- Migraine
- Headache disorders
- Headache
Migraine and headaches: types, numbers and when to get help
Headache disorders affect about 40% of the world population. We review the most common types according to the WHO and the treatment options guidelines support.
PainManagement ER Published 2 min read
Headaches are so common that many people treat them as normal. But according to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders affect about 40% of the population — roughly 3.1 billion people in 2021 — and they are more common in women than in men.[1]
Migraine in particular has a huge impact: in the 2021 Global Health Estimates it was the third-highest cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide among neurological conditions, behind only stroke and neonatal encephalopathy.[1]
The most common types of headache
| Type | Features (per the WHO) | Who is affected most? |
|---|---|---|
| Migraine | Usually starts around puberty; attacks last 4 to 72 hours | More common in women, especially between ages 35 and 45 |
| Tension-type headache | Often begins in the teenage years; the episodic form (fewer than 15 days a month) is reported by more than 70% of some populations | Affects 50% more women than men |
| Medication-overuse headache | Caused by overusing headache medication; may affect up to 5% of some populations | More common in women |
| Cluster headache | Uncommon: affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 adults | 6 men for every woman |
Source: WHO, "Headache disorders" fact sheet (2025).[1]
Be careful with painkiller overuse
One fact that surprises many patients: taking painkillers too often can make headaches worse. This is called medication-overuse headache, and according to the WHO it may affect up to 5% of some populations.[1] That’s why it’s important for a professional to review what you take and how often.
What helps, according to the WHO
The WHO notes that education about medication overuse, migraine triggers and lifestyle changes is highly effective. Measures that often bring relief include:[1]
- Limiting alcohol
- Keeping regular sleep and exercise schedules
- Eating healthily
- Staying well hydrated
- Keeping a headache diary to spot patterns and triggers
For migraine, the WHO says taking a pain reliever at the first sign of an attack (such as a visual aura) can help prevent the headache.[1] The main medication groups are pain relievers, anti-nausea drugs, specific anti-migraine medications and preventive medications.[1]
What the CDC says about migraine attacks
The CDC’s 2022 clinical guideline lists triptans, NSAIDs, triptans combined with NSAIDs, antiemetics, dihydroergotamine and acetaminophen as established treatments for episodic migraine attacks, along with gepants and lasmiditan. It does not recommend opioids for this use.[2]
No medication should be taken without medical advice: each one has contraindications and side effects.
When to see a doctor
Ask for an assessment if:
- You get headaches often, or more and more frequently.
- You need pain relievers on many days of the month.
- The pain makes you miss work or cancel plans.
- You’ve noticed a change in your usual headache pattern.
According to MedlinePlus, you should tell your provider about sudden, severe headaches, and get help right away for a headache after a blow to the head or one that comes with a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness, or eye or ear pain.[3]
An accurate diagnosis of your headache type is the first step to choosing the right treatment — and to no longer living in fear of the next one.
Sources
- Headache disorders (fact sheet) . World Health Organization (WHO) , October 24, 2025.
- CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022 . Dowell D, et al. MMWR Recomm Rep 2022;71(No. RR-3):1–95, CDC , November 2022.
- Headache . MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH) , updated November 19, 2025.
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