Types of Headaches

There are three types of headaches: tension, cluster, and migraine.

Tension headaches are caused by sustained pressure, or traction, on the muscles and nerves of the head or neck. They tend not to worsen with physical activity, involve both sides of the head, and are not throbbing or nauseating. 90% of headaches are tension headaches.

Cluster headaches are more severe and tend to be recurring. Also referred to as vascular headaches, they originate from disturbances of blood vessels in the brain. They are accompanied by throbbing pain often localized on one side of the head. They tend to occur more in men, worsen with physical activity and cause nausea or light sensitivity.

Migraines are also vascular headaches and arise from problems with blood vessels. 6% of headaches are migraines and the majority of migraine sufferers are women. See Migraines for more information.

One type of headache can often trigger another and isolating a specific type often proves difficult. You can also suffer from symptoms from more than one type of headache -- a "mixed" headache.