The world of headaches is vast and associated with different causes. Because of this variety, headaches are classified into primary, secondary, and painful neuropathies (conditions that affect nerves). Having a throbbing sensation in the head does not necessarily mean you are experiencing a migraine attack. In fact, there are different types of primary headaches, with migraine only being one of them! Scroll down to learn more about the different types of headaches and how each one tells a unique story!
Migraine Headaches
Migraine attacks are very common, often causing loss of productivity and temporary disability. In fact, most people often think of their headaches as migraines, even though they are actually experiencing a totally different type of headache. Migraine attacks are typically one-sided, make you feel nauseated, and cause you to become more sensitive to light and sound.1 The pain itself may be throbbing, pulsating, and gradually worsens. These symptoms may happen from hours to days, causing severe disruptions to your daily plans and activities. Additionally, some migraineurs may experience a phenomenon called “aura” which may cause them to experience one or more visual, speech, or sensory disturbance before experiencing the migraine attack.1 Because migraines can be debilitating when not properly managed, a holistic plan to target the root cause of your migraine headaches is needed to finally experience migraine-free days. To learn more about the healing power of nature for migraine attacks, we have the perfect blog post for you.
Tension-Type Headache
Tension headaches are considered the most common type of primary headache (yes, more common than migraines). In fact, tension-type headaches can cause greater loss of productivity and disability than migraine attacks!2 Also called stress headache, tension-type headache can cause pressing, band-like, dull pain on both sides of the head, which may happen in episodes or become persistent (chronic). However, people with tension-type headaches are less likely to become nauseated or experience vomiting.2 These headaches may be triggered by stress, sleeping problems, tense muscles (from physical activities and exertions), or bad posture.2
Cluster Headaches
A rarer form of primary headache, cluster headache can cause piercing, stabbing, or burning pain on one side of the head that may last for 15-180 minutes and radiate to the cheeks, temple, ear, or neck. The pain and discomfort are recurrent and occur in clusters. You may also experience tearing, stuffy nostrils, or redness in the eye, all happening on the same side as the headache.3 Cluster headaches typically happen on the same time each day. The most intriguing part is that cluster headaches commonly happen a few hours after falling asleep! Cluster headaches most commonly affect the male gender (three times more than women), middle adults, people with alcohol abuse disorder, and those with previous trauma.3
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