Headaches
Tension Headache
A benign form of headache that results from the painful spasm (muscle tightness) and inflammation of muscles of the head and neck. Tension headache is one of the most common forms of headache. Spasm and contraction of the head and neck muscles may occur in response to fatigue, overuse, eyestrain, excessive smoking, stress, anxiety, or depression. Sleeping in an abnormal position or prolonged work involving immobilization of the neck in one position are considered common triggers.
Spinal Headache
A headache that can occur after a lumbar puncture is performed. Patients who lie flat on their stomach for one hour immediately after lumbar puncture, followed by 12 hours on their back, have a decreased incidence of spinal headaches.
Cluster Headache
A term used to describe a headache that is typified by constant, unilateral pain around the eye, with onset usually within 2-3 hours of falling asleep. Can be accompanied by a blocked nasal passage, runny nose, and-or tearing. One may also notice facial flushing, ptosis (dropping eyelid), facial swelling, and constriction of the pupils.
