Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of HeadachesCommon CausesDetermining CauseAre Frequent Headaches Serious?When to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Headaches
Common Causes
Determining Cause
Are Frequent Headaches Serious?
When to Seek Medical Care
One in 20 adults has a headache every day or nearly every day.There are many different types of headaches, and although the causes of most are unknown, headache triggers can often be identified. In rare cases, headaches can signify a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt medical attention.
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What Are the Different Types of Headaches?
Tension headacheandmigraineare the most common types of headache.
Tension Headache
The pain from a tension headache is typically mild to moderate, doesn’t worsen with movement, and can last from 30 minutes to several days.
Migraine
New Daily Persistent Headache
New daily persistent headaches(NDPH) are just what the name describes: Headaches that occur daily in someone who has never had them before. The head pain isalways present, although the severity can change.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headachesoccur in groups anywhere from every other day to multiple times per day, with each attack lasting one to three hours.Painfrom cluster headaches is typically sudden and severe and can includepain behind the eyeand onone sideof the head.
Other symptoms ofcluster headacheinclude:
Thunderclap Headache
Athunderclap headacheis severe and comes on in seconds. It is often described as a pain, unlike anything the person has felt before. The pain can occur anywhere in the head and down the back of the neck.
Sinus Headache
Commonsinus headachesymptoms ofsinus painand congestion are often symptoms of a migraine attack. It’s estimated that up to 90% of the time, when someone believes they have a sinus headache, they are having a migraine attack.
A viral or bacterialsinus infectioncauses a sinus headache and includes other symptoms, such as thick, discolored nasal discharge, facial pain and pressure, and fever.
Ice-Pick Headache
Secondary Headaches
Secondary headachescan be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as injuries to the head or neck or infections. They can also occur due to an underlying medical condition.
Common Causes of Headaches Every Day
It’s estimated that only about 10% of headaches have a known cause, although contributing factors can trigger daily headaches.
Stress and Tension
Emotional stressand muscle tension around the head andneckare both common triggers fortension headaches.Eye strain, including too much time looking at electronic devices, and poor posture can also contribute to headaches.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in estrogenlevels associated with menstrual cycles are related tomigraines in women, especially inperimenopause(the years leading up to menopause, when the menstrual cycle ends), when women who have never had migraines can begin to get them. Estrogenhormone replacement therapymight also be a migraine trigger in some women.
Food or Drinks
Drinking alcohol, having too much or too littlecaffeine, not eating enough, or eating certain foods can each trigger headaches in some people.
Sleep
Sleep problems, especiallynot getting enough sleep, are known to trigger migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Too much sleep can also trigger a migraine attack.
Infections or Illnesses
Medications
Certain medications can trigger headaches. Some of the most common medications that might lead to headaches include nitroglycerin and female hormones, includingcontraceptivesandhormone replacement therapy.
Brain Inflammation or Blood Vessel Issues
Swelling or bleeding in or around the brain are medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room if you experience a severe headache that comes on suddenly or after an injury or if you feel dizzy, faint, confused, or have vision changes.
Brain swelling(edema) from injury,altitude sickness, orcarbon monoxide poisoningcan also cause headaches.
How Can I Figure Out the Cause of My Headaches?
A headache diary should include:
A Word From VerywellThe better you describe symptoms, such as the time of onset, characteristics, location, frequency, severity, duration, and what improves or worsens them, the better. Your healthcare provider can determine if further workup is necessary and how to relieve symptoms.—NICHOLAS R. METRUS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
The better you describe symptoms, such as the time of onset, characteristics, location, frequency, severity, duration, and what improves or worsens them, the better. Your healthcare provider can determine if further workup is necessary and how to relieve symptoms.—NICHOLAS R. METRUS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
The better you describe symptoms, such as the time of onset, characteristics, location, frequency, severity, duration, and what improves or worsens them, the better. Your healthcare provider can determine if further workup is necessary and how to relieve symptoms.
—NICHOLAS R. METRUS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How Do I Know If My Frequent Headaches Are Serious?
Some health issues can cause secondary headaches and, in some cases, the headache is a sign of a medical emergency. If you have any of the following symptoms, call 911 or get to an emergency room as soon as possible:
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
If your headaches are continuing even with medication and avoiding triggers, it might be time toconsult a healthcare provider. You should also see a healthcare provider if your headaches affect your home life, work, or overall quality of life.
You should also see a healthcare provider if your headaches:
What to Do About a Continuous Headache
Summary
If you are experiencing headaches every day, it’s essential to keep a headache diary and seek medical advice if the headaches continue. A healthcare professional can help you determine your headache type, possible triggers, and treatments to relieve your symptoms.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Headache disorders; How common are headaches?
Harvard Health.Headache: When to worry, what to do.
Miles for Migraine.About migraine and headache disorders.
Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients.Headache types you should know about.
Association of Migraine Disorders.What is migraine?
Association of Migraine Disorders.What is new daily persistent headache?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cluster headaches.
American Migraine Foundation.Thunderclap headaches.
American Migraine Foundation.How to know if you have migraine or sinus headache.
American Migraine Foundation.Ice pick headaches (ophthalmodynia periodica): Causes, symptoms and treatment.
Corewell Health.Secondary headache.
Keck Medicine of USC.Are your daily headaches a sign of something more serious?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.
Houston Methodist.Why do I keep getting headaches?
Harvard Health.Top 7 reasons you have a headache.
Sleep Foundation.Can a lack of sleep cause headache?
Harvard Health.What type of headache do you have?
Houston Methodist.When to see a doctor for a headache.
Mount Sinai.Headaches-danger signs.
Migraine Trust.Keeping a headache diary.
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