There are over 150 types of headaches! Up to 75% of adults worldwide have had at least 1 headache in the past year. Others can suffer on a weekly or even daily basis! Headaches are also one of the most common reasons for missing school or work.

 

Headaches fall into 2 main categories. Primary headaches, which aren’t caused by another medical condition, and secondary headaches which are caused by existing conditions, the headache can be a symptom of the existing condition.

The Primary category includes:

  • Cluster
  • Hypnic
  • Migraine
  • Tension

The Secondary category includes:

  • Aneurysm
  • Brain tumors
  • Meningitis
  • Neck or brain injury

 

Cluster Headache

This type of headache appears in cycles that can last hours or even days! It’s also by far the most painful.

  • Cluster headaches usually have a very sudden onset
  • Average age is between 20-30 with first onset
  • Affects less than 1% of the population

 

Hypnic Headache (HH)

These dull headaches are rare and only occur during sleep, usually at the same time at night.

  • Usually happens after the age of 50
  • Happen at least 15 times per month
  • Migraine and Hypertension sufferers are more likely to develop HH

 

Migraine Headache

This is the second most common type of headache. Migraines are the most debilitating.

  • Affects 16-17% of the population
  • 25% of women and 8% of men will have at least 1 migraine in their lifetime
  • 60% of migraines are present on only 1 side
  • 85% report a trigger
  • Average age of onset is between 5 and 8 years old

 

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common. They can be episodic, occurring less than 15 times per month, or chronic, occurring more than 15 times per month.

  • 80-90% of the population suffer from tension headaches
  • 88% of women 69% of men experience them
  • Typical age of onset is 9-12 years old

 

Magnesium for Headaches and Migraines

Some studies show that up to 50% of migraine sufferers are deficient in magnesium. You may benefit from eating more magnesium-rich foods like spinach, legumes, almonds, cashews, peanut butter, and whole grains. You could also benefit by adding a magnesium supplement to your regimen.

 

Talk to your doctor first to make sure there are no reactions with any medications for infections, heartburn, or high blood pressure. If your doctor approves the use of a magnesium supplement, ask to have a bottle included in your next free prescription delivery, or added to your Care-Fill dose packs for convenience.

A lot of foods are known to be triggers for headaches. You might be able to reduce the number of headaches you get by trying a low-tyramine diet. Download a free guideline here.

Sources:

headaches.org
migraineagain.com
webmd.com

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