Experts distinguish around 367 different types of headaches. The most common are tension headaches and migraines, followed by cluster headaches. Headaches not caused by an underlying medical condition are called primary headaches, and these constitute the majority of headache types. Tension headaches are the most frequent form of headache, usually bilateral, and are often described by sufferers as dull, pressing, or pulling, symbolically reminiscent of a hat that is too tight or a vice grip. The pain spreads across the entire head, radiating to the forehead or neck. A distinction is made between episodic and chronic tension-type headaches. If the headache occurs on at least 15 days, lasts more than 4 hours a day, and persists for more than 3 months, it is classified as chronic.

What distinguishes tension headaches from migraines?

Unlike migraines, the headache is not throbbing, does not worsen with physical activity, and is of mild to moderate intensity; severe nausea and vomiting are also absent. Further distinguishing features from migraines include the absence of characteristic sensory disturbances and zigzag vision. A quiet walk in the fresh air can even reduce symptoms, whereas migraine sufferers need to withdraw, and the pain increases with movement. In the video, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel explains the diagnosis and treatment.