How to Use the Headache Type Checker
Different headache types require different treatments. By selecting your headache location, intensity, duration, pain quality, and accompanying symptoms, this tool helps identify whether you are likely experiencing a tension headache, migraine, or cluster headache.
Tension headaches account for about 70% of all headaches. They feel like a tight band around the head and are commonly caused by stress, fatigue, or poor posture. Migraines typically cause throbbing pain on one side and last 4–72 hours, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Cluster headaches are less common but extremely painful, occurring around one eye with autonomic symptoms like tearing and nasal congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking pain medication 10 or more days per month can lead to medication-overuse headache. If headaches are frequent, consult a neurologist for preventive treatment options.
Regular sleep and meal schedules, limiting caffeine and alcohol, stress management, and magnesium supplementation can help. Consider preventive medication if migraines occur 4 or more times per month.
Seek immediate emergency care for a sudden thunderclap headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, or headache with vision loss, speech problems, or limb weakness.