Medically reviewed by Deena Kuruvilla, MD — By Kathryn Watson and David Rossiaky — Updated on November 29, 2021

Nearly everyone experiences head pain once in a while. However, there are different types of headaches. The cause, duration, and intensity of this pain can vary according to each type.

 

Types of common headaches

Many of us are familiar with some form of the throbbing, uncomfortable, and distracting pain of a headache. There are different types of headaches. The common types of headaches include:

  • tension headache
  • cluster headache
  • migraine headache
  • hemicrania continua
  • ice pick headache
  • thunderclap headache
  • allergy or sinus headache (Note: This is not an official headache disorder. Rather, it’s a description of symptoms, which usually involve sinus pressure or pain.)
  • hormone headache (also known as menstrual migraine)
  • caffeine headache
  • exertion headache
  • hypertension headache
  • rebound headache
  • post-traumatic headache
  • spinal headache

 

The most common primary headaches

Primary headaches occur when the pain in your head is the condition. In other words, your headache isn’t being triggered by something that your body is dealing with, like illness or allergies.

These headaches can be episodic or chronic:

Episodic headaches may occur every so often but no more than 15 days in one month. They can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours.

Chronic headaches are more consistent. They occur more than 15 days in a month. In these cases, a pain management plan is necessary.

 

Tension headache

If you have a tension headache, you may feel a dull, aching sensation all over your head. It isn’t throbbing. Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles also might occur.

Anyone can get a tension headache. Stress often triggers them.

 

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are characterized by severe burning and piercing pain. They occur around or behind one eye or on one side of the face at a time. Symptoms may include:

  • swelling, redness, flushing, and sweating on the side that’s affected by the headache

nasal congestion and eye tearing on the same side as the headache

These headaches occur in a series. Each individual headache can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. During a cluster, most people experience one to four headaches a day, usually around the same time each day. After one headache resolves, another will soon follow.

A series of cluster headaches can be daily for months at a time. In the months between clusters, people are symptom-free. Cluster headaches are more common in the spring and fall. They are also three times more common in men.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes cluster headaches.

 

Migraine

Migraine pain is an intense pulsing from deep within your head. This pain can last for days. Migraine headaches significantly limit your ability to carry out your daily routine.

Migraine pain is throbbing and usually one-sided. People with migraine headaches are often sensitive to light and sound. Nausea and vomiting also usually occur.

Some migraine headaches are preceded by visual disturbances. About one-third of people will experience these symptoms before the headache starts. Known as a migraine aura, it may cause you to see:

  • flashing lights
  • shimmering lights
  • zigzag lines
  • stars
  • blind spots

Auras can also include tingling on one side of your face or in one arm and trouble speaking.