14 Types of Headaches and How to Treat Them

Nataly Komova
14 Types of Headaches and How to Treat Them

There are numerous types of headaches, such as tension headaches, migraines, ice pick headaches, and more. The cause, duration, and intensity can vary with each type.

Many of us are well-acquainted with the throbbing, uncomfortable, and distracting pain of a headache. Some of the most common types include:

What are the most common types of primary headaches?

Primary headaches occur when the pain in your head is the main condition, rather than being triggered by another health issue, such as an illness or allergies.

These headaches can be episodic or chronic:

Tension headache

If you experience a tension headache, you may feel a dull, aching sensation across your entire head. You might also have tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches present as severe burning and piercing pain, often around or behind one eye or on one side of the face. Symptoms can include:

These headaches occur in clusters, with each episode lasting from 15 minutes to three hours. During a cluster, headaches can happen multiple times a day, usually around the same time each day. These episodes can persist daily for months, with symptom-free periods between clusters. Cluster headaches are more common in spring and autumn and are three times more common in men.

Migraine

Migraine is a type of headache disorder characterised by intense, pulsing pain deep within the head. Migraine episodes can last from 4 to 72 hours if untreated, significantly impacting daily activities. Symptoms include:

Around one-third of those with migraines experience visual disturbances before the headache begins, known as a migraine aura. This can cause flashing or shimmering lights, zigzag lines, stars, or blind spots.

Migraines may run in families or be linked to other nervous system conditions. Women are three times more likely to develop migraines than men. People with PTSD are also at increased risk.

Hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is a moderate headache on one side of the head that persists continuously for at least three months. Intensity may increase a few times a day. It accounts for about 1% of headaches and is most common in young adults.

Ice pick headache

Ice pick headaches are characterised by short, intense stabbing pains that last only a few seconds. These headaches can occur several times a day without warning, feeling like a single stab or multiple stabs in succession.

Thunderclap headache

A thunderclap headache is a severe headache that reaches peak intensity in under a minute. It may be benign but could also signal a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention, such as:

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a thunderclap headache. If it’s not caused by another condition, you can discuss a treatment plan for future episodes.

What are the most common types of secondary headaches?

Secondary headaches are symptoms of other underlying conditions. If the trigger of your secondary headache is ongoing, these headaches can become chronic. Treating the primary cause generally provides relief.

Allergy or sinus headache

Headaches may result from allergic reactions, with pain often focused in the sinus area and the front of the head. Migraine is sometimes misdiagnosed as a sinus headache. Those with chronic seasonal allergies or sinusitis are susceptible.

Hormone headache

People who menstruate may experience headaches linked to hormonal fluctuations. Menstruation, birth control pills, and pregnancy can all affect oestrogen levels, leading to headaches.

Caffeine headache

Caffeine affects blood flow to the brain. Both excessive intake and sudden cessation can cause headaches. Frequent migraine sufferers are particularly at risk.

Exertion headache

Exertion headaches occur quickly after intense physical activity such as weightlifting, running, or sexual intercourse. These activities increase blood flow to the skull, causing a throbbing headache on both sides of the head.

Hypertension headache

High blood pressure can cause a headache, signalling an emergency when blood pressure exceeds 180/120. In most cases, however, hypertension does not cause headaches.

Medication overuse headache

Also known as rebound headaches, these can feel like a dull tension headache or a more intense migraine. Frequent use of over-the-counter pain relievers can lead to this type of headache.

Post-traumatic headache

These headaches can develop after a head injury, feeling like tension headaches or migraines. They usually last up to six to twelve months after the injury but can become chronic.

Spinal headache

A spinal headache results from low cerebrospinal fluid pressure following a lumbar puncture, also known as a post-dural puncture headache. Pain is typically felt in the forehead, temples, upper neck, or back of the head.

When should I seek help?

Episodic headaches usually resolve within 48 hours. If your headache lasts more than two days or increases in intensity, consult a doctor. If you experience headaches more than 15 days a month for three months, you may have a chronic condition. Even if over-the-counter medications manage the pain, a doctor’s diagnosis is advisable.

What’s the outlook for headaches?

Primary headaches do not cause permanent disability or death but can be temporarily debilitating if frequent and severe. These headaches can often be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. The outlook for secondary headaches depends on the underlying cause. Some can be managed with simple lifestyle changes, while others require immediate medical intervention.

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