Headache is something almost all of us have experienced — sometimes as a mild discomfort after a long day, other times as an intense, exhausting pain that throws us off balance. While in most cases it is not a cause for concern, there are situations when a headache may be a warning sign of a serious health condition. That’s why it is important to recognize its different forms and know when to seek medical help.
What Types of Headaches Exist?
Headaches are not a universal sensation — they can appear in different ways, with varying intensity and duration. Medicine classifies them mainly into two categories: primary and secondary.
Primary headaches
These are conditions where the pain is not a result of another illness; the headache itself is the main problem.
- Migraine
Characterized by throbbing, often one-sided pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances. Migraines can last from several hours to a few days and often disrupt daily life.
- Tension headache
The most common type. The pain is dull, pressing, and feels like a tight band around the head. It usually appears during stress, fatigue, or prolonged screen time.
- Cluster headache
Rare but extremely painful. The pain is sharp, piercing, and focused around one eye. It may be accompanied by tearing, eye redness, and nasal congestion. It occurs more often in men and comes in attacks — sometimes several times a day.
Secondary headaches
Here the pain is a symptom of another condition. In these cases, the headache may signal the need for urgent medical attention.
- Stroke or impaired brain circulation
- Sudden, severe headache, possibly with numbness in limbs, speech difficulties, loss of balance, or paralysis.
- Sinusitis, infections, injuries, tumors, eye diseases, high blood pressure
In these cases, headache is part of a broader clinical picture and is often accompanied by fever, fatigue, or neurological symptoms.
What Triggers Headaches?
Causes can be surprisingly simple — but also deceptive. The most common are:
- Lack of sleep or irregular schedule
- Chronic stress and emotional tension
- Dehydration — even mild dehydration may cause pain
- Skipped meals or low blood sugar
- Prolonged exposure to screens, noise, or bright light
- Hormonal changes, especially in women (menstruation, menopause)
- Sudden weather or atmospheric pressure changes
When Should You See a Doctor?
Not every headache requires urgent care, but there are warning signs you should never ignore:
- Sudden, severe pain unlike previous episodes
- Frequent or worsening headaches
- Associated symptoms: vomiting, loss of consciousness, double vision, numbness, or weakness in limbs
- Headache after head injury
- New headaches appearing after age 50
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion with the patient — when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, and accompanying symptoms. If needed, imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI may be ordered.
Treatment depends on the type of headache:
Migraine — medications such as triptans, sometimes preventive drugs
Tension headache — painkillers, rest, relaxation techniques
Cluster headache — oxygen therapy, specific drugs, sometimes injections
What Can You Do Yourself?
Small lifestyle changes can have a big effect:
- Keep a headache diary — note when they occur, what you ate, how you felt
- Ensure enough sleep and hydration, reduce screen time
- Reduce stress through exercise, meditation, yoga, or nature walks
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially if you notice a link with pain
Headache may be just an annoying companion in a busy life, but sometimes it is your body’s warning signal. Do not ignore it. If the pain changes, worsens, or new symptoms appear, seek medical advice. Timely consultation with a neurologist can be crucial — not only to relieve pain but also to prevent serious complications.
Don’t Delay Caring for Your Health
If you suffer from frequent or unexplained headaches, seek professional help. The qualified neurologists at VITA Medical Center are here to provide accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment approach.
юBook an appointment today online via this link or by phone: 02 45 22 000 and 02 960 49
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