14 Types of Headaches and How to Treat Them 2025

• Primary headaches
• Secondary headaches
• Get help
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Prognosis

There are many types of headaches, like tension and migraine. Each has its own cause, duration, and intensity.

Headaches can be really uncomfortable. They come in different forms. The most common ones are:

• tension headache
• cluster headache
• migraine headache
• hemicrania continua
• ice pick headache
• thunderclap headache
• allergy or sinus headache
• hormone headache (also known as menstrual migraine)
• caffeine headache
• exertion headache
• hypertension headache
• rebound headache
• post-traumatic headache
• spinal headache

If your headache is mild, you can learn what type it is and how to feel better.

What are the most common types of primary headaches?

Primary headaches are when the pain in your head is the problem. They’re not caused by something else your body is fighting off.

These headaches can happen sometimes or all the time:

• Episodic headaches may happen up to 15 daysTrusted Source in a month. They can last from half an hour to hours.
• Chronic headaches happen more than 15 days a month. You’ll need a pain management plan for these.

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Visual of different types of headaches. Design by Maya Chastain.

The visual above shows where headaches might occur. But many can happen in other places too.

Tension headache

A tension headache feels like a dull ache all over your head. You might also feel tenderness or sensitivity in your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulders.

Anyone can get a tension headache. Stress is a common trigger.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are known for their severe pain. This pain feels like burning and piercing. It happens on one side of the face or around one eye.

Other symptoms include swelling, redness, and sweating on the affected side. You might also have nasal congestion and eye tearing on the same side.

These headaches come in series. Each headache lasts from 15 minutes to 3 hoursTrusted Source. During a cluster, headaches can occur every other day to eight times a day.

After one headache ends, another will start soon. A cluster can last for months, with people being symptom-free in between.

Cluster headaches are more common in the spring and fall. They are also three timesTrusted Source more common in men.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes cluster headaches.

Migraine

Migraine is a headache disorder with intense pulsing pain. Episodes can last from 4 to 72 hours without treatment. This limits your daily activities.

During a migraine, you might experience throbbing pain on one side of your head. You could also have light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.

About one-thirdTrusted Source of those with migraine see visual disturbances before the headache starts. This is called migraine aura.

Auras can include flashing lights, zigzag lines, stars, and blind spots. You might also feel tingling on one side of your face or in one arm, and have trouble speaking.

Migraine might run in your family or be linked to other nervous system conditions. People assigned female at birth are three times more likelyTrusted Source to develop migraine than those assigned male at birth. People with PTSD also have an increased riskTrusted Source of migraine.

Common migraine triggers include environmental factors. These include sleep disruption, dehydration, skipped meals, some foods, hormone fluctuations, and exposure to chemicals.

Hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is a headache on one side of your head. It lasts for at least 3 monthsTrusted Source. You might feel it get worse a few times a day.

It’s thought to affect about 1%Trusted Source of people. It’s most common in young adults.

This headache may also cause:

• tearing or eye redness
• nasal congestion or runny nose
• eyelid drooping
• forehead sweating
• miosis or excessive shrinking of the pupil
• restlessness or agitation

Ice pick headache

Primary stabbing headaches, or ice pick headaches, are short, intense pains. They last only a few seconds.

These headaches can happen several times a day. They come without warning. Ice pick headaches might feel like a single stab or multiple stabs in succession.

Ice pick headaches usually move to different parts of your head. If they always happen in the same spot, it might be a sign of something else.

Thunderclap headache

A thunderclap headache is a severe headache that comes on fast. It reaches its peak in under a minute. It might be harmless, but it could also be a sign of a serious problem.

In some cases, a thunderclap headache could mean:

• blood vessel tears, ruptures, or blockages
• stroke
• brain injury
• reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)
• vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
• pituitary apoplexy (bleeding into or loss of blood from an organ)

If you get a thunderclap headache for the first time, get medical help right away. If a doctor finds it’s not caused by another condition, you can talk about a treatment plan for future headaches.

What are the most common types of secondary headaches?

Secondary headaches are symptoms of something else in your body. If the cause of your headache is ongoing, it can become chronic. Treating the main cause usually helps with the headache.

Allergy or sinus headache

Headaches can be caused by an allergic reaction. The pain is often in your sinus area and the front of your head.

