Headaches can be of different types based on your condition. Read more about the types, symptoms, diagnosis & treatments of headache. Although most people experience occasional headaches, the cause, duration, and intensity of pain can vary by type.

Understanding the Context

Here's what you need to know to treat them. What is a headache? A headache is a pain in your head or face that’s often described as a pressure that’s throbbing, constant, sharp or dull. Headaches can differ greatly in regard to pain type, severity, location and frequency.

Key Insights

Most headaches can be treated effectively with medication, but certain instances or patterns of headache pain may be indicators or symptoms of a more serious condition. Experts classify headaches by the type, location, and frequency of pain, as well as by the various causes. Learn more and find a helpful chart here. Headaches can range in frequency and severity of pain. Some individuals may experience headaches once or twice a year, while others may experience them more than 15 days a month.

Final Thoughts

Some headaches may recur or last for weeks at a time. Headaches are common and are usually harmless. The main types of headaches are tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Most headaches can be managed a home by getting enough sleep, keeping hydrated, managing stress, and with painkillers. Headaches are classified as primary or secondary. A primary headache means the headache itself is the main medical problem, although other factors, such as muscle tension or exposure to certain foods, may be identified.

Other contributing factors include medicines, dehydration, or hormone changes.