If you frequently suffer from headaches, the list below can help you determine the type of headache you have. Tension headaches The most common type, tension or muscle-contraction headaches produce mild or moderate pain. Cluster headaches These headaches are painful and disruptive, occurring in a series. The typical sufferer experiences one to five headaches a day, every day, for weeks or months. These cause pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual and neurological complications.
Women are four times more likely than men to experience common migraines.
Before the onset of pain, suffers might feel dizzy or numb on one side of the body, see rainbowlike colors, bright zigzag lines or blank spots. Although painful, most headaches aren't serious. Some, however, can be an indication of a more serious medical condition. Use of our site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use . Advocate Health Care respects your privacy.