Headaches remain among the most common ailments worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, headaches affect about 40% of the population (or about 3.1 billion people, as reported in 2021). It is one of the most common complaints neurologists treat patients for.
Headaches are a nervous system disorder and are usually characterized by a painful and disabling sensation. However, “headache” isn’t just one-size-fits-all. There are several types of headaches, with the five main types being migraines, sinus, tension, cluster, and occipital neuralgia.
So, what causes a headache? Within the five main types of headaches, the causes (and symptoms!) can vary widely. Learn what type of headache you might have, where it may come from, and how to treat it.
If you’re experiencing frequent or severe headaches or other symptoms like vision loss as a result of headaches, it’s important to seek medical care.
Note: Content on neuromedpa.com is not doctor’s advice and should not be taken as such. Always contact your primary care doctor for medical services, diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and more.
5 Main Types of Headaches
Migraines
Often debilitating, migraines are a common type of headache that affects one side of the head (behind the eye or temple), but can affect both sides. The symptoms of an oncoming migraine differ for patients; some experience a throbbing or pulsating pain, some have nausea or vomiting, and some even have a light headache the day before a migraine hits. Many migraine sufferers experience light and sound sensitivity, visual disturbances, and dizziness.
There are dozens of causes of migraines; the most common include:
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Certain foods
- Dehydration
- Sensory overload
Some people are also genetically predisposed to have migraines. Whatever the cause of your migraine, they can happen as little as a few times per year to become a chronic problem (15+ days per month).
Sinus Headaches
Your sinuses are located around your eyes and through your nose. A typical sinus headache may be felt in or around your forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, or behind your eyes. Depending on the degree of pressure buildup, a sinus headache may feel mild to moderate. Causes of sinus headaches primarily include sinus infections, colds, or allergies.
Common symptoms of a sinus headache include:
- Facial pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Thick nasal discharge
- Pain that worsens when bending forward
- Fever
- Fatigue
Tension Headaches
When someone says “I have a headache,” chances are they’re talking about a tension headache. Tension headaches typically cause a dull, aching pain or a feeling of pressure around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. They are usually mild to moderate in severity and may be associated with muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Common triggers for tension headaches include stress, poor posture, eye strain, fatigue, and dehydration. Like other headaches, tension headaches can occur every now and then or become chronic—appearing multiple times per week.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are among the rarest types of headaches, characterized by intense, sharp pain on one side of the head, often centered around or behind one eye. They’re different from migraines in both cause and symptoms.
Sufferers of custom headaches are accustomed to these headaches occurring in cycles, with multiple attacks per day over weeks or months, followed by periods of remission. The exact cause is not fully understood, but research shows cluster headaches are linked to abnormalities in the brain’s pain and circadian regulation centers.
Occipital Neuralgia
Finally, occipital neuralgia is a neurological condition caused by irritation or compression of the occipital nerves (which run from the upper spine to the scalp). This type of headache often feels like a sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain at the base of the skull that may radiate upward or behind the eyes.
Pain from occipital neuralgia can be moderate to severe and may be triggered by neck movement or scalp sensitivity. Common causes of occipital neuralgia include muscle tension, injury, arthritis, and neck nerve compression.
Headache Diagnoses & Treatment
Headaches can be an unpleasant part of life, especially for people with chronic conditions. If headaches are affecting your daily life, consult your primary care physician or a neurologist to investigate the type, cause, and potential treatment. Your physician will assess and diagnose your headaches based on your symptoms and frequency. At this point, they’ll also discuss treatment options with you.
When it comes to headaches, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Tell your doctor your concerns and work together to ensure headache pain doesn’t deter you from living your life. Need more resources? Find out when you should see a neurologist for headaches.
Headache Treatment in Maryland
Neurological Medicine, P.A. is a full-service neurology practice providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Our experienced, compassionate team has proudly served Prince George’s and Montgomery County area since 1975. For in-office appointments, inquiries, and more, please contact us at (301) 982-7944.
Neurological Medicine, P.A.
Neurological Medicine, P.A., provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to patients with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. We have been serving the Prince George’s and Montgomery County area since 1975, with two offices: Greenbelt and Laurel. We offer complete adult neurological care as well as in-office neurodiagnostic studies.
