Editing Headache (section)

=== Old headaches ===
Old headaches are usually primary headaches and are not dangerous. They are most often caused by [[migraines]] or [[tension headaches]]. Migraines are often unilateral, pulsing headaches accompanied by nausea or vomiting. There may be an aura (visual symptoms, numbness or tingling) 30–60 minutes before the headache, warning the person of a headache. Migraines may also not have auras.<ref name=Hainer /> Tension-type headaches usually have bilateral "bandlike" pressure on both sides of the head usually without nausea or vomiting. However, some symptoms from both headache groups may overlap. It is important to distinguish between the two because the treatments are different.<ref name=Hainer />

The mnemonic 'POUND' helps distinguish between migraines and tension-type headaches. POUND stands for: {{bulleted list|Pulsatile quality of headache|One-day duration (four to 72 hours)|Unilateral location|Nausea or vomiting|Disabling intensity<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gilmore B, Michael M | title = Treatment of acute migraine headache | journal = American Family Physician | volume = 83 | issue = 3 | pages = 271–280 | date = February 2011 | pmid = 21302868 | url = https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0201/p271.html | access-date = 15 September 2021 }}</ref> }}

One review article found that if 4–5 of the POUND characteristics are present, a migraine is 24 times as likely a diagnosis than a tension-type headache ([[Likelihood ratios in diagnostic testing|likelihood ratio]] 24). If 3 characteristics of POUND are present, migraine is 3 times more likely a diagnosis than tension type headache ([[Likelihood ratios in diagnostic testing|likelihood ratio]] 3).<ref name=Detsky /> If only 2 POUND characteristics are present, tension-type headaches are 60% more likely (likelihood ratio 0.41). Another study found the following factors independently each increase the chance of migraine over tension-type headache: nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, exacerbation by physical activity, unilateral, throbbing quality, chocolate as a headache trigger, and cheese as a headache trigger.<ref name="Smetana 2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Smetana GW | title = The diagnostic value of historical features in primary headache syndromes: a comprehensive review | journal = Archives of Internal Medicine | volume = 160 | issue = 18 | pages = 2729–2737 | date = October 2000 | pmid = 11025782 | doi = 10.1001/archinte.160.18.2729 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

[[Cluster headaches]] are relatively rare (1 in 1000 people) and are more common in men than women.<ref>{{cite book|title=Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine|date=8 April 2015|publisher=McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-180215-4 |pages=2594–2595|edition=19th}}</ref> They present with sudden onset explosive pain around one eye and are accompanied by autonomic symptoms (tearing, runny nose and red eye).<ref name=Goadsby />

[[Temporomandibular joint dysfunction|Temporomandibular jaw pain]] (chronic pain in the jaw joint), and [[cervicogenic headache]] (headache caused by pain in muscles of the neck) are also possible diagnoses.<ref name=Smetana />

For chronic, unexplained headaches, keeping a headache diary can be useful for tracking symptoms and identifying triggers, such as association with menstrual cycle, exercise and food. While mobile electronic diaries for smartphones are becoming increasingly common, a recent review found most are developed with a lack of evidence base and scientific expertise.<ref name="pmid25138438">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hundert AS, Huguet A, McGrath PJ, Stinson JN, Wheaton M | title = Commercially available mobile phone headache diary apps: a systematic review | journal = JMIR mHealth and uHealth | volume = 2 | issue = 3 | pages = e36 | date = August 2014 | pmid = 25138438 | pmc = 4147710 | doi = 10.2196/mhealth.3452 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

[[Cephalalgiaphobia]] is fear of headaches or getting a headache.