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Types of Headache
Topic Contents
Overview
Common types of headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The symptoms of these headaches are often similar. Describing a few key symptoms of your headaches may help your doctor find out what type of headache you have. This can help your doctor treat your headaches.
Here are some key features of each type of headache.
Where the pain is |
How bad the pain is |
Symptoms |
|
---|---|---|---|
Migraine |
Usually on one side of your head with pressure behind one eye |
Throbbing, pulsating headache that is moderate to severe Pain is so bad that it makes it hard to work or go to school |
|
Tension |
On both sides or all over your head |
Deep, pressing, tightening headache that does not throb or pulse and is mild to moderate |
|
Cluster |
On one side of the face, head, or neck; does not switch sides |
Piercing pain that gets very bad very fast, usually within 5 to 10 minutes |
|
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: August 25, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Current as of: August 25, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
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