How do I know if I have a tension headache or a migraine?

Tension headaches typically cause band-like pressure on both sides of the head without other symptoms, while migraines typically cause one-sided pain combined with nausea or light/sound sensitivity.

Does magnesium really help with headaches?

Magnesium has reasonably good evidence specifically for migraine prevention, along with riboflavin and CoQ10, though effectiveness varies by individual and it works best as a preventive rather than acute treatment.

50% of Americans get headaches monthly →

Which type of headache are you actually having?

Q: Are sinus headaches actually migraines?

Often, yes — many headaches attributed to sinus issues are actually migraines, since facial pressure can occur with both, making an accurate diagnosis important for effective treatment.

Tension, migraine, cluster, sinus, cervicogenic — headache types differ significantly in cause and treatment. Answer a few questions to identify your likely type and appropriate next steps.

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From identifying your headache type to prevention and treatment options.

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Identify Your Type

Tension, migraine, cluster, and more.

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Migraine Prevention

Supplements and lifestyle strategies.

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Tension Headache Relief

The most common type, addressed.

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Cluster Headaches

Rare, severe, and distinct.

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Sinus vs. Headache

Often confused, differently treated.

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Magnesium & Supplements

What the evidence supports.

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Headache Type Identifier

Answer a few questions about your headache pattern to identify the likely type and appropriate approach.

Where is the pain located?

How did it start?

Associated symptoms?

Your likely headache type

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The essentials

Half of Americans get headaches monthly — but not all headaches are the same

With roughly half of Americans experiencing headaches on a monthly basis, this is an enormously common complaint — yet the specific type matters significantly for finding effective treatment.

Location and symptoms are informative

Tension, migraine, sinus, and cervicogenic headaches each have a distinct typical pattern of location and associated symptoms.

Sinus headaches are often misdiagnosed

Many headaches attributed to sinus issues are actually migraines, since facial pressure can occur with both.

Prevention matters as much as treatment

For recurring headache types like migraine, identifying and managing triggers proactively is often more effective than treating each episode as it comes.

Key takeaway

Identifying your specific headache type — tension, migraine, sinus, or cervicogenic — based on location and associated symptoms leads to far more effective treatment than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Helpful next steps

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This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. A sudden, severe headache unlike any before should be evaluated promptly.

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The Headache Type and Prevention Guide

A free PDF covering all major headache types, prevention strategies, and evidence-based supplements.

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