Quiz: What Kind of Headaches Do You Get?

This quiz may help you learn more about this very common ailment.

Your head hurts—again. But do you know what type of headache it is? What may have caused it? And most importantly, how to ease the pain?

Before you reach for the aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, answer true or false to the following statements to uncover some interesting facts about headaches. 

1. The most common kind of headache is a tension headache.
   True
   

   Up to 90% of people will have a tension headache at some point in their lives.

   
   

   False 
   

    Please try again.

   
   
2. Migraine is just another word for a bad headache.
True

 Please try again.


False 

Migraine is clinically defined as more than 5 episodes of headaches that last 4 to 72 hours, with pain so severe it interferes with daily activity. Migraines may be associated with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and visual disturbances.


3. There are about 15 kinds of headaches.
True

 Please try again.


False 

According to the International Headache Society, there are about 150 kinds of headaches.


4. A change in sleep patterns can cause headaches.
True

A change in your sleep pattern—too much or too little—may instigate a headache. It's best to get the same amount of sleep each night and to get up at the same time each day, even on the weekend.


False 

 Please try again.


5. A walk around the block can help you feel better when you have a headache.
True

Moderate exercise can help ease headache pain and may be effective in reducing chronic headaches.


False 

 Please try again.


6. Alternative or healing therapies are not effective in reducing headache pain.
True

 Please try again.


False 

Chronic stress is a common cause of tension headaches. Stress-reducing healing modalities, such as biofeedback and relaxation, have been found to reduce headaches in some people. Other alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, may also be effective.