What kind of headache do you have?
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
The first step towards finding relief is to determine what type of headache or migraine you have. Here’s how to tell
Headache or migraine?
If you experience any type of recurring headache, it is important to contact your doctor to investigate the cause. Keep a diary of the time and events around your headache to help with the diagnosis.
Read on to find out if you’re suffering from a tension headache, cluster headache or migraine.
Tension headache
Description: Dull pressure or tightness
Location: Any side of head
Duration: 30 minutes to a week
Frequency: Infrequent
Other symptoms: Tenderness of the scalp, neck, shoulders; occasionally, loss of appetite
Cluster headache
Description: Sharp, piercing, severe pain developing rapidly in a cyclical or “cluster”
Location: One side, usually around or behind the eye
Duration: 15 minutes to three hours
Frequency: One or more daily during “cluster periods”
Other symptoms: Nasal congestion, runny nose, tearing, red eyes, sensitivity to light
Migraine without aura
Description: Moderate to severe throbbing, aggravated by routine physical activity
Location: One or both sides of the head
Duration: Four to 72 hours
Frequency: Recurrent, with widely variable frequency
Other symptoms: Nausea and/or vomiting; sensitivity to light and sound. May be preceded by sleepiness, irritability, depression or food cravings
Migraine with aura
Description: Moderate to severe throbbing with aura
Location: One or both sides of the head
Duration: Four to 72 hours
Frequency: Recurrent, with widely variable frequency
Other symptoms: Bright flashing lights or a blind spot 10 to 30 minutes beforehand. For some, includes confusion, numbness in extremities, nausea and difficulty with speech
Related:
• How to control migraines
• 6 ways physiotherapy can relieve aches and pains
• All you need to know about migraines
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