Overview
Overview Common types of headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The symptoms of these headaches are often similar. Describing a few key symptoms of your headaches may help your doctor find out what type of headache you have. This can help your doctor treat your headaches.
Here are some key features of each type of headache.
Common types of headaches ? Where the pain is
How bad the pain is
Symptoms
Migraine
Usually on one side of your head with pressure behind one eye
Throbbing, pulsating headache that is moderate to severe
Pain is so bad that it makes it hard to work or go to school
Nausea or vomiting Feeling worse around light and noise Feeling worse after physical activity like walking May include an aura shortly before or during the headache May last for hours to several days Tension
On both sides or all over your head
Deep, pressing, tightening headache that does not throb or pulse and is mild to moderate
No nausea or vomiting May be worse around light or noise (but not both) May last for minutes to several days Cluster
On one side of the face, head, or neck; does not switch sides
Piercing pain that gets very bad very fast, usually within 5 to 10 minutes
Watery eyes and small (constricted) pupils Nasal congestion or runny nose Droopy or swollen eyelids Sweating on the forehead or face May wake you at night May have a hard time staying still because of pain May occur several times a day and last for minutes to a few hours
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: December 20, 2023
