Headache

Key takeaways

• A headache is pain around the head or face.
• Common types of headaches are migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. They vary by pain intensity, location and frequency.
• Some headaches are the main issue caused by stress or tight muscles. Others are caused by an underlying health condition.
• Over-the-counter pain relief and self-help measures can help treat headaches. Your provider may prescribe medications.

Overview

What is a headache?

A headache is discomfort or pain in the head. You can experience headaches in various parts of your head, scalp and face. They can affect one or both sides of your head.

Headaches can vary in intensity. They can feel sharp, aching, burning or throbbing. Some headaches affect only one part of the head. Others may start in a central point and spread across the head or face.

For many people, headaches can be mild and short lasting. Some people experience headaches more frequently or have pain that lasts for days. The cause of a headache can affect the level of pain you feel and how often it occurs.

Other names for headache

Cephalalgia

What are some types of headaches?

There are different types of headaches depending on where your pain is located, the intensity and frequency.

• Migraine — A migraine is an intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. They can last between 4 hours and several days. Many people experience other symptoms with a migraine such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or other visual disturbances.
• Tension — A tension headache is a dull, aching pain that can come on slowly throughout the day. Sometimes it’s a tight feeling around the head, similar to wearing a tight headband. It’s often located across the forehead, temples and back of the head or neck. There are several potential causes of a tension headache which can include but are not exclusive to stress or tight muscles.
• Cluster — A Cluster headache is severe pain around or behind one eye. It may occur in a series that may last weeks or months. Some other symptoms that come with cluster headaches are swelling or redness of the eye and congestion.

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Possible Causes

What can cause a headache?

A primary headache is when the headache is the main issue. These are often caused by a problem with the muscles, nerves or blood vessels inside your head, neck or shoulders. A secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying health condition.

There are several potential causes of a headache including but not exclusive to:

• Lifestyle factors — Your habits can cause headaches. This includes lack of sleep, dehydration, poor posture, food intolerance and stress.
• Sinus infection (Sinusitis) — Allergies or a bacterial or viral infection can cause sinusitis. Inflammation in the sinuses can cause headaches. It can also cause tension around your face and upper teeth.
• Viral infection — Headaches can be a symptom of an illness or infection such, Influenza (Flu), Coronavirus (COVID-19), or mononucleosis.
• Medications — Some medications can cause headaches as a side effect.

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Treatment & management

How can headaches be treated?

The treatment for a headache depends on the cause. Some possible methods to help reduce the frequency or severity of a headache include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription medications
• Using a cold compress
• Lying in a dark room

It is important to work with a health care provider to determine the cause of your headache so that it can be treated appropriately. MinuteClinic offers a variety of services that can help with diagnosis and treatment.

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When to seek medical care

Go to the hospital or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Confusion or difficulties with speaking or understanding
• Visual disturbances
• Difficulty walking
• Neck stiffness
• Fainting
• High-grade fever (Temperature 104°F (39.4° C) or higher)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Paralysis

Call your provider if:

• You experience unusually severe or frequent headaches
• Your headaches get worse
• Over-the-counter pain relief and self-help measures don't work
• Your headaches interfere with daily activities or cause you distress

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This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions.

Please visit a healthcare provider for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local Emergency Department.

References used as sources for this page

1. Types of headaches via Standford Medicine. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/headache/types.html. (Accessed February 2023).
2. Tension headache via Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977. (Accessed February 2023).
3. Cluster headache via Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20352080. (Accessed February 2023).
4. Headaches via Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches. (Accessed February 2023).

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