Migraine is sometimes mistaken for sinus headaches. People with chronic allergies or sinusitis are more likely to get these headaches.

Hormone headache

People who menstruate may experience headaches linked to hormonal changes. These changes can happen during menstruation, when using birth control pills, or during pregnancy. All these situations affect estrogen levels, which can lead to headaches.

Headaches tied to the menstrual cycle are called menstrual migraines. They can start up to 3 days before your period and last through the first three days. They can also happen during ovulation.

Caffeine headache

Caffeine affects blood flow to your brain. Too much can cause headaches. Quitting caffeine suddenly can also lead to headaches.

When you’re used to a certain amount of caffeine daily, not getting it can cause headaches. This is because caffeine changes your brain chemistry. Stopping it can trigger a headache.

Exertion headache

Exertion headaches happen quickly after intense physical activity. Activities like weightlifting, running, and sexual intercourse can trigger them. These activities increase blood flow to your skull, causing a throbbing headache.

An exertion headache usually doesn’t last long. It can resolve in a few minutes or a few hours.

These headaches might also have a secondary cause. If you’re experiencing a new headache or it lasts longer, it’s wise to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Hypertension headache

High blood pressure can cause headaches. This is an emergency situation. High blood pressure (over 180/120) can lead to these headaches in some people.

A hypertension headache is usually on both sides of your head. It’s worse with activity and has a pulsating quality.

Medication overuse headache

Medication overuse headaches, or rebound headaches, can feel like a dull headache or a migraine. They happen when you use over-the-counter pain relievers too much.

Using these medications more than 15 days a month can lead to more headaches. This is because overuse of these medications can cause more headaches.

These headaches are more common with medications that contain caffeine. The medications include:

• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• aspirin
• naproxen

They’re also more common with medications that contain caffeine.

Post-traumatic headache

Post-traumatic headaches can happen after any head injury. They feel like tension headaches or migraines. They usually last up to 6 to 12 monthsTrusted Source after the injury. They can also become chronic.

Spinal headache

A spinal headache comes from low cerebrospinal fluid pressure after a lumbar puncture. It’s also called a post-dural puncture headache. You might feel it in your:

• forehead
• temples
• upper neck
• back of the head

Research shows spinal headaches happen in 10 to 40%Trusted Source of cases after a lumbar puncture. They start within 2 to 3 days but can begin months later. They can also happen after an epidural or on their own.

This headache usuallyTrusted Source gets worse when you’re standing and better when lying down.

Other symptoms of spinal headache include:

• nausea
• neck pain
• dizziness
• visual changes
• tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• hearing loss
• radiating pain in the arms

When should I get help?

Most headaches go away in 48 hours. If your headache lasts more than 2 days or gets worse, see a doctor.

If you have headaches more than 15 days a month for 3 months, you might have chronic headaches. Even if you manage the pain with OTC meds, see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Headaches can be a sign of serious health issues. Some need treatment beyond OTC meds and home remedies.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

How can I identify my headache?

Your headache diagnosis will start with a physical exam and medical history. Keeping a “headache journal” before your doctor’s visit is helpful. Note each headache’s:

• duration
• intensity
• location
• possible triggers

There are many headache types, so doctors use different methods to diagnose. They need to know if it’s a primary or secondary headache to suggest the right treatment.

A primary care doctor might send you to a specialist, like a neurologist. You might need tests to find the cause of some headaches. These tests can include:

• MRI or CT scan
• lumbar puncture
• blood tests

How do you manage and treat headaches?

Different headaches need different treatments. This can range from changing your diet to getting medical help.

Not everyone will find the same treatment works for them. If you can’t handle your headaches on your own, talk to a doctor. They can help create a plan for you.

Keep reading to find out more about treating each type of headache.

Tension headache

For occasional headaches, an OTC pain reliever might be enough. You can try:

• aspirin (Bayer)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• naproxen (Aleve)
• acetaminophen and caffeine

If these don’t help, a doctor might suggest stronger medicines. These could be:

• indomethacin
• meloxicam (Mobic)
• ketorolac

If your headaches keep coming back, a doctor might look for the cause.

