headaches
Chronic Daily Headache
Chronic Daily Headache (CDH) refers to a group of headache disorders that occur frequently, typically 15 or more days each month, lasting for a minimum of three months. It is not a specific diagnosis but rather a category that encompasses several types of headaches, with chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache being the most common.
The key features of CDH are:
- Frequency: Occurs 15 or more days per month.
- Duration: Lasts for at least three months.
- Types: Includes chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, new daily persistent headache (NDPH), and hemicrania continua.
Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for managing CDH, as it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and daily activities.
What are the signs and symptoms of Chronic Daily Headache?
Chronic Daily Headache affects between 30% and 80% of people with headaches or migraines in the Brisbane population. On average, these headaches last for at least 4 hours each day. The ongoing pain and daily symptoms can be highly disabling.
Individuals experiencing constant headaches often struggle with concentration and find it challenging to complete daily tasks.
Chronic Daily Headaches are defined as headaches that occur on 15 or more days per month for a duration of at least three consecutive months. The four common types include:
- Chronic Tension-Type Headache
- New Daily Persistent Headache
- Chronic Migraine
- Hemicrania Continua
Types of CDH
Chronic Tension-Type Headache
New Daily Persistent Headache
New Daily Persistent Headache
Chronic tension-type headaches are marked by pain on both sides of the head, typically symmetrical and evenly distributed between the left and right sides.
In contrast to migraines, these headaches usually cause mild to moderate discomfort, often experienced as a tightening or pressing sensation rather than a throbbing or pulsating pain.
New Daily Persistent Headache
New Daily Persistent Headache
New Daily Persistent Headache
New daily persistent headaches often occur in individuals with no previous history of headaches. They start abruptly and escalate quickly, becoming constant within the first three days of onset.
The symptoms resemble those of chronic tension-type headaches, featuring bilateral pain on both sides of the head. The pain is typically mild to m
New daily persistent headaches often occur in individuals with no previous history of headaches. They start abruptly and escalate quickly, becoming constant within the first three days of onset.
The symptoms resemble those of chronic tension-type headaches, featuring bilateral pain on both sides of the head. The pain is typically mild to moderate and is commonly described as a consistent discomfort.
Chronic Migraine
Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania Continua
Chronic migraines usually develop in individuals with a history of episodic migraines. Over time, these migraines may progress into a chronic condition, often due to inadequate treatment or a gradual worsening of symptoms.
The pain is typically localized to one side of the head (unilateral), though it can alternate between the left and rig
Chronic migraines usually develop in individuals with a history of episodic migraines. Over time, these migraines may progress into a chronic condition, often due to inadequate treatment or a gradual worsening of symptoms.
The pain is typically localized to one side of the head (unilateral), though it can alternate between the left and right sides during the same attack or across different episodes. It is commonly described as a throbbing or pulsating sensation, with moderate to severe intensity.
Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania continua is a persistent headache that exclusively affects one side of the head and remains fixed on that side without shifting. The pain is constant, with no pain-free intervals, and is typically moderate but may intensify into severe episodes throughout the day.
Those experiencing this condition may also have autonomic symptom
Hemicrania continua is a persistent headache that exclusively affects one side of the head and remains fixed on that side without shifting. The pain is constant, with no pain-free intervals, and is typically moderate but may intensify into severe episodes throughout the day.
Those experiencing this condition may also have autonomic symptoms, including watery eyes, swollen or droopy eyelids, eye redness, and nasal congestion or a runny nose. In addition, migraine-like symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, along with nausea and vomiting, can also occur.