There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each. The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache. Primary headaches afflict millions every day, and are not a serious or life threatening issue. That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem. Although this isn't life threatening, it sometimes presents an obstacle to daily functioning. Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient. Correcting issues regarding primary headaches {is usually possible with just over the counter medication.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated. Although not life threatening in itself, the pain associated with a cluster headache can drive patients to take unreasonable measures. Cluster headaches are known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict. This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided}. A cluster headache can disable an individual as the pain is so great.

Pain typically focuses behind one or both eyes. Patients can become overwhelmed with the pain associated with cluster headaches. Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible. Over the counter medications are typically inadequate in these situations.

Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue. As the name implies, a secondary headache is actually a symptom of another problem. Secondary headaches signify a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening. In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumour. There are dozens of other possible secondary headache causes such-as poor blood flow and internal bleeding headaches. Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary categorisation. As many as 90% of primary headaches, result from the so called "tension" headaches. A tension headache takes place when cranial muscles contract, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head. The pain can typically be felt around the temples and around the eyes. Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.