Chronic daily headaches

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis

Complications Treatment Prevention Coping skills Complementary and alternative therapies

Introduction

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you may be experiencing a variety of head pain known as chronic daily headaches.

An estimated 3 percent to 5 percent of adults worldwide experience chronic daily headaches. The most common type of chronic daily headaches is divided into four subtypes:

• Chronic migraine
• Chronic tension-type headache
• New daily persistent headache
• Hemicrania continua

The incessant nature of chronic daily headaches makes them among the most disabling headaches. Aggressive initial treatment and steady, long-term management may reduce pain and lead to fewer headaches.

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Signs and symptoms