Almost everyone experiences a headache at some point. Some are mild and pass quickly, while others can be intense, recurring, or disruptive to daily life. Knowing what type of headache you are dealing with can help you manage symptoms more effectively and recognise when it’s time to seek medical care
Headaches are broadly classified into primary and secondary types. Understanding the difference matters more than you might think.
Primary headaches are not caused by another medical condition. Instead, they arise from how pain-sensitive structures in the head respond to triggers such as stress, muscle tension, or neurological sensitivity.
Tension headaches are the most common type. They usually feel like a tight band or dull pressure around both sides of the head.
They often:
Develop gradually
Last from 30 minutes to several hours
Are linked to stress, poor posture, eye strain, or muscle tension
While uncomfortable, tension headaches are usually not dangerous and often improve with rest, posture correction, and stress management.
Migraines are more than “bad headaches.” They are a neurological condition that can significantly affect daily life.
Common features include:
Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Visual changes (aura) in some individuals
Migraine triggers vary and may include hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, or certain foods. Attacks can last from a few hours to several days if untreated.
Cluster headaches are less common but extremely painful. They tend to occur in cycles (clusters) over weeks or months.
Typical features include:
Severe, sharp or burning pain around one eye
Red or watery eyes
Nasal congestion or runny nose on the affected side
A sense of restlessness or agitation
Because of their intensity, cluster headaches often require specialist care.
Secondary headaches occur as a result of an underlying medical condition. While less common, these headaches should never be ignored.
Possible causes include:
Brain Tumours
Although uncommon, headaches related to brain tumours may progressively worsen over time and be associated with nausea, vision changes, or personality changes.
Stroke
A sudden, severe headache combined with weakness, confusion, or speech difficulty may indicate a stroke and requires immediate emergency care.
Aneurysm
A ruptured aneurysm often presents as a sudden, explosive “thunderclap” headache and is a medical emergency.
Infections
Conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis can cause severe headaches alongside fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental state.
Glaucoma
Sudden increases in eye pressure may cause headache around the eye, often with visual disturbance.
While many headaches can be managed with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medication, urgent medical evaluation is recommended if you experience:
A sudden, severe headache unlike any you have had before
Headache with confusion, fainting, or seizures
Persistent headache after a head injury
Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or rash
New or worsening headaches after age 50
Headache with vision loss, weakness, or difficulty speaking
These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition and should not be delayed.
Small daily habits can make a big difference in reducing headache frequency and intensity.
Maintain a regular sleep routine
Irregular sleep patterns and sleep deprivation are common headache triggers.
Stay well hydrated
Dehydration is a surprisingly common cause of headaches.
Manage stress proactively
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise can help reduce stress-related headaches.
Identify personal triggers
Keeping a headache diary may help identify food, environmental, or hormonal triggers.
Practise good posture
Poor posture can strain neck and shoulder muscles, leading to tension headaches.
Be mindful of your caffeine intake
Small amounts may help relieve headaches, but excessive intake can cause rebound headaches.
If headaches are frequent, severe, worsening, or affecting your quality of life, a professional assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our experienced neurologists provide personalised evaluations supported by advanced diagnostic services to accurately diagnose headache disorders and recommend effective treatment plans.
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting headache relief.
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