10 Common Types of Headaches

By albert

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

Article Sources

Medical Expert

More About Us

According to the World Health Organization, headaches affect half of the world’s adult population every year. This makes it one of the most common illnesses. But not all headaches are the same. Some headaches come in a flash and then go, others stick around for days, some are splitting, and others cause a dull feeling.

There are two main categories of headaches: primary and secondary. Primary headaches occur as a result of physical or chemical problems within the structural components of the head, including the brain, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Secondary headaches occur when an underlying condition leads to stimulation of the nerves in the head, triggering the feeling of pain.

In each of the two headache categories, there are many specific types of headaches. Below, you will find 10 of the most common types of headaches.

Type #1: Tension Headaches

These are common primary headaches. In most cases, tension headaches affect both sides of the head. They are dull, constant, and may last for between half an hour and several hours. However, tension headaches are unlikely to stop you from carrying on with your daily activities.

While it is not clear what really causes tension headaches, there are some known triggers. These triggers include stress, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, dehydration, bad posture, and lack of exercise. If you get tension headaches, it may help to identify the possible triggers. This can help you to avoid them, which may reduce or stop them.