Headache

A headache is one of the common reasons for seeking medical attention. The term headache generally encompasses all aches and pains located in the head. It is plausible to ask: why so many pain symptoms are centered in the head? A reasonable explanation is that the face and scalp are richly supplied with pain receptors, more so than many other parts of the body (Zagami 1994). It is a well-designed mechanism that protects the precious contents of the skull (Fig. 27.1). When pain-sensitive structures, which reside in the skull, are attacked by disease or trauma, each structure has its own way of inducing pain (Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society 1998). This chapter is designed to give an introduction and overview to various types of headaches, their origin, presentation, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities.