What Type of Headache Do You Have?

By Sally A.

Generally speaking, headaches tend to fall into one of three common categories: tension headaches, cluster headaches and migraine headaches.

There is no definite cause of tension headaches, but it is believed that they are usually caused by stress. They are the most common type of headache, accounting for around 90% of all headaches. The pain that they cause is anything between mild and moderate, and can last from half an hour up to a whole week. A tension headache can usually be cured by over-the-counter drugs or painkillers.

Cluster headaches get their name because they occur in cycles or clusters. They are relatively rare, affecting less than a hundred in every one hundred thousand people. An attack will frequently last less than 90 minutes, and may not strike again for months. It is usually accompanied by red eye or tearing of the eye. The pain is often intense, concentrated around the eyes and can last from a week right through to several months. For this type of headache, painkillers and other over-the-counter drugs do not work. Cluster headaches usually affect men more than women. They may be related to the sinuses and the nervous system, but the definite cause is not known.

Migraine headaches are perhaps the worst kind of headache, as they usually restrict what the sufferer can do. They can be caused by changes in hormones, stress, changes in the sufferer’s environment and particular kinds of food. A sensitivity to light and sound often runs alongside a migraine. Migraines cannot be cured, but the symptoms and pain can be reduced by over-the-counter drugs. In the long-term, antidepressants and anti-seizure medicine can be prescribed to help prevent migraines.

If you experience headaches on a regular basis, you should consult your doctor for medical advice.

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