foot notes

The International Headache Society lists 150 headache diagnostic categories. Among the most common are migraine, tension-type and cluster.

* A migraine is usually characterized by pain on one side of the head accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last from four to 72 hours. Migraines affect 26 million Americans, 75% of them women.

* A tension-type headache, the most common, is usually characterized by a mild to moderate steady pain, and tightness or pressure around the neck and head. Tension-type headaches can occur on a daily or near-daily basis and can be caused by stress, eye strain or even poor posture.

* A cluster headache typically features excruciating pain on one side of the head, often localized behind an eye. Attacks usually last from 15 minutes to three hours. Cluster headaches are more common in men.

* Children can get migraine headaches. Before puberty, just as many boys as girls get migraines; after puberty, migraines are more common in girls. Attacks are usually shorter in children than in adults.

Headaches can be caused by any number of factors. If headaches become a chronic problem, products such as orthopedic pillows, magnetic head bands, aromatic oils and scents have provided relief for some. Chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists and other nontraditional health professionals also can provide treatment.

For information, check out the web sites of the National Headache Foundation (www.headaches.org) and American Academy of Pain Management (www.aapainmanage.org).