Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are very common , and most people will experience them occasionally. They present as a dull, constant pain felt on both sides of the head. Other symptoms can include tenderness of the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Causes can be tricky to determine but stress, anxiety, and depression are common triggers. Other causes might include dehydration, lack of sleep, bad posture (i.e. forward head posture), eye strain etc.

Migraine Headaches

A person who has a migraine will typically feel an intense throbbing pain on just one side of the head. They might experience a heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smell . Nausea and vomiting can also occur. About 1/3 of people experience an aura before the onset of a migraine. These are visual and sensory disturbances. They can include flickering lights, partial loss of vision, numbness, muscle weakness, difficulty speaking etc.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are severe and recurrent headaches that are six times more likely to develop in men than in women. People describe an intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye. Cluster headaches are usually sudden and last between 15 minutes and 3 hours. People can experience several attacks per day.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by a swelling of the sinuses, which is usually the result of an infection or an allergy. The symptoms consist of a dull, throbbing ache around the eyes, cheeks, & forehead. The pain may worsen with movement or straining and can sometimes spread to the teeth and jaw. These headaches are usually accompanied by a thick green or yellow nasal discharge. Other symptoms may include, fever, nausea, & light or sound sensitivity.

Caffeine Headaches

Heavy caffeine consumption (more than 400mg), or around 4 cups of coffee can sometimes lead to headaches. In people consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine daily for over 2 weeks, withdrawal may result in headaches . These typically develop within 24 hours after stopping abruptly.

Head Injury Headaches

Bumps and blows to the head and neck are common. However, a headache can develop immediately or soon after. These are often similar to migraine or tension headaches. Anyone who experiences persistent or worsening headaches should see a doctor.

Menstrual / Hormonal Headaches

Headaches are often related to changes in hormone levels. In women, migraine is frequently linked with periods due to natural changes in estrogen levels. These menstrual migraines develop in the days just before or during a period. Symptoms are similar to migraine but without aura.