Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and is often described as a feeling of tightness or pressure around the head, usually without other severe symptoms.

Migraine: Although migraines can present with a variety of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, some individuals may experience them as a tight feeling in the head.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pressure and tightness in the face and head, especially in the forehead and cheek areas.
Stress and anxiety: Psychological stress can manifest physically, including as a tight or band-like sensation around the head.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage: A life-threatening condition where there is bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. Although it typically presents with a sudden, severe headache, any description of a tight head should prompt consideration of this diagnosis due to its high morbidity and mortality.
Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can present with headache, fever, and stiff neck. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Temporal arteritis: An inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which can cause headache, visual disturbances, and jaw claudication. It's particularly important to consider in older adults.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): A condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull without any apparent cause, often presenting with headache and visual disturbances.
Cranial arteritis: Similar to temporal arteritis but can affect other arteries in the head, leading to headache and other neurological symptoms.
Occipital neuralgia: Inflammation of the nerves that run from the base of the skull to the scalp, causing pain and tightness in the head.