Episodic headaches
Episodic headaches include headaches (including migraines and tension headaches) that occur from time to time.
These attacks are separated by pain-free periods that can last from days to months.
This differs from chronic headaches, which occur more than half the days of the month over a longer period (over 3 months).
1
Episodic headaches occur less than 15 times per month
2
If your headaches develop or become more frequent than 2-4 times per month, you need to seek help.
3
Episodic headaches must be prevented to avoid developing into chronic headaches.
The importance of seeking help
Although episodic headaches may seem less severe than chronic headaches, they should be taken seriously.
If you experience headaches as often as 4 times a month, or your headache frequency increases, it’s important to seek medical help.
Some believe that the limit is already 2 days per month.
Frequent episodes can be a sign of an underlying condition, or that there are other factors that can develop into chronic headaches if not treated properly.
Common types of episodic headaches
Episodic migraine:
Migraine attacks that occur less than 15 days per month.
Episodic tension headache:
Headaches that occur less than 15 days per month.
Episodic cluster headache:
Extremely painful headaches that occur in “clusters” or cycles.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of headache and can include medical treatment such as painkillers, triptans, and preventive medication, as well as non-medical treatment such as lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, manual therapy, exercises, and regular exercise.
Prevention
In order to avoid the development of chronic headaches, attention should be paid to the use of painkillers.
Excessive use can lead to medication overuse headache (MOH), a secondary headache resulting from frequent medication use.
But also remember that proper medication can be essential to prevent your headache from developing into a chronic headache.
Your doctor or a headache expert can help you with this.
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Seek help if you experience frequent episodes of headaches or if the frequency of your headaches increases. A consultation with healthcare professionals experienced in headache disorders can be the first step towards a better quality of life.
