Headache: Symptom — Overview covers definition, possible causes of this painful symptom. The International Headache Society classifies more than 150 types of headaches. More broadly, doctors recognize two categories: primary and secondary headaches. A headache, also known as cephalalgia, is the symptom of pain in the face, head, or neck. It can occur as a migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache. [1][2] There is an increased risk of depression in those with severe headaches. [3] Headaches can occur as a result of many conditions. Most headaches can be treated effectively with medication, but certain instances or patterns of headache pain may be indicators or symptoms of a more serious condition. Headache relief is different for everyone, but you can try compresses, massage, lying down, and sipping tea. Learn how to get rid of severe pain here. There are probably dozens of reasons we get headaches. From daily stress to poor posture, changes in the weather, allergies and more. The triggers are endless. And while over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help you feel better, so, too, can some natural headache remedies. Explore the range of headache types, common causes, and practical treatment strategies, including advice for constant headache relief. There are more than 150 types of headaches. They fall into two main categories: primary and secondary headaches. Dysfunction or over-activity of pain-sensitive features in your head cause primary headaches. They’re not a symptom of or caused by an underlying medical condition. Common headache types have different warning signs, timing, and triggers—like tension, cluster, migraine, hemicrania continua, ice pick, and thunderclap headaches—so symptoms guide. Headaches can be of different types based on your condition. Read more about the types, symptoms, diagnosis & treatments of headache.