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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
Current as of: December 20, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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