Headache types. Computer illustration showing the areas of the head (red) affected by four different types of headache. Clockwise from top left: cluster headache, tension headache, migraine and sinus headache. Cluster headaches are characterised by recurrent, severe pain on one side of the head, typically around the eye. Tension headaches radiate from muscle groups, typically from the lower back of the head, neck and eyes, and usually affect both sides of the head. Migraines are characterised by recurrent moderate to severe headaches, typically affecting only one side of the head. Sinus headaches arise from sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), typically causing pain in the face.