24/06/2025
Types of Headaches & Where You Feel Them
Migraine
Where: Usually one side of the head, behind an eye, or around the temple
Feels like: Pounding or throbbing pain, can be really strong
Other signs: Nausea, sensitivity to light or noise
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Headache
Where: Mainly at the back of the head
Feels like: A dull, pulsing ache
Good to know: Tends to feel worse in the morning; often linked to high blood pressure
Stress or Tension Headache
Where: Forehead, temples, or feels like a band squeezing your head
Feels like: Steady pressure or tightness
Also known as: The classic “tight band” headache
Exhaustion (Parental) Headache
Where: All over the head
Feels like: A tired, dull ache
Common causes: Mental overload, stress, or lack of sleep
Sinus Headache
Where: Around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks
Feels like: Pressure and tenderness in the face
Other signs: Blocked nose, possible fever
Cluster Headache
Where: Behind one eye or on one side of the head
Feels like: Sharp, intense stabbing pain
Other signs: Watery eye, blocked nose, drooping eyelid
Exertion Headache
Where: Spreads across the whole head
Feels like: Sudden pain or pressure after physical effort
Triggers: Heavy lifting, coughing, intense exercise
TMJ (Jaw Tension) Headache
Where: Temples, jaw, ears, sometimes down into the neck
Feels like: Achy pain, often with clicking or tightness in the jaw
Cause: Tension or problems in the jaw joint
When to Get It Checked Out:
See a doctor if your headache:
• Comes on suddenly and is very severe
• Happens with vision problems, numbness, or confusion
• Keeps getting worse or won’t go away