A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It is one of the most common medical complaints and is usually benign, but sometimes it can signal an underlying condition.
Common Types of Headache
1. Tension-type headache (most common)
- Dull, tight, band-like pain
- Usually bilateral
- Triggered by stress, poor posture, screen overuse
- No vomiting, mild nausea at most
2. Migraine
- Throbbing or pulsating pain (often one-sided)
- Associated with nausea, vomiting, light/sound sensitivity
- May have aura (visual disturbance)
- Triggered by sleep loss, fasting, stress, certain foods
3. Sinus headache
- Pain around forehead, eyes, cheeks
- Worse on bending forward
- Associated with nasal blockage, discharge, fever
4. Cluster headache (rare but severe)
- Excruciating unilateral pain around eye
- Red eye, watering, nasal congestion on same side
- Occurs in clusters (weeks)
Common Causes
- Stress & anxiety
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep
- Eye strain
- Skipped meals
- High BP
- Sinus infection
Red Flag Symptoms 🚨 (Need urgent evaluation)
- Sudden severe “worst ever” headache
- Headache with fever, neck stiffness
- New headache after age 50
- Headache with weakness, speech difficulty, seizures
- Persistent headache not responding to treatment
Basic Management (General Guidance)
- Adequate hydration
- Regular meals & sleep
- Reduce screen time
- Stress control (breathing, relaxation)
- Simple analgesics if needed (avoid overuse)
Recurrent or severe headaches should always be clinically evaluated to rule out secondary causes.
