Everyone experiences some form of headache at least occasionally.  For the majority of those people, headaches are not much more than a nuisance and are easily treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.  For some people, however, headaches can be chronic or even debilitating.  Consultation with a medical professional for severe headaches is a necessity, as some headaches can be a sign of a serious problem, such as stroke, glaucoma, meningitis, or other life-threatening illnesses. 

The first step in getting relief from your headaches is to determine which type of headache you are suffering from.  The four most common types of headache are tension, sinus, migraine, and cluster.  These four headaches generally present with unique symptoms and require different methods of treatment. 

Tension Headaches:

Approximately 90 percent of headaches are tension headaches.  Tension headaches usually produce a dull, diffuse, steady pain in the temples, scalp, neck, or back of the head.  The pain is often described as feeling like a tight band is around the head, and these headaches can last anywhere from an hour to several days or longer. 
Stress and fatigue are believed to contribute to the development of tension headaches, but some experts now believe tension headaches may be a result of altered levels of certain chemicals in the brain.  Treatment is typically with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.  In some cases, stronger medication may be needed to reduce the severity or frequency of tension headaches that fail to respond to OTC medications.

Sinus Headaches:

Sinus headaches are caused by sinus infections or congestion, and result in a painful feeling of pressure around the eyes, nose, and forehead.  The pain and pressure are often made worse by bending forward or lying down.  If the sinus headache is a result of infection, other symptoms may include a yellow or green nasal discharge, fever, sore throat, or fatigue.

Sinus infections and headaches can be caused by viruses, allergies, and bacterial or fungal infections.  It is important to visit your doctor if you experience a sinus headache or believe you may be suffering from a sinus infection, as medication may need to be prescribed.  While waiting to see your doctor, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help ease the pain and pressure.

Migraine Headaches:

The pain from migraine headaches can be severe, and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and vision problems.  Some migraines are preceded by warning signs such as flashes of light or tingling in the arms or legs.  Sensitivity to light and sound is a common complaint of those that suffer from migraine headaches.  Migraines can last up to 72 hours if left untreated.

The exact cause of migraines is not known, but most experts believe them to be  a result of changes in the blood flow to and from the brain.  Common triggers of migraine headaches include stress, various foods and medications, and hormones.  Women tend to suffer from this type of headache more often than men. 

Many treatments are available for migraine headaches, including over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, and preventative medications such as beta blockers and antidepressants.  Many people have also found that acupuncture and biofeedback are effective in relieving their migraine headaches.

Cluster Headaches:

Cluster headaches can be debilitating for those unfortunate to suffer from this type of headache.  Pain is usually sharp and penetrating, and begins around one eye before spreading throughout that side of the head.  Cluster headaches often cause nasal congestion and a watery eye on the affected side of the head.  Attacks occur in frequent bouts, up to 10 or more times each day.  Generally, a period of remission follows these attacks, with some people not experiencing another headache for months or years.  Men are more likely to experience the agony of this type of headache than women.

The cause of cluster headaches is poorly understood, but some experts believe there may be a genetic component.  Triggers are uncommon, but may include alcohol, certain medications, and disruptions in normal sleeping patterns.  Treatment is generally with oxygen, injectable forms of certain medications such as sumatriptan, or prescription pain relievers.