Changes in concentrations of these chemicals may cause blood vessels to change size, bringing on the migraine. The most common headaches are tension headaches. They can be infrequent or chronic, occurring almost daily. Most men and women have had tension headaches. A rare type of headache is the cluster, which affects about one percent of the population, by far most of them men.
Clusters come in groups and can last for weeks.
Alcohol can trigger attacks, as well as smoking. Rebound headaches occur in people who have tension headaches and migraines. They are typically related to pain relievers. All of the above headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are brought on by other medical conditions, such as an infection, neurological problem or tumor.