The six most common types of headaches and when to seek medical attention.

According to Cleveland Clinic, 96% of individuals experience at least one headache in their lifetime.

Globally, approximately 40% of individuals experience tension headaches while 10% suffer from migraines, according to the same source.

Over 150 types of headaches exist, ranging from mild irritation to severe agony.

For some, headaches can be wrongly diagnosed.

Recently, actress Ashley Judd revealed on Instagram that her "intense headaches" were incorrectly diagnosed for eight years.

"Those eight years of being treated for a headache I don't have at some of our best medical institutions left me feeling miserable," she shared on Instagram in October.

Her doctors eventually diagnosed her prolonged headaches as status migrainosus, a type of migraine attack that lasts over 72 hours.

What is a headache?

According to the National Institutes of Health, a headache is a type of pain that typically occurs in the head, neck, or face and is characterized by varying levels of pressure, frequency, and severity.

"For those eight miserable years I had been treated … with medications for a type of headache that I do not have."

Dr. Fred Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine and neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that headaches are a common symptom experienced by many people, which is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience.

The Cleveland Clinic divides pain in the head into two categories: primary, resulting from overactivity or dysfunction in pain-sensitive areas, or secondary, caused by an underlying medical condition.

According to Cohen, certain types of headaches may indicate a more serious condition, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm, especially if the pain is sudden or severe.

He emphasized the significance of a comprehensive assessment to distinguish between primary headaches and underlying causes, thereby enabling accurate treatment and management.

6 common types of headaches

According to Cohen, the three most common types of headaches are tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.

1. Tension headaches

According to Cohen, tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are typically what people refer to as a headache.

The sensation of a constricting band around the head is commonly experienced as pain, often resulting from stress and muscle strain.

Prescription medications may be used if the headaches are frequent, according to Cohen.

2. Migraines

Women are more likely to experience migraines, with up to 18% of U.S. women being affected, and migraines being the leading cause of disability among females aged 18 to 50, according to research.

During a migraine attack, there are several stages, and it is classified as a neurological disease, according to Cohen.

Before a headache, individuals may exhibit warning signs such as excessive yawning, increased hunger, or tearing of the eyes.

Cohen highlighted that some people may experience aura, a neurological phenomenon that can manifest as visual disturbances, such as zig-zag lights or blind spots, or sensory changes, like tingling or numbness.

Dr. Timothy A. Collins, head of the Division of Headache and Pain at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, stated that migraines cause a "severe throbbing or pounding headache with light or sound sensitivity and sometimes nausea."

Migraine pain can last anywhere from four hours to three days, according to Cohen, while the typical duration of symptoms is between 15 minutes and an hour.

A status migrainous is a migraine attack that lasts longer than 72 hours.

If attacks persist beyond this duration, they are classified as "status migrainosus," which was the case for Judd.

Many individuals confuse migraines with regular headaches and are uninformed about the various treatment options, such as daily medications, supplements, monthly injections, and Botox injections, according to Cohen, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

3. Cluster headaches

Rare cluster headaches cause intense pain around one eye several times a day, making the condition "very disabling," as stated by Collins.

The symptoms include sharp pain, eye redness, tearing, facial flushing, and nasal congestion.

Cohen observed that the intensity of pain can sometimes be mistaken for a brain aneurysm.

He stated that cluster headaches typically last between 15 minutes and three hours and occur in cycles that span days or weeks.

Cluster headaches are commonly misdiagnosed as migraines.

While migraines can cause headaches for a few days each month, cluster headaches typically occur in cycles.

According to Cohen, treatment options for cluster headaches include medications to stop an attack and preventive therapies to decrease the frequency of episodes.

4. Rebound headaches

According to Healthline, individuals experiencing headaches frequently turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to alleviate the pain.

Experts warn that overuse of these medications may result in more frequent headaches due to withdrawal symptoms when they are not taken, according to the same source.

If people consume large amounts of caffeine and then suddenly miss their morning coffee or quit the drug, they may experience a headache.

5. Sinus headaches

Healthline states that congestion in the sinuses due to allergies or an infection can result in pain that is concentrated in the front of the head.

The pain typically goes away after the sinus congestion is resolved.

6. Exertion headaches

According to Healthline, blood flow to the brain can be increased by intense physical activity, which can lead to this type of headache.

If symptoms persist beyond several hours or are new, it's recommended to seek medical attention, according to experts.

When to see a doctor

Experts say that headaches that are considered "normal" do not result in loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, or weakness in one arm or leg, which could be indicative of a stroke.

Immediately seek medical attention or call 911 if you experience any of these warning signs.

- Worst headache of your life

- Headache that has abrupt change in severity or comes on suddenly

- Headache with vision problems (such as double vision)

- Fainting or loss of consciousness with a headache

- Fever and stiff neck associated with nausea and vomiting with headache

- Headache after head injury

- Headache right after weightlifting, exercise or sexual activity

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Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Ashley Judd for comment.