Headaches can come in many different types, but they generally fall into two categories, primary and secondary. Primary headaches indicate independent conditions that cause pain. Primary headaches can be migraines or tension headaches. Secondary headaches happen as a result of another medical condition.   A migraine is a kind of primary headache disorder. It will usually cause severe pain and other symptoms. People who experience migraines can experience recurring symptoms. these are called attacks or episodes. Headaches are just one symptom of migraines. Migraines can cause intense headaches that may last a short time or up to several days. Migraines normally affect only one side of the head.   There are different types of migraines. These depend on the symptoms. Examples of migraines include:   Migraine without aura - this type of migraine can last from 4 to 72 hours. They cause intense throbbing pain. People who get this type of migraine don’t produce symptoms before the migraine sets in.   Migraine with aura - about one-third of the people who experience migraines will have an aura before the onset of the headache. An aura may not happen before the onset of the headache.   Abdominal migraine - abdominal migraines normally affect children between 3 and 10 years of age. Abdominal migraines cause pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes this may be accompanied by a headache.   Hemiplegic migraine - this is an uncommon type of migraine. It can cause temporary paralysis. This type of migraine has a range of symptoms that can include: vertigo, vision problems, difficulty speaking or swallowing, trouble moving one side of the body, or stabbing pain in the head.