Sufferers often compare the feeling of a tension headache to having an overly tight band wrapped around their head. While tension headaches are associated with higher levels of tension and stress, beyond that the causes aren’t well understood.

Chronic migraines are much more debilitating, typically lasting anywhere from four hours to three days. The pain is generally a moderate to severe throb or pulse, usually on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and/or sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraines can become more severe with movement, which is why many migraine sufferers prefer to lay down in a quiet, dark place. Altered hearing and vision, known as aura, may also be experienced in some cases, often just before onset or as the migraine is beginning.