We’ve all had them. That throbbing at the temples. The tight band squeezing your forehead. The dull ache after a stressful day or sleepless night. Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide, and most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about.

But not all headaches are created equal and some can be a warning sign of something more serious. Knowing when to rest, hydrate, and ride it out and when to see a doctor can make all the difference in protecting your health.

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can arise from a variety of triggers. Some are external like noise, dehydration, or poor posture. Others are internal, such as hormonal changes, neurological issues, or chronic health conditions.

The most common types of headaches include:

• Tension headaches: A dull, pressure-like pain on both sides of the head. Often stress-related. 
• Migraines: Moderate to severe pain, often one-sided, with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances. 
• Cluster headaches: Sudden, intense pain around one eye, often recurring in cycles. 
• Sinus headaches: Pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and eyes, often during colds or allergies. 

Most of these are primary headaches, meaning they’re not caused by another medical condition. But others, known as secondary headaches, can be symptoms of more serious issues like infections, injuries, or brain disorders.

When to Manage at Home

You can often treat a headache at home, especially if it’s:

• Mild to moderate 
• Occurs occasionally 
• Relieved by rest, hydration, or over-the-counter medication 
• Linked to an obvious cause like stress, screen time, or skipped meals 

Tips for relief:

• Drink water: Dehydration is a common trigger. 
• Rest in a dark, quiet room. 
• Apply a cold or warm compress to your forehead or neck. 
• Use gentle stretching or massage for tension relief. 
• Take pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (as directed). 

When to See a Doctor

A headache may require medical attention if it’s:

• Sudden and severe (“worst headache of my life”) 
• Different in pattern or intensity than usual 
• Accompanied by neurological symptoms, such as: 
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking 
  • Weakness or numbness on one side 
  • Vision changes 
  • Trouble walking or loss of coordination 
• Triggered by physical exertion, coughing, or sex 
• Persistent for days or weeks, especially if worsening 
• Followed by a head injury (even if mild) 
• Accompanied by fever, stiff neck, rash, or sensitivity to light (possible signs of meningitis) 

You should also seek help if you:

• Need pain relievers more than twice a week 
• Feel your headaches are affecting your quality of life 
• Wake up frequently with headaches 
• Experience headaches that don’t respond to usual medications 

For pregnant women, the elderly, or people with underlying health conditions, new or changing headaches always warrant evaluation.

Diagnosing the Cause

Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and may perform:

• A neurological exam 
• Blood pressure and blood tests 
• Imaging tests (CT scan or MRI), especially if red flags are present 
• Eye exam, if visual changes occur 
• Spinal tap, if meningitis or bleeding is suspected 

In many cases, no serious cause is found which is good news. But a thorough check-up can help rule out rare but dangerous conditions like brain aneurysms, tumors, or infections.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment depends on the type and cause of the headache. Options may include:

• Medications: From simple analgesics to migraine-specific drugs (triptans) or preventive therapies 
• Lifestyle adjustments: Better sleep, hydration, screen breaks, and stress management 
• Dietary changes: Avoiding known triggers like caffeine, alcohol, or aged cheese 
• Physical therapy: For posture-related or cervicogenic headaches 
• Psychotherapy: If stress or anxiety contributes to chronic pain 

Keeping a headache diary can help identify patterns and triggers.

Don’t Ignore the Signals Your Body Sends

Headaches are common but they’re not always harmless. While many resolve on their own, others may be the first sign of a more serious condition. Being informed and proactive is the best way to protect your well-being.

If your headaches are becoming more frequent, intense, or unpredictable, the neurology and internal medicine teams at Erdem Hospital offer expert diagnostics and customized treatment plans so you don’t have to face the pain alone or in the dark.