsating sensation
• Drive moderate to severe pain
As well at least one of the following:
• Vomiting, nausea, or both
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Long-term tension-type headache [1]
In the case of chronic tension-type headaches:
• Impact both sides of the head
• Generate mild to moderate pain
• Drive pain which feels tightening or pressing (rather than pulsating) [1]
In the case of new daily persistent headache:
• These headaches come on all of a sudden, and generally appear in individuals who do not have a history of headaches. They become constant within three days of the suffer experiencing their first headache. They:
• Frequently impact both sides of the head
• Generate mild to moderate pain
• Drive pain which feels tightening or pressing (rather than pulsating)
• May have features of chronic tension-type headache or chronic migraine [1]
In the case of hemicrania continua:
• Impact only one side of the head
• Generate daily continuous pain
• Drive moderate pain with severe pain coming in spikes
• Can become severe if migraine-like symptoms start to develop [1]
Creating a Headache Diary
So if you are suffering from any of the conditions on the aforementioned list, then the smart move is book an on-line or in-person consultation with a Pain Specialist as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to start ‘Headache Diary,’ that way, you can show it to your Pain Doctor, who will be able to ascertain a broad picture, of what you are experiencing. The Pain Diary should be divided into daily pages, with hourly entry spaces. Allow enough space to write a detailed account of the type of pain you were experiencing; what you were doing prior to, and when the headache came on; how long the pain from your headache lasted; and what you were doing when it dissipated.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis For Your Headaches
Once you have been given a precise diagnosis from a Pain Consultant, and the latter has reviewed your medical history, asked you pertinent questions, and if necessary, arranged any tests or scans, they will then compile a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan that you can get started on right away. This may include both conventional, and the latest state-of-the-art treatment and therapies, that can empower you to get your health back on track.
References
[1]. Mayo Clinic (2019). “Chronic Daily Headaches.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-daily-headaches/symptoms-causes/syc-20370891
[2]. John Hopkins Medicine (2024). “Chronic Daily Headache.”
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/chronic-daily-headache
