Headache Quiz: What Kind Of Headache Do You Have, And What Can You Do About It?
Leave a CommentWhen it comes to headaches, not all are the same. While they all cause disruption to daily activities and it can be agreed upon that they’re certainly uncomfortable, to find out which type of headache you’re experiencing, and what options you have, take the quiz below:
1. Prior to the onset of your headaches, you experienced…
A) A head injury
B) Whiplash or a neck injury
C) Nothing significant
D) Times of high stress
2. Your headache symptoms increase with…
A) Activity and movement
B) Neck movements
C) Eye movements or reading
D) Cognitive load
3. Your headache symptoms decrease with…
A) Improved sleep or limiting activity
B) Massaging your muscles and stretching
C) Calm Environments
D) Less thinking
4. Along with a headache, you feel…
A) Dizzy, nausea, and poor concentration
B) Stiffness in your neck
C) Blurred or double vision
D) Decreased energy or motivation
5. You would describe your headaches as…
A) One-sided and pulsing
B) Throbbing in the front of your head
C) Behind your eyes
D) Dull and achy
6. Which setting increases your headaches?
A) Loud and bright environments
B) Turning your head a lot
C) Busy environments with a lot of movement
D) Work or classroom setting
If You Answered…
Mostly A’s
This may be a Post-Traumatic Headache or Concussion. Post traumatic headaches happen after a head injury. They often include nausea, insomnia, dizziness, poor concentration, memory problems, sensory sensitivity, and changes in personality. In combination with education, exercise, physical therapy and rest this type of headache can be treated to get you feeling back to yourself.
Mostly B’s
You might be having a Cervicogenic Headache or Tension Headache. Cervicogenic headaches can happen after a neck strain or whiplash injury and often feel like stiffness or pain in the neck, along with the headache. Dizziness can accompany this type of headache and you may feel like your head weighs a lot. A Physical Therapist can help with exercise combine with manual therapy to get you back to the best version of yourself.
Mostly C’s
This may be an Oculomotor Headache. Oculomotor Headaches can come on without an apparent cause. They can include blurred vision, difficulty with eye movements, slow reading and challenges with school or work. Physical therapists are trained to help treat these symptoms with various eye exercises challenging speed of eye movements, tracking, and convergence.
Mostly D’s
You may be experiencing a Cognitive Fatigue Headache. Cognitive Fatigue Headaches are more common in men and appear as deficits with memory, processing speed, and reaction time with cognitive testing. These headaches increase throughout the day or when you’re required to concentrate for long periods. It’s often associated with difficulty concentrating and decreased energy levels. Physical therapists can help with activity modifications, sleep suggestions, and graded exposure to cognitive tasks and physical tasks.
While this short quiz may have given you a little insight on what you’re experiencing, a licensed physical therapist can help address your specific situation to assist in getting you back to feeling your best. Whether it’s one of these types of headaches, a combination, or a different kind of headache not mentioned above, a physical therapist can be a part of your team and create a plan of care to help manage symptoms and barriers. To learn more, or to connect with an expert who can help, reach out to your local Athletico for a free assessment! Free Assessments are available in-clinic and virtually through our Telehealth platform.
*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