Cluster headache

A doctor might suggest therapy or medication for cluster headaches. Options include:

• oxygen therapy
• sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• local anesthetic (lidocaine)

After finding out what you have, a doctor will help you prevent future headaches. They might suggest:

• corticosteroids
• melatonin
• topiramate (Topamax)
• calcium channel blockers

Migraine

If OTC pain relievers don’t work, a doctor might give you triptans. Triptans help by reducing inflammation and changing blood flow in your brain. They come as sprays, pills, or injections.

Some common triptans include:

• sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• rizatriptan (Maxalt, Axert)

If you get headaches often, talk to a doctor about daily prevention medicine. This might be right for you if your headaches:

• are very bad more than 3 days a month
• are somewhat bad 4 days a month
• last longer than 6 days a month

A 2019 review found that only 3 to 13% of people with migraines use preventive medication. Yet, up to 38% might need it.

Preventing migraines can greatly improve your life and work performance.

Here are some effective preventive migraine medications:

• propranolol (Inderal)
• metoprolol (Toprol)
• topiramate (Topamax)
• amitriptyline
• CGRP antagonists

Hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is a condition that responds well to indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Taking a low dose three times dailyTrusted Source with meals can help symptoms in 24 hours.

However, indomethacin can have side effects, especially at higher doses. Doctors recommend starting with the lowest effective dose.

Ice pick headache

Ice pick headaches are short-lived and hard to treat. They often end before you can do anything about them.

Preventive steps might help reduce their frequency or intensity. Treatment options include:

• indomethacin
• gabapentin
• other NSAIDs, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors
• melatonin

Thunderclap headache

If your thunderclap headache is caused by another condition, treating that condition is key.

If it’s not caused by another condition, it’s a primary thunderclap headache. Treatments include:

• NSAIDs, such as indomethacin
• calcium channel blockers
• beta-blockers
• topiramate
• lithium
• triptans

Allergy or sinus headache

Sinus headaches are treated by thinning out mucus. This relieves sinus pressure. Options include:

• nasal steroid sprays
• OTC decongestants like phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
• antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec)

A sinus headache can also be a sign of a sinus infection. A doctor may prescribe medication to clear the infection and relieve symptoms.

Hormone headache

OTC pain relievers like naproxen (Aleve) or prescription medications like frovatriptan (Frova) can manage pain.

Alternative remedies may help decrease headaches. The following can be beneficial:

• Relaxation techniques and stress management
• Regular exercise, like yoga
• Good sleep habits
• Eating a modified diet
• Hormone therapy, like oral contraceptives

Caffeine headache

Keeping caffeine intake steady or quitting it can prevent these headaches.

Exertion headache

OTC pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil), ease symptoms.

If you often get exertion headaches, talk to a doctor. They might indicate a serious issue.

Hypertension headache

These headaches usually go away with better blood pressure management. They shouldn’t come back if blood pressure stays under control.

Medication overuse headache

The only cure is to stop taking the pain medication. The pain might get worse at first but should go away in a few days.

Using a daily preventive medication that doesn’t lead to overuse can prevent these headaches.

Post-traumatic headache

Doctors often prescribe:

• triptans
• sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• beta-blockers
• amitriptyline

Spinal headache

Initial treatment includes pain relievers and staying hydrated. Avoiding an upright position helps. Symptoms usually fade in a week or two.

In some cases, an epidural blood patch is used. This involves injecting blood into the epidural space to stop fluid leaks and headaches.

Can you prevent headaches?

Many headaches can be managed with preventive measures. However, methods vary by headache type. Some medications prevent headaches, while others cause them.

Talking to a doctor can help find a preventive plan that suits you. This could reduce headache frequency or intensity or even prevent them.

Lifestyle changes that may prevent or improve headaches include:

• Getting enough sleep on a regular schedule
• Eating enough and balanced meals
• Staying hydrated
• Getting adequate regular exercise
• Managing stress

Migraine headaches might be stopped with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CGRP drug, galcanezumab (Emgality), for cluster headaches.

What’s the outlook for headaches?

Your outlook depends on the type of headache you’re having.

Primary headaches don’t causeTrusted Source permanent disability or death. But, they can be very debilitating if they happen often and are severe. These headaches can usually be managed with the right treatment.

The outlook for secondary headaches depends on the cause. Some can be managed with simple changes, while others can be life-threatening without quick medical help.

If you have recurring or severe headaches, getting an accurate diagnosis is key. It’s the first step to understanding and managing your headaches in the future.