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There are three main types of episodic primary headache: migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache.
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Primary headache
- Migraine
- Tension-type headache
- Cluster headache
- Other primary headache types
Of these, tension-type headache is the most common, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 78%. [1] The intensity of pain and the level of disability associated with tension-type headache are lower than with other primary headaches and most patients can maintain normal home and work lives.
Migraine headaches occur relatively less frequently than tension-type headaches, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 11%. [2] Research suggests that the individual headache burden during an average migraine attack is more than double that with a tension-type headache. [2]
Cluster headache is relatively rare,
occurring in less than 1% of the population. [3] Although uncommon, it has been described as “one of the most painful conditions a [general practitioner]
will ever see”. [4]
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