Most of us are familiar with the throbbing ache in your temples. Just another headache, right? Not so fast.
“Migraines impact over 37 million men, women and children in the United States, but fewer than 5 percent of those affected have been accurately diagnosed and received appropriate care,” says Brandeis Brockman, CRNP, BSN, MSN, nurse practitioner.
Before you write your pain off as just another headache, learn the distinctions between headaches and migraines. Knowing their key differences could bring you long-awaited relief.
Types and Causes of Common Headaches
There are many different types of headaches, so identifying the location and nature of your pain can help determine the cause.
Some of the most common types include:
Tension headaches: The pain from tension headaches tends to spread across both sides of the head, often starting at the back and creeping forward. This is the most common form of headache pain. Eyestrain, stress and hunger are frequently causes of tension headaches, and they can be chronic.
Sinus headaches: These headaches often strike when you’re sick or feeling congested. They’re caused by swelling in the sinus passages, resulting in pain behind the cheeks, nose and eyes. The pain is often as its worst when you wake up on the morning and when you bend forward.
Cluster headaches: These headaches are usually very painful and occur in “clusters,” meaning they happen daily (usually at the same time), sometimes up to several times per day for months. They are a result of dilation in the blood vessels of the brain due to a release of serotonin and histamines. They can be caused by physical exertion, bright lights or even altitude.