How to Recognize Headache Types

There are several different types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches and headaches that are secondary to other conditions. Some headaches share certain symptoms and risk factors, while others have unique characterizations. In order to recognize what type of headache you have, you need to understand what makes each type of headache different.

Things You'll Need

• Written log

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Instructions

• 1

  Locate where the pain is felt. Tension headaches are typically felt on both sides of the head at the same time, while migraines usually start on one side and then spread. Sinus headaches, which are secondary to sinusitis, are felt in the front of the face or behind the eyes.

• 2

  Characterize the pain. Migraines usually feel like throbbing pain, whereas tension headaches usually feel like tightening pressure.

• 3

  Quantify the degree of pain. Tension headaches are usually mild or moderate on the pain scale, but migraines can be moderate to severe. Cluster headaches usually cause intense, searing pain in one spot.

• 4

  Note contributing factors. If you have a headache along with a cold or respiratory infection, it is most likely a sinus headache caused by inflammation of the nasal cavity. Other conditions, such as a head injury, eye disease or a brain tumor, can also cause a headache.

• 5

  Observe secondary symptoms. Migraines are often experienced with a number of additional symptoms, including a visual aura, nausea, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, mood changes, loss of appetite and others. Muscle tightness, particularly in the neck and shoulders, often accompanies tension headaches.

• 6

  Track the frequency of the headaches. It's important to recognize if a headache is chronic or acute. If you have the same type of headache more than three times per month, that will usually qualify as a chronic-type headache.

• 7

  Evaluate your risk factors. Migraines are influenced by family history, stress, diet, medications and other factors. Tension headaches are also affected by family history, but they are mostly caused by emotional stress.

• 8

  Recognize potential triggers. Keeping logs of things you did and ate prior to getting a headache can help diagnose what type of headache you have and help you prevent others from developing. For example, alcohol and cigarettes can trigger a cluster headache.