Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHeadaches All Over HeadHeadaches on One Side of HeadHeadaches at the Front of the HeadHeadaches on the Top of the HeadHeadaches on the Back of the HeadHeadache and Pain in NeckWhen to See a DoctorTreatmentFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Headache GuideWhat Are the Different Types of Headaches?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Headaches All Over Head
Headaches on One Side of Head
Headaches at the Front of the Head
Headaches on the Top of the Head
Headaches on the Back of the Head
Headache and Pain in Neck
When to See a Doctor
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Headache Guide
The location of a headache—whether it’s the entire head, one side of the head, the front of the head, or the back of the head—is a good first step in sorting out headache type. It’s also an important clue for deciding if and when you should seek medical attention.
Determining thetype of headachea person has is key to knowing how to manage it best. Common tension-type headaches, for example, are primary headaches that affect both sides of your head and may respond to medication.Stroke-relatedsecondary headaches require immediate care, though symptoms are similar to tension-type pain.
This article discusses possible primary and secondary causes of headaches based on the location of the head pain. It also briefly reviews the treatment of common headache disorders.
Primary vs. Secondary Headaches
Headaches
What Are the Different Types of Headaches?
Headaches felt over the entire head are referred to as “generalized” headaches. They are not localized to a single area like the forehead or the back of the head.
Primary
Primary headaches that may be felt over the entire head include:
Secondary
Secondary headaches that may be felt over the entire head include:
Bothhigh blood pressureheadaches and low blood pressure headaches are possible. High blood pressure can be throbbing or suddenly sharp, sometimes located behind the eyes. Low blood pressure headaches can occur with other symptoms, conditions, and medication use.
Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Headaches?
Headaches are sometimes felt only onone sideof the head.
Primary headaches associated with one-sided head pain include:
Key Features of Cluster Headache vs. Migraine Symptoms
Secondary headaches associated with one-sided head pain include:
A headache located at the front of your head is sometimes called a forehead orfrontal headache.
Primary headaches associated with forehead pain include:
Headache TriggersTension-type and migraine headaches share many triggers, including stress, lack of sleep, not eating on time, caffeine withdrawal, and alcohol use. Smoking and drinking alcohol are possible triggers of cluster headaches.
Headache Triggers
Tension-type and migraine headaches share many triggers, including stress, lack of sleep, not eating on time, caffeine withdrawal, and alcohol use. Smoking and drinking alcohol are possible triggers of cluster headaches.
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headaches associated with forehead pain include:
You may experience a headache at the top of your head, with a wide range of potential causes including caffeine use, sleep disruptions, and dental health issues.
Tension-type headachescan cause pain at the top of the head. Stress is often associated with these types of headaches.
Both migraines and tension-type headaches can occur due todehydration, the lack of needed fluid in your body. A dehydration headache typically resolves quickly when you drink water. Oral rehydration solutions may help a dehydration headache to go away faster but talk to a healthcare provider before using one.
In rare cases, a headache at the top of your head can be a symptom ofbrain cancer. This will depend on precisely where a brain tumor is located. Other causes include:
Headaches may be localized to theback of the head.
Tension-type headachesclassically feel like a band around the head. In some cases, though, they may be concentrated on the back of the head.
Secondary headaches that cause pain in the back of the head include:
Some types of headache occur with neck pain. Cervicogenic headaches, for example, typically start in the neck and spread from the back of the head to the front.
Migraines and tension-type headaches can occur with symptoms of neck pain.
Causes of secondary headache with neck pain include:
Meningitis often causes a stiff neck with headache. See your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever with these symptoms.
Most headaches will go away on their own with medication or simple strategies like rest or addressing the underlying trigger.
That said, to ensure nothing more concerning is occurring, it’s important to promptly see a healthcare provider in the following circumstances:
Seek Emergent Medical Attention
Go to your emergency room or call 911 right away if:
The treatment of your headache depends on headache type and severity.
Most primary headaches can be treated with the following medications:
The treatment of secondary headaches requires addressing the underlying issue. For example, a saline or corticosteroid nasal spray—and sometimes an antibiotic (if a bacterial sinus infection is suspected)—is used to manage asinus headache.
Likewise, high doses ofcorticosteroids (or simply “steroids”)are used to treatgiant cell arteritisand a nerve block (injection of a local anesthetic into a nerve) may be used to treatoccipital neuralgia.
Summary
The location of your headache can provide insight into the type of headache you are experiencing. Most headaches are either tension-type headaches or migraines. Secondary headaches are less common and arise from an underlying health issue.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe duration of a headache depends on the type and whether it’s treated or not with medication. For example, an untreated tension-type headache can last up to seven days. An untreated migraine can last up to 72 hours.If possible, it’s best to resort to non-medication options for treating a headache during pregnancy. You might try taking a nap in a dark, quiet room or applying a cool compress to your head. Reach out to your healthcare provider if your headache is new, persistent, worsening, or severe.Learn MoreEvaluation of Headache During Pregnancy
The duration of a headache depends on the type and whether it’s treated or not with medication. For example, an untreated tension-type headache can last up to seven days. An untreated migraine can last up to 72 hours.
If possible, it’s best to resort to non-medication options for treating a headache during pregnancy. You might try taking a nap in a dark, quiet room or applying a cool compress to your head. Reach out to your healthcare provider if your headache is new, persistent, worsening, or severe.Learn MoreEvaluation of Headache During Pregnancy
If possible, it’s best to resort to non-medication options for treating a headache during pregnancy. You might try taking a nap in a dark, quiet room or applying a cool compress to your head. Reach out to your healthcare provider if your headache is new, persistent, worsening, or severe.
Learn MoreEvaluation of Headache During Pregnancy
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