Headache Types

The 12 Categories of Headache

In 1988 the International Headache Society published a headache classification system that is now regarded as the de facto standard for headache classification. It describes twelve categories of headache, and these are separated into two broad groups: primary headaches and seconmdary headaches.

The primary headache types are classified according to their symptoms, whereas the secondary headache types are classified according to thier causes.

Primary Headache Disorders

The Primary Headaches are, according to the International Headache Society, as follows:

Secondary Headache Disorders

The Secondary Headaches are, according to the International Headache Society, as follows: