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Headache

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, it can be caused by tension, migraines, sinus, dehydration, or other underlying health condition. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if the headache is severe or chronic.

Headache Key Points
CausesMigraine, Tension-type headaches, Cluster headaches, Sinus headaches, Rebound headache
RemediesMedications, Physical Therapy, Relaxation techniques, Lifestyle, , Managing Stress