Types of Headaches

Tension Headache
The most common type of headache. Tension in the muscles on the back of the head and neck causes a dull, steady pain over the forehead, temples, and the back of neck. Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression, or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger this type of headache.
 
Migraine Headache
Around 20% of women and 10% of men experience migraines. Migraines also run in families: 80% of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraine. These types of headaches are caused by spasms in the blood vessels of the brain due to chemical changes. Migraine pain is intense and throbbing, commonly felt in the forehead, temple, and around the eye.  They are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting as well as intolerable sensitivity to light and noise.
 
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are rare. Pain from cluster headaches is excruciating non-throbbing on one side of the head, usually behind the eye or temple.  Nasal congestion, facial sweating, tearing, and droopy eyelids often accompany cluster headaches.