Secondary headaches
Secondary headaches are classified into eight broad categories. In these articles we’ll review how to diagnose a number of common secondary headaches which include:
- sinus headaches,
- headaches from musculoskeletal pain
- headaches from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues,
- cranial neuralgias,
- analgesic overuse headaches
- secondary to medical conditions such as
- Giant cell arteritis
- Tumours
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri
- secondary to medical conditions such as
- Cerebral sinus thrombosis
- Head injury
- Infection
We summarise concerning red flag symptoms (SNOOP) and the ominous headache syndromes that require immediate intervention and take a look at underlying medical conditions that can also cause secondary headaches.
This is an edited excerpt from the Medmastery course Headache Masterclass by Robert Coni, DO, EdS, FAAN. Acknowledgement and attribution to Medmastery for providing course transcripts.
- Coni R. Headache Masterclass. Medmastery
- Coni R. Clinical Neurology Essentials. Medmastery
- Simmonds GR. Neurology Masterclass: Managing Common Diseases. Medmastery
- Simmonds GR. Neurology Masterclass: Managing Emergencies. Medmastery
References
- The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition
- Cashman EC, Smyth D. Primary headache syndromes and sinus headache: An approach to diagnosis and management. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2012 Jun;39(3):257-60.
- Chou DE. Secondary Headache Syndromes. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2018 Aug;24(4, Headache):1179-1191
- Do TP, Heldarskard GF, Kolding LT, Hvedstrup J, Schytz HW. Myofascial trigger points in migraine and tension-type headache. J Headache Pain. 2018 Sep 10;19(1):84
- Graff-Radford SB. Facial pain, cervical pain, and headache. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2012 Aug;18(4):869-82.
- Tepper SJ. Cranial Neuralgias. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2018 Aug;24(4, Headache):1157-1178.
- Tsakadze, N, Antonovich N, Rossi F. Medication-overuse headache. Practical Neurology. 2018; 17: 50–52.
- Armand CE, Masters-Israilov A, Lipton RB. Migraine mimics. Practical Neurology. 2019; 18: 32–39
Neurology Library: Secondary headaches
- Coni R. Sinus headaches. LITFL
- Coni R. Muskuloskeletal pain and headache. LITFL
- Coni R. Temporomandibular joint and headache. LITFL
- Coni R. Medication overuse headache. LITFL
- Coni R. SNOOPP and Red Flags in secondary headache. LITFL
Neurology Library
Robert Coni, DO, EdS, FAAN. Vascular neurologist and neurohospitalist and Neurology Subspecialty Coordinator at the Grand Strand Medical Center in South Carolina. Former neuroscience curriculum coordinator at St. Luke’s / Temple Medical School and fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. In my spare time, I like to play guitar and go fly fishing. | Medmastery | Linkedin |
BMBS (The University of Nottingham) BMedSci (The University of Nottingham). Emergency Medicine RMO at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth, WA. Interested in Medical Education and Emergency Medicine. Swimmer and frequent concert attendee.