Episodic Tension Headaches (occur less than 15 days per month)

• Pain is mild to moderate, constant band-like pain, pressure or throbbing
• Pain affects the front, top or sides of the head.
• Pain usually begins gradually and often occurs in the middle of the day.
• Pain may last from 30 minutes to several days

Chronic Tension Headaches (occur more than 15 days per month)

• Pain may vary in intensity throughout the day, but the pain is almost always present
• Pain affects the front, top or sides of the head
• Pain comes and goes over a prolonged period of time

Associated Symptoms of Tension Headaches include:

• Headache upon awakening
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Disturbed concentration
• Mild sensitivity to light or noise
• General muscle aching

Migraines

The symptoms of migraine headaches can occur in various combinations and include:

• Moderate to severe pain (often described as pounding, throbbing pain) that can affect the half side of heador can shift from one side of the head to the other.
• Sensitivity to light, noise or odors.
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite.
• Sensations of being very warm or cold.
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Bright flashing dots or lights, blind spots, wavy or jagged lines (aura)

Cluster Headaches

• Intense one-sided pain described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant
• Pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides.
• Pain lasts a short time, generally 30 to 90 minutes (but can last for three hours); the headache will disappear, only to recur later that day (most sufferers get one to three headaches per day during a cluster period).
• Headaches occur very regularly, generally at the same time each day, and they often awaken the person at the same time during the night.