Cluster Headache vs. Tension Headache

Unlike migraine and tension headache, cluster headache generally isn't associated with triggers, such as foods, hormonal changes or stress. Once a cluster period begins, however, drinking alcohol may quickly trigger a splitting headache.

1. How does a tension headache feel?
2. What is the difference between cluster headaches and migraines?
3. Why am I getting tension headaches everyday?
4. What are the 4 types of headaches?
5. What relieves a tension headache?
6. What is the fastest way to relieve a tension headache?
7. Is caffeine good for cluster headaches?
8. Why am I getting cluster headaches?
9. What type of headache is a cluster headache?
10. Are daily headaches normal?
11. Can a tension headache last for days?
12. What triggers tension headaches?

How does a tension headache feel?

A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your head. A tension headache (tension-type headache) is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren't well-understood. Treatments for tension headaches are available.

What is the difference between cluster headaches and migraines?

A migraine is severe pain or throbbing, typically on one side of the head. Cluster headaches are painful headaches that are shorter in duration but recur over a period of a few months and are followed by a period of remission up to a few years.

Why am I getting tension headaches everyday?

They may be due to tension in the muscles at the back of the head and neck, but it is now clear that this is not always the cause. Other causes reported by patients include stress, tiredness, hunger and eye strain. Many chronic tension headaches develop for no apparent reason.

What are the 4 types of headaches?

The most common types of primary headaches are tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches and chronic daily headaches.

• Tension Headaches. ...
• Migraine Headaches. ...
• Cluster Headaches. ...
• Occipital neuralgia.

What relieves a tension headache?

Go hot or cold. Applying heat or ice — whichever you prefer — to sore muscles may ease a tension headache. For heat, use a heating pad set on low, a hot-water bottle, a warm compress or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower also may help.

What is the fastest way to relieve a tension headache?

The following may also ease a tension headache:

1. Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your head for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.
2. Take a hot bath or shower to relax tense muscles.
3. Improve your posture.
4. Take frequent computer breaks to prevent eye strain.

Is caffeine good for cluster headaches?

While caffeine use and withdrawal are headache precipitators, caffeine can also be an effective headache treatment.

Why am I getting cluster headaches?

The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but cluster headache patterns suggest that abnormalities in the body's biological clock (hypothalamus) play a role. Unlike migraine and tension headache, cluster headache generally isn't associated with triggers, such as foods, hormonal changes or stress.

What type of headache is a cluster headache?

Cluster headaches (CH) are an uncommon, severe form of primary neurovascular headaches. CH are the most painful form of headaches, with the pain occurring on one side of the head and behind or above the eye or at the temple most commonly. The pain has been described as searing, burning and stabbing.

Are daily headaches normal?

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches. Rather than a specific headache type, chronic daily headaches include a variety of headache subtypes. Chronic refers to how often the headaches occur and how long the condition lasts.

Can a tension headache last for days?

Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to 7 days. If you have a headache on 15 or more days each month over a 3-month period, you may have chronic tension headaches. This type of headache can lead to stress and depression, which in turn can lead to more headaches.

What triggers tension headaches?

Tension Headache Causes

There's no single cause of tension headaches. They don't run in families. Some people get them because of tight muscles in the back of the neck and scalp. Most of the time, tension headaches are triggered by stress from work, school, family, friends, or other relationships.