In assessing a 12-year-old female with gradual onset headaches, which headache type is most likely given her symptom description?

Tension-type headaches are characterized by a gradual onset and a non-pulsating, mild to moderate intensity. They often present with a feeling of tightness or pressure around the head and can be associated with muscle tension, often resulting from stress or anxiety. The described gradual onset in the 12-year-old female aligns well with the typical presentation of tension-type headaches, which can develop slowly over time and certainly fits the profile of what is being assessed.

Migraine headaches, while also common in adolescents, usually present with more acute onset and additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound, which may not be indicated in this scenario. Cluster headaches are known for their severe pain and tend to occur in cyclical patterns, causing intense discomfort, making their presentation quite different. Sinus headaches typically accompany sinus infections or inflammation and are characterized by facial pain or pressure, particularly around the sinuses, which does not seem to apply here either.

Thus, considering the gradual onset and characteristics described, tension-type headaches emerge as the most likely diagnosis for this patient.