Tension-type headache
A pressing, band-like pain on both sides of the head. The most common headache of all.
There are more than 200 recognized types of headache, migraine and facial pain. Many of them never get a diagnosis at all. The right treatment depends on the right diagnosis.
Migraine
Far more than a bad headache
Migraine is a neurological disease. Attacks can bring throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual aura, and can last for days.
40M+
people in the US
live with migraine.
#2
cause of disability
worldwide, among all diseases.
Often
missed or misdiagnosed
Many people are never formally diagnosed, or are diagnosed with the wrong headache type.
Years
of delayed care
Many wait years, and see several doctors, before effective treatment.
Other headache and facial pain conditions
Often misdiagnosed
These conditions can look similar at first glance, but they have different causes — and different treatments.
Cluster headache
Severe, one-sided pain around the eye, often at the same time of day, in bouts lasting weeks.
Facial pain
Pain in the face can come from the teeth, jaw muscles, joints or nerves. Identifying the cause matters because different types of facial pain need different treatment.
Trigeminal neuralgia
Brief bursts of severe, electric-shock pain, usually on one side of the face. Everyday actions such as chewing, brushing your teeth or a light touch can trigger an attack.
Other headache disorders
Including new daily persistent headache, hemicrania continua and occipital neuralgia.
Facial pain
Pain in the face is rarely “just dental”
Trigeminal neuralgia, TMJ disorders and other facial pain conditions are frequently mistaken for tooth or sinus problems, which can lead to procedures that don't help.
of the population
live with chronic facial pain.
Highest
rate of disability
Facial pain is among the most disabling pain conditions.
Common
misdiagnosis
Often treated first as a dental or sinus problem.
Where it hurts — pick a condition
Migraine
Typically causes throbbing pain on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound
What matters
Essential to have an accurate diagnosis, track treatment response, and monitor ongoing care
01
An accurate diagnosis
Treatment depends on the type of headache or facial pain. Naming it correctly is where getting better starts.
02
Tracking treatment response
Most treatments take weeks to judge. A clear record shows what is working, and what isn't.
03
Ongoing monitoring
These conditions change over time. Regular check-ins catch changes early and keep care on track.
How to seek care
It can't wait
AlphaDX can help you
- Understand what might be causing your pain
- Find the right specialist
- Prepare your appointment
- Track your symptoms
News feed & explore
Be informed of the latest research and treatment advancements
A news feed of plain-language explainers on new research and treatments, reviewed by our physicians. New articles are on the way.