A headache may appear as a sharp pain, a throbbing sensation or a dull ache. Headaches can develop gradually or suddenly, and may last from less than an hour to several days. 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. 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. Common headache types have different warning signs, timing, and triggers—like tension, cluster, migraine, hemicrania continua, ice pick, and thunderclap headaches—so symptoms guide. 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. Headache during pregnancy CT Before LP External Links DDxOf: Differential Diagnosis of Headache ACEP Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Adult Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Acute Headache References ↑ Edlow JA, Panagos PD, Godwin SA, Thomas TL, Decker WW; American College of Emergency. 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. Headaches can be of different types based on your condition. Read more about the types, symptoms, diagnosis & treatments of headache. The International Headache Society classifies more than 150 types of headaches. More broadly, doctors recognize two categories: primary and secondary headaches. Headaches are common and are usually harmless. The main types of headaches are tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Most headaches can be managed a home by getting enough sleep, keeping hydrated, managing stress, and with painkillers.