Other Headaches
In addition to migraine-like headaches, many people across Canada experience headaches with other causes including tension-type headaches, post-traumatic headache, primary stabbing headache (“ice-pick headache”), sinus headache, and many more.
Migraine Canada is committed to sharing information and resources about other types of headaches in order to help more Canadians understand, manage, and find treatment for headache symptoms from a wide range of causes, including but not limited to migraine.
Fast Facts About Headaches…
- Headache is a symptom, not a diagnosis
- Headaches are not always easy to diagnose
- The impact of headaches on quality of life is underestimated
- Many headaches are chronic (last for years) and cannot be cured
- Headaches can require a global approach that is often not accessible
- The science on headache is evolving fast and there is hope
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches
What is the most common cause of headaches?
Headache is a common symptom that can be caused by more than 200 different medical problems. The most common classification of headache is tension-like headache. It is thought to be caused by an interplay between psychological tension and muscle tension. Unlike other headache types, it does not result from illness or lesions.
Migraine-like headache is the second most common classification. It is caused by the neurological disease migraine.
Is Migraine a type of headache?
No, migraine is not a type of headache. Migraine is a neurological disease, and headache is a common symptom of that disease. A “migraine-like headache” is the medical term used to describe a headache caused by migraine.
Can people with migraine get other types of headaches?
Yes! People with migraine have particular brains that may be prone to developing other types of headaches. This includes:
- Post-traumatic headache
- Primary stabbing headache (“ice-pick headache”)
- Cold stimulus-evoked headache (“ice-cream headache”)
- Tension-type headache
- Cervicogenic headache
- Sinus headache
- Sleep apnea headaches
- Medication-overuse headache
For more information on this topic, read our article on other headaches associated with migraine.
Are headaches a public health concern?
Globally, 2% of the population experience chronic tension-type headache. When other types of headache are added to this rate, it is clear that headaches are a public health concern and that headache clinics should be available to Canadians.
For comparison, the prevalences of other well-known diseases
Asthma: 8%
Diabetes: 7%
Epilepsy: 1%
Multiple sclerosis: 2/1000
Resources About Other (not Migiraine-Like) Headaches

Medication Overuse Headache
In this post, we delve into the complexities of Medication Overuse Headache. Often triggered by frequent medication use, this condition significantly impacts those living with chronic migraine....

Gepants: Both A Preventive and An Acute Treatment for Migraine
Looking for new options in migraine treatment? Gepants are emerging as a promising solution in Canada. This class of medications is specifically indicated for migraine and can be used for both...

Cluster Headache – All You Need to Know
Explore the complexities of cluster headaches with Migraine Canada's enlightening webinar, featuring Dr. William Kingston, a distinguished neurologist and headache specialist. This session unravels...

Cluster headache – All You Need to Know
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on cluster headaches, a debilitating neurological condition affecting many worldwide. In this video, we navigate through the intricate landscape of cluster...

Vestibular Migraine – Webinar
Explore the complexities of vestibular migraine with Migraine Canada's webinar featuring Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, MD, FRCPC. Join us as Dr. Leroux addresses crucial questions about vestibular migraine,...

Debunking the myths on types of headache diagnosis
Welcome to an insightful exploration of migraine with Dr. Elizabeth Leroux, a neurologist and headache specialist known for her expertise and advocacy in migraine medicine. Join us as Dr. Leroux...

The Canadian Migraine Tracker: A New Option for Headache Monitoring
Looking to take control of your migraine management? Learn how the Canadian Migraine Tracker, a migraine diary app, can support your journey with migraine in this post.Using a Migraine Diary A...

Patient Education Resource Kit: Migraine Management in one source!
Migraine Canada has created a comprehensive digital Patient Education Resource Kit designed to empower both healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients. This all-in-one guide covers essential...

Will My Insurance Company Cover the Combination of Botox and CGRP Antibody?
Considering the combination of Botox and a CGRP monoclonal antibody (BTX + CGRP MAB) for migraine treatment? Many insurance providers currently do not cover this therapy, despite its potential...