Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, according to MayoClinic.com. There are other types of headaches, however, including sinus, cluster and migraine. Most headaches involve a varying degree of head pain, but other symptoms may be present, depending on the headache type. Knowing the type of headache you have can help you choose the appropriate treatment for your headache symptoms.
Head Pain
Whether your headache is a tension, cluster, sinus or migraine, you will most likely experience head pain. The pain from a tension headache resembles a mild to moderate ache with tightness around the forehead, sides or back of the head, while the pain from a sinus headache usually is accompanied by pressure in the forehead, cheeks and brow areas, reports American Academy of Otolaryngology. The pain from a cluster headache is usually one-sided and is focused around the eye, although it may spread to other areas of your face. A sharp, burning excruciating pain indicates a cluster headache, reports MayoClinic.com. Migraine headache may be one-sided or occur on both sides. Migraine headaches cause a moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating type of head pain. With both sinus headaches and migraines, the pain intensifies as you bend forward.
Nausea
Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a common symptom of migraine headaches. Tension, cluster or sinus headaches generally do not cause nausea or vomiting. Migraines typically last four to 72 hours.
Light and Sound Sensitivity
If you develop light and sound sensitivity with your headache, you are most likely experiencing a migraine headache rather than other types of headaches. Some migraine sufferers experience visual disturbances that include flashing zig zag lights, a blind spot and blurry vision prior to the onset of the migraine head pain, reports MedicinePlus.
Pressure
Pressure and fullness is a common headache symptom associated with tension and sinus headaches. Side, back or forehead tightness is typical of tension headaches, while cheeks, brow and forehead pressure is associated with sinus headaches.
Other symptoms
Headaches that are accompanied by yellow, green or blood-tinged nasal discharge are typically associated with sinus headaches. Fever, chills and an ache in the upper teeth may also occur with a sinus headache, reports American Academy of Otolaryngology. Droopy eyelids, eye redness, reduced pupils and excessive tearing indicate a cluster headache. Cluster headaches may also cause restlessness, says FamilyDoctor.org.
