Distinguishing headache types

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Distinguishing headache types

It can be very difficult for your doctor to tell whether you have migraine headaches, tension headaches, sinus headaches, or cluster headaches because no laboratory test exists to diagnose them and many of their symptoms are similar. It may help if you are able to identify a few key features of your headaches so your doctor can distinguish the type of headache and provide appropriate treatment.

**Common types of headache**
Type	Location	Quality of pain	Provoking factors	Associated symptoms
Migraine	Headache usually on one side of your head with pressure behind one eye	Throbbing, pulsating headache that is moderate to severe in intensity	Headache pain gets worse with normal physical activity.	Nausea or vomiting Sensitivity to both light and noise Runny or stuffy nose can occur along with other symptoms, such as diarrhea and fatigue. Headaches may begin at night and wake you from sleep.
Sinus	Pain is around your eyes, cheekbones, forehead, and bridge of the nose.	Deep and constant headache pain	Leaning over, sudden movement, or exercising may make the headache worse.	Fever Runny or stuffy nose Fullness or plugged ears Facial swelling or puffiness Evidence of a sinus infection, such as green or gray discharge that lasts more than 7 to 10 days
Tension	Headache pain on both sides or all over your head	Deep, pressing, tightening headache that does not throb or pulse and is mild to moderate in intensity	Physical activity does not make headache worse.	No nausea or vomiting May have sensitivity to light or noise (but not both) Headache may last for minutes to several days.
Cluster	At least 5 attacks of a severe headache located on only one side, and does not switch sides, lasting from 15 minutes to 3 hours	Headache increases in intensity over 10 to 15 minutes and lasts for around 1 hour.	Headaches may wake you at night.	Watery eyes and small (constricted) pupils Nasal congestion or runny nose Droopy or swollen eyelids Forehead or facial sweating Headaches occur daily or nearly every day over a 4- to 8-week period and then stop briefly before the next group of headaches begins.

Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Updated	July 3, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 03, 2007

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