Headache
A headache is pain in any part of the head or face. Most headaches feel like a dull ache, throbbing, or tightness that can last for a short time or continue for days. They can happen on one or both sides of the head, or move from one spot to another.
Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or other health conditions can trigger headaches. There are different types, such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, each with their own causes and symptoms.
What Is a Headache?
A headache is a common type of pain that affects the head, face, or neck. It can appear suddenly or develop gradually and may range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
Understanding Headache Pain
Headache pain is the main symptom for those experiencing headaches. The sensation can vary, appearing as a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing discomfort. Some people feel pressure, while others may sense tightness around the head. Many things can trigger headaches, such as stress, dehydration, changes in sleep, or certain foods.
Sometimes, pain links to other health conditions or side effects from medicine. Some headaches are mild and go away on their own, while others may last for hours or even days. In more severe cases, headaches can include symptoms like sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, or even blurred vision.
Areas Affected by Headaches
Headaches can target different regions of the head and face. The most common areas include the temples, forehead, back of the head, and even around the eyes or jaw. Migraines usually affect one side of the head. Tension-type headaches create pain that feels like a tight band across the forehead or at the back of the neck. Cluster headaches often cause intense pain around one eye or one side of the face.
Facial pain can also come with headaches or appear as the main symptom, especially in types like sinus headaches or cluster headaches. Knowing which area hurts can help with identifying the headache type and choosing the right treatment.
Headache Frequency and Intensity
Headaches can happen rarely or often, depending on their type and cause. Some individuals have headaches once in a while, while others may get them several times a week or even daily.
Severe headaches, like migraines or cluster headaches, can impact daily activities and may require medical attention. Tension headaches are more common and usually less severe but can still disrupt concentration and comfort. The table below summarizes common headache patterns:
| Type | Frequency | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Tension | Occasional to daily | Mild to moderate |
| Migraine | Few times a month | Moderate to severe |
| Cluster | Cycles or periods | Severe |
| Sinus | Varies | Mild to severe |
Common Headache Triggers
Many things can trigger headaches. Knowing these can help people avoid or manage headache episodes. Stress is a top trigger. When a person feels worried, anxious, or overwhelmed, their body can react, often leading to a tension or migraine headache. Dehydration can also cause headaches. Even mild dehydration may lead to pain or pressure in the head. Drinking enough water each day may help prevent these problems.
Poor sleep is closely linked to headaches. Not getting enough rest, sleeping too much, or having an irregular sleep schedule can all increase the chance of headaches. Below is a table showing more common headache triggers:
| Trigger | Example Sources |
|---|---|
| Strong smells | Perfume, cleaning products |
| Certain foods | Aged cheese, processed meats |
| Caffeine changes | Drinking too much or too little |
| Skipped meals | Not eating on a regular schedule |
| Alcohol | Especially red wine |
| Weather changes | Sudden shifts in temperature |
| Eye strain | Staring at screens too long |
Some health conditions like high blood pressure or sleep apnea can cause frequent headaches. Bright lights, loud noises, and hormone changes (such as those during periods) can also trigger headaches.
Common Headache Symptoms
Headaches can feel different for each person and often come with other symptoms. The type and intensity of these symptoms often help identify the specific kind of headache someone is experiencing.
Typical Headache Presentations
Most headaches cause pain felt in the head or face. The pain may be steady, sharp, throbbing, or feel like pressure. Sometimes, people feel pain on just one side of their head, while others notice pain around both sides or across the forehead. Many people with headaches also report sensitivity to light, called photophobia. Noise and strong smells can also make symptoms worse for some.
Nausea is another common symptom, and in some cases, it can lead to vomiting. In addition, dizziness and a sense of lightheadedness may be present, especially during more severe episodes. Other signs may include trouble focusing, feeling tired, or pressure around the eyes and forehead. Headache pain can be mild or intense and may last from less than an hour to several days.
Symptoms by Headache Type
- Tension Headaches: These often cause a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head. It may feel like the head is being squeezed. People sometimes have sensitivity to sound but rarely have nausea or vomiting.
- Migraines: Migraines usually produce throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of the head. They are often linked with photophobia, sensitivity to sound, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Migraines can also cause dizziness and problems with vision, such as seeing flashing lights or spots.
- Cluster Headaches: These headaches bring intense pain, usually around one eye or one side of the head. The pain comes in bursts and can last from minutes to hours. Other symptoms can include watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sometimes dizziness.
