A Real Pain—Four Types of Headaches

Headaches are like unwelcome visitors who pop up at the most inconvenient time — wrecking your plans, lingering too long and leaving you worried about when they might come back.

Understanding more about the type of headache you’re dealing with can help you work with a health care provider to better manage your symptoms. Here’s a look at some of the most common headache types.

Migraines are throbbing, pulsating headaches that usually occur on one side of the head with pain or pressure behind one eye. Women make up the majority of migraine sufferers, and these headaches also run in families. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise. Pain can worsen with normal physical activity.

If it feels like a vise is tightening around your head, you’re likely experiencing a tension headache. These headaches cause a pressing sensation on both sides or all over your head that can last for several days. Stress and muscle tension can play a role in tension headaches.

Sinus headaches cause deep and constant pain around the eyes, cheekbones, forehead and the bridge of the nose. A runny or stuffy nose is common, along with a feeling of fullness in the ears. You may have a green discharge from your nose for up to 10 days.

If the pain erupts out of nowhere and occurs multiple times a day, that’s a sign of cluster headaches. These headaches typically occur on one side of the head and cause a piercing pain that increases rapidly, usually within five to 10 minutes. These headaches also can cause eye tearing, redness or a runny nose on the same side as the pain. It can be hard to find relief because lying down makes it worse.

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. But if you’re noticing that your headaches occur frequently or with an intensity that interrupts your daily activities, you should speak with your health provider. Seek immediate medical attention if you’re feeling the worst headache you ever had, if the pain lasts more than 72 hours or you experience vision loss, unconsciousness or uncontrollable vomiting.

Learn more about our headache specialists or make an appointment at 302-623-3017.