Classification of headaches

Headache disorders are classified by the ICHD-III as (1):

• primary headache disorders
  • migraine
  • tension type headache
  • trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias
  • other primary headache disorders
• secondary headache disorders
  • headache attributed to trauma or injury of the head or neck
  • headache attributed to cervical or cranial vascular disorder
  • non-vascular intracranial disorder headache
  • substance or substance withdrawal headache
  • headache attributed to infection
  • disorder of homeostasis headache
  • headache or facial pain attributed to disorder of the cranium, neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth or other facial or cervical structure
  • headache attributed to psychiatric disorder
• neuropathies, facial pains and other headaches: painful lesions of the cranial nerves and other facial pains, and other headache disorders

• Headache disorders may be classified in several ways. It may be hierarchical as above, research based, aetiological, or clinical.

Reference:

1. Headache classification subcommittee of the international headache society. The international classification of headache disorders. 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018; 38: 1-211