Vascular headaches receive their name from the fact that they are thought to involve abnormal function of the blood vessels of the brain. The most common type of vascular headache is migraine. Other less common types of vascular headaches include toxic headaches and cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches are a rarer form of vascular headache. They usually strike several times in rapid succession. Cluster headaches are more common among men and can be extremely painful.

Toxic headache is the result of fever that accompanies an acute illness. Some disorders known to cause toxic headaches include measles, mumps, pneumonia, and tonsillitis. Toxic chemicals that are allowed to enter the body can also cause toxic headaches. Examples include lead, insecticides, chemical solvents, alcohol and some household cleaners. Treatment for toxic headache is geared toward determining and treating or removing the cause of the headache.