Migraine:
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throbbing, intense pain, generally moderate to severe
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usually one-sided, though the pain can move from side to side, and sometimes affects both sides
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pain is often near the eye of the affected side
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often disabling
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may last hours, days, or even weeks
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in some instances, the Migraine may continue long enough to require an emergency room visit, or even hospitalization, so that stronger medications can be given to break the cycle. (status migrainous)
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often accompanied by visual disturbances and/or extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
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"classic Migraine," experienced by about 20% of Migraineurs is preceded by warning signs called an "aura"
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Migraines without the aura are termed "common Migraine"
Tension Headache:
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constant, dull pain, usually mild to moderate pain
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not incapacitating
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pain is often accompanied by muscle tightness in the shoulders and neck
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often on both sides of the head
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may last an hour, a week, or anywhere in between
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the pain is often described as a band of pain around the head or "like a vise"
Sinus/Allergy Headache:
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pain generally mild to moderate
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centered around sinuses, above and below eyes
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pressure often makes teeth ache as well
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may be accompanied by feeling of pressure behind the eyes
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often relieved by decongestants, antihistimines, or other allergy medications.
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often seasonal
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studies have shown that the majority of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually Migraine.
Cluster Headache:
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severe, sharp, stabbing pain
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usually on one side of the head, centered around the eye
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almost always severely incapacitating
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occur in clusters of 1 - 4 headaches a day for several weeks, lasting 10 minutes to two hours each, then stopping for months
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on the affected side, the eye tears, and the nose is often stuffy or runny
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most frequent among men
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occur most often in the fall and spring
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