Mayo Clinic Health Matters There's Over 200 Types of Headaches: Which One Do You Have?
Sep 16, 2025
Dr. Amaal Starling, a neurologist specializing in headache treatment at Mayo Clinic Phoenix, guides listeners through the fascinating world of headaches. She explains the over 200 different types, including migraines, tension, and cluster headaches, each with unique symptoms and effects. Dr. Starling deep dives into the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, the impact of lifestyle factors, and tips for discussing headaches with healthcare providers. Listeners gain valuable insights on navigating their headache management and exploring diverse treatment options.
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Headache Is A Symptom, Not One Disease
- Headache is a symptom, not a single disease, with over 200 distinct headache disorders.
- Common primary types include tension-type headache and migraine, while secondary headaches stem from another condition.
Migraine Is More Than Just Pain
- Migraine is a brain disease with many non-pain symptoms like light sensitivity and nausea.
- Migraine attacks occur on top of an underlying neurologic disorder, similar to asthma attacks on underlying asthma.
Cluster Headaches Cause Intense Restlessness
- Cluster headache pain is side-locked, usually around one eye, and described as among the most severe pains.
- Dr. Starling recalled a patient who became physically agitated and destructive during an attack before treatment with high-flow oxygen.