Headaches come in all different varieties. There’s your all-time classic "tension headache" (think vanilla), so common that anyone who’s got a head has experienced one. Eyestrain, fatigue, stress (mental or emotional) are all key ingredients making up this popular flavour.

Next on the list is the "sinus headache." It often comes on with or following nasal congestion, a stuffy or a runny nose. Pain is usually felt at the front of the head. It is commonly worse in cold, damp weather and in mornings yet lessens in afternoons.

Then there’s the "cluster headache" which, just as the name implies, typically occurs in "clusters" ranging from 2 attacks a week to several a day. Episodes usually last for 6 to 8 weeks or sometimes longer. Unlike tension headaches, stress isn’t a triggering factor. For some unknown reason they affect more men than women.

"Ice pick headaches" are fairly rare — but when they strike, watch out! Severe pain is localized to one small spot and comes without warning, like you’ve just been hit over the head with an ice pick. The medical name for ice-pick headache is chronic paroxysmal hemicrania. Attacks usually last less than an hour and generally for 10 to 15 minutes.

Finally, we have the "migraine" — no ordinary headache. Pain ranges from mild to severe and isn’t necessarily the only symptom. Migraines can also trigger nausea and vomiting. In some people with migraines, visual disturbances called "auras" (like seeing zigzag flashes and shimmering lights) may show up right before the migraine starts, for about 10 to 30 minutes. A migraine "attack" can last from two to 72 hours. The agony usually stops people in their tracks. It disrupts work and play activities, and many sufferers need to retreat and rest until the migraine is over.

Rarely, certain headaches can be a sign of a serious problem. For example, headaches that appear out-of-the-blue with fever and a stiff neck could point to a brain infection called meningitis. Headaches plus signs of imbalance and double vision can be a warning of a stroke.

The take-home message: Headaches are a pain, but they usually disappear on their own. But if your headaches are severe and long-lasting, see your doctor immediately — so you can put your mind at rest.