Headaches
Most headaches aren't dangerous, but know when to seek help!
Tension Headache
"Stress Headache"
What it feels like
Steady pressure or tightness (like a "headband" around your forehead or whole head).
Intensity
Mild to moderate, dull aching (usually doesn't stop daily activities).
Location
Both sides of the head, usually around the circumference of head.
Triggers
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Skipped meals
- Jaw clenching
What helps
- Rest
- Water
- OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
- Massage
- Heat on neck
Important: If symptoms persist, visit a psychiatrist for evaluation and further help as these can be signs of anxiety or depressive disorders.
Migraine
What it feels like
Throbbing or pounding pain, often on one side, lasts usually for 1-3 days.
Intensity
Moderate to severe (often forces you to stop activities).
Key signs
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sensitivity to light/sound
- Aura (in 1 in 4 people): Flashing lights, zigzags, or numbness before pain starts
- Improved by sleep
- Little or no response to over the counter painkiller medications
Triggers
- Hormones
- Certain foods (aged cheese, wine, pickles)
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Weather changes
What helps
- Dark, quiet room
- Cold compress
- Prescription meds (triptans)
Important: See a doctor for frequent and disabling migraines.
Cluster Headache
"Alarm Clock Headache"
What it feels like
Extreme stabbing/burning pain behind one eye.
Intensity
Severe (most painful headache type).
Key signs
- Watery eye, stuffy nose, or droopy eyelid on the painful side
- Restlessness (can't sit still)
Pattern
Attacks last 15 min–3 hrs, happen daily for weeks/months, then vanish.
Triggers
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- High altitudes
What helps
Prescription oxygen or injectable meds (see a doctor immediately).
Sinus Headache
What it feels like
Deep ache in cheeks, forehead, or bridge of nose.
Key signs
- Stuffy nose
- Thick mucus
- Worse when bending forward
- May or may not be associated with fever
Cause
Sinus infection or allergies.
What helps
- Treat congestion (nasal rinse, antihistamines)
- Antibiotics if infected
When to Seek Help NOW (Emergency Signs)
Go to the ER if you have:
- "Worst headache ever" (explosive pain starting in seconds)
- Headache with:
- Confusion, slurred speech, or weakness/numbness
- High fever/stiff neck
- Vision loss or double vision
- Head injury (e.g., after a fall)
- Repeated nausea and vomiting
- Progressively worsening headaches
- Sudden change patterns
- Physical Activity, Coughing, or Sexual Activity (as triggers)
- New headache if you're over 50, pregnant, or have cancer/weakened immunity
What to Track in a "Headache Diary"
Help your doctor by noting:
- When: Date/time, how long it lasted
- Where: Location of pain (one side? forehead?)
- How it feels: Throbbing? pressure?
- Other symptoms: Nausea? aura? stuffy nose?
- Triggers: Foods, stress, lack of sleep?
- What helped: Meds, sleep, cold pack?
Prevention Tips for Common Headaches
Hydrate
Drink water throughout the day
Sleep
Aim for 7-8 hours nightly
Manage Stress
Try deep breathing, yoga, or walks
Posture
Sit straight; adjust screens to eye level
Limit Triggers
Avoid foods/drinks linked to your headaches
Important: If headaches disrupt your life >2 days/week, or OTC meds don't help, see your doctor. Treatment is available!