The word “headache” covers a surprisingly wide range of conditions, each with different causes, symptoms and treatments. Knowing which type you have is the first and most important step to treating it effectively, because what relieves one type may do nothing for another. Here are the main headache types, organized so you can recognize yours, along with where to go next for treatment.
Tension Headache
The most common type by far. A dull, band-like pressure around the head, affecting both sides, caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp. Mild to moderate, and not worsened by routine activity. See our complete guide to tension headaches.
Migraine
A neurological condition causing throbbing, usually one-sided pain with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes a visual aura beforehand. Moderate to severe, and worsened by activity. See tension headache vs migraine for how to tell the two apart.
Cluster Headache
Severe, piercing pain around or behind one eye, occurring in “clusters” over days or weeks, often at the same time each day. Frequently accompanied by a watering eye, drooping eyelid and a blocked nostril on the affected side. Relatively rare but extremely painful, and it needs medical management.
Sinus Headache
Pain and pressure across the forehead, cheeks and the bridge of the nose, caused by sinus inflammation or infection. Usually accompanied by nasal congestion and worse when bending forward. It is often confused with migraine, and genuine sinus headaches are less common than people assume.
Cervicogenic Headache
A headache that actually originates in the neck and refers pain into the head, caused by problems in the cervical spine and neck muscles. Closely related to cervicalgia, it responds to neck-focused treatment such as posture correction, exercises and a supportive pillow.
Occipital Neuralgia
Sharp, shooting, electric-shock pain from the base of the skull up across the scalp, caused by irritation of the occipital nerves. Often mistaken for migraine, but distinguished by scalp tenderness and pain triggered by neck movement. See our complete guide to occipital neuralgia.
How to Identify Your Headache Type
Three clues do most of the work: location (one side, both sides, behind the eye, base of the skull), pain type (throbbing, steady pressure, or sharp and shooting), and accompanying symptoms (nausea, watering eye, scalp tenderness, congestion). Band-like pressure on both sides suggests tension; one-sided throbbing with nausea suggests migraine; sharp shooting from the base of the skull suggests occipital neuralgia.
When to See a Doctor
Seek urgent care for a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, or a headache with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vision loss, or after a head injury. See a doctor for any headache that is frequent, worsening, or changing in pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell what type of headache I have?
Location, pain type and accompanying symptoms are the key clues. Band-like pressure suggests tension; one-sided throbbing with nausea suggests migraine; sharp shooting from the base of the skull suggests occipital neuralgia.
Can you have more than one type of headache?
Yes, many people experience more than one type. If your usual pattern changes noticeably, it is worth discussing with a doctor.
Which headache type is most common?
The tension headache, by a wide margin. Most adults experience them at some point, and they are usually mild to moderate.
Are headaches ever a sign of something serious?
Rarely, but a sudden severe headache, or one with fever, stiff neck, confusion or weakness, needs urgent assessment. Most headaches are not dangerous, but changing or severe ones should be checked.
The information on this site is based on personal experience and research. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
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