Types of Headaches and What They Mean
Introduction
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. While many headaches are harmless, not all headaches are the same, and some may signal an underlying medical condition.
At Passion Health Primary Care, patients frequently ask:
- What type of headache do I have?
- Does the location of my headache mean something serious?
- When should I worry about headaches?
Understanding the different types of headaches and what they mean can help you know when self-care is enough — and when it’s time to see a primary care provider.
Why Identifying Headache Type Matters
Each type of headache has:
- A different cause
- A different treatment approach
- Different warning signs
Primary care providers focus on pattern recognition — frequency, location, triggers, and associated symptoms — to determine the cause and appropriate care.
Most Common Types of Headaches
1. Tension Headaches
Most common headache type
What They Feel Like
- Dull, aching pain
- Tight or pressure-like sensation
- “Band-like” feeling around the head
Common Locations
- Forehead
- Temples
- Back of the head
- Neck and shoulders
Causes
- Stress
- Poor posture
- Muscle tension
- Eye strain
Primary Care Treatment
At Passion Health Primary Care, tension headaches are managed with:
- Stress management strategies
- Posture and ergonomic guidance
- Safe pain relief options
- Evaluation for underlying triggers
2. Migraine Headaches
More common in women
What They Feel Like
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Moderate to severe intensity
- Often worsens with activity
Common Locations
- One side of the head
- Behind the eye or temple
Associated Symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Visual disturbances (aura)
Primary Care Role
Primary care providers help:
- Identify migraine triggers
- Prescribe preventive or acute treatments
- Rule out secondary causes
- Coordinate ongoing care
3. Sinus Headaches
Often mistaken for migraines
What They Feel Like
- Deep, constant pressure
- Facial pain
- Worsens when bending forward
Common Locations
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Around the eyes
- Bridge of the nose
Associated Symptoms
- Nasal congestion
- Facial tenderness
- Thick nasal discharge
At Passion Health Primary Care, sinus headaches are carefully evaluated to distinguish between sinus infections, allergies, and migraines.
4. Cluster Headaches
Rare but extremely painful
What They Feel Like
- Intense, burning pain
- Sudden onset
- Occurs in clusters over weeks
Common Locations
- Around one eye
- Temple area
Associated Symptoms
- Red or watery eye
- Nasal congestion on one side
- Restlessness
These headaches require medical evaluation and often referral for specialized care.
5. Blood Pressure Headaches
Associated with very high blood pressure
What They Feel Like
- Pressure-like pain
- Often severe
- May come with dizziness or blurred vision
Common Locations
- Back of the head
- Both sides of the head
Primary care providers always check blood pressure when patients report frequent or severe headaches.
6. Dehydration Headaches
Common and preventable
What They Feel Like
- Dull or throbbing pain
- Worse with movement
Common Locations
- Forehead
- Entire head
Adequate hydration and lifestyle adjustments usually resolve these headaches.
7. Hormonal Headaches
Common in women
Triggers
- Menstrual cycle
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Hormonal birth control
Common Locations
- One side of the head
- Temples
At Passion Health Primary Care, hormonal factors are considered when evaluating recurring headaches in women.
What Does Headache Location Tell You?
While location alone doesn’t confirm a diagnosis, it provides valuable clues:
Location | Possible Causes |
Forehead | Tension, sinus, dehydration |
One side | Migraine, cluster |
Back of head | Tension, blood pressure |
Around eyes | Migraine, sinus |
A full evaluation considers location + pattern + symptoms.
When Should You See a Doctor for Headaches?
Schedule a primary care visit if:
- Headaches are new or worsening
- Pain is severe or sudden
- Headaches occur frequently
- Symptoms interfere with daily life
- Headaches come with vision changes, weakness, or confusion
- You have high blood pressure or chronic conditions
Seek emergency care for sudden, severe headaches described as “the worst headache of your life.”
How Passion Health Primary Care Helps
At Passion Health Primary Care, headache care includes:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Blood pressure evaluation
- Medication review
- Lifestyle counseling
- Preventive strategies
- Long-term monitoring
We treat the cause, not just the pain.
Thoughts
Headaches are common, but recurring or severe headaches should never be ignored. Understanding the type and pattern of your headaches helps guide proper treatment and prevents complications.
If headaches are affecting your quality of life, Passion Health Primary Care provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized care to help you feel better — safely and effectively.