- Sinus Headaches: Sinus headaches cause pain in the face, forehead, or around the eyes. The pain usually gets worse when bending forward. They can also come with nasal congestion, a feeling of pressure, and mild dizziness.
| Headache Type | Pain Location | Other Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Tension | Both sides, scalp | Fatigue, pressure, rare nausea |
| Migraine | Usually one side | Nausea, vomiting, photophobia |
| Cluster | Around one eye | Watery eyes, nasal stuffiness |
| Sinus | Face, forehead | Congestion, pressure, mild dizziness |
Types of Headaches
Headaches can range from mild to severe and appear in many forms. Some headaches begin on their own, while others happen because of a different health issue or outside factor.
Primary vs Secondary Headaches
Headaches fall into two main groups: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are health conditions themselves, not caused by another illness. Common types include migraine, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches happen because of another health problem, like an infection, sinus issues, or a head injury.
For example, a sinus headache can result from a sinus infection, and a headache after a fall might signal a concussion. Most headaches people have are primary, but any sudden or severe headache with other symptoms—such as fever, confusion, or trouble seeing—should be checked by a doctor.
Migraine Headache Overview
Migraine is a type of primary headache marked by strong, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraines may last from a few hours up to three days. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Some people experience an “aura” before a migraine. This can include visual changes, like seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines.
Migraines are often triggered by certain foods, stress, changes in sleep, or hormonal changes. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help mild attacks, but stronger medicine is sometimes needed.
Tension-Type Headache Overview
Tension-type headaches are the most common form of primary headache. They usually cause a steady, mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head. Many describe this pain as a tight band or pressure around the forehead or back of the head. Tension headaches do not usually have nausea or an aura. They are often brought on by stress, lack of sleep, or muscle tension in the neck or shoulders.
Episodes can last from 30 minutes to several days, but most clear up within a few hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help, and lifestyle changes such as regular sleep, stress management, and exercise can lower the risk of future attacks.
Lesser-Known and Rare Headaches
Some headaches are uncommon and may have unique symptoms that make them hard to recognize at first. These types can disrupt daily life in different ways and might need special treatment or attention.
Chronic and Daily Headaches
Chronic daily headaches are headaches that occur 15 or more days each month for at least three months. These can last for hours each day, and the pain can range from mild to severe. Taking pain medicine too often can cause medication overuse headache. Instead of helping, the medicine can actually trigger more headaches.
Another type, called chronic headache, doesn’t always have a clear cause. People may notice regular head pain without an obvious reason. Hypnic headache is rare and gets called the “alarm clock headache” because it wakes people from sleep, often at the same time each night. It mostly affects older adults and does not usually involve nausea or sensitivity to light.
Neuralgias and Rare Conditions
- Trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve pain disorder that causes intense, stabbing pain in the face. Even mild touch or movement can trigger the pain. It is rare but can be very disabling.
- Hemicrania continua is another uncommon headache that causes constant pain on one side of the head. The pain can get worse at times but never fully goes away. It often responds well to a specific medicine called indomethacin.
- Paroxysmal hemicrania is similar but features many short, severe headaches each day, again on only one side. Like hemicrania continua, it typically gets better with indomethacin.
These types can look like cluster headaches but have differences in how long each attack lasts and how often they happen.
Other Secondary Headaches
Thunderclap headache starts very suddenly and reaches its peak intensity within 60 seconds. It feels like the worst headache ever and can signal a serious problem like bleeding in the brain. Anyone who has this type should seek immediate medical attention.
Other secondary headaches can happen because of problems like infections, blood clots, or brain tumors. These headaches are less common but important to recognize because they can be dangerous.
Recognizing warning signs—such as sudden onset, confusion, weakness, or changes in vision—helps people seek care quickly. Certain rare headaches may point to underlying health issues needing fast treatment.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Most headaches are not a sign of something serious, but sometimes a headache needs medical attention. Knowing the warning signs helps people stay safe and get help quickly if needed. Seek medical advice if these symptoms occur with a headache:
- A sudden, severe headache (sometimes called a “thunderclap” headache)
- Headache after a head injury
- Stiff neck, fever, or confusion
- Trouble speaking, seeing, or moving
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Headache that gets worse over time or changes in pattern
If a headache is the worst ever felt, comes on very quickly, or is different from usual headaches, get care right away. These can be signs of a serious problem, like a stroke or infection. People who have headaches often, or new headaches during pregnancy, should also talk to a doctor.
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Sudden, very severe headache | Call emergency services |
| Headache with fever or stiff neck | Call a doctor |
| Headache after head injury | Seek care |
| Vision changes or confusion | Get help right away |
