Different Types of Headaches

Migraine Headache

Migraine is the most common form of headache, but not all headaches are migraines. The term “migraine” refers to a headache which is usually (but not always) on one side of the head. It is a headache that lasts from two to seventy-two hours, typically, and it is often associated with nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light and/or sound. The character of the pain is typically a throbbing pain.

There are several categories of migraine: migraines that are preceded by a warning symptom, called an aura, are known as Classic Migraine or Migraine with aura. Migraines that begin with pain and no warning are known as Common Migraine or Migraine without aura. Other less common forms include Complicated Migraine, Hemiplegic Migraine, Basilar Migraine, Ocular Migraine, Opthalmic Migraine, and Acephalgic Migraine. Migraine can also be part of a mixed headache pattern in which the patient has more than one type of headache (e.g. Migraine + Tension-type). It is important to know what type of headache you have because management varies greatly for different headache types.

Tension Headache

Tension-type headache is probably the second most common headache type after migraine. They are often referred to as “hatband” headaches because they typically painful around the back of the head, the temples and forehead, as if a tight hat were in place. They tend to be pressure-like at onset and can last from hours to days. Tension-type headaches can co-exist with migraine, and one can transform or trigger the other. Tension-type headache is often responsive to physical therapy, relaxation therapy and anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants. It is a myth that tension-type headaches are less painful or less disabling than migraines.

Hypnic Headache

This is a rare headache form that occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 80. It is unique in that it is a headache that occurs exclusively at night, typically lasting between 15 and 60 minutes. The headaches tend to occur at the same time each night tend to be global (not just on one side) and are not associated with runny nose, tearing or other “cluster” features. There are specific treatments for this kind of headache which does not typically respond to the usual headache medications.

Cluster Headache

Contrary to popular belief, a cluster headache is not simple a collection of headaches that come in a bunch together. A cluster headache is a type of headache which is relatively short-lived (compared with migraine) lasting usually between 20 minutes and two hours. It is always one-sided and is associated with symptoms such as a stuffy nose on one side, tearing, an enlarged pupil, or a droopy lid. The headaches tend to occur several to many times a day for a period of days to weeks, and then disappear for a variable amount of time, usually weeks to months. Treatments for cluster differ significantly from treatments for other headache types. Clusters are, by reputation, some of the most painful headaches imaginable. It is important to have a treatment plan in place before a cluster begins.

Please see our Headache FAQ for more information about different types of headaches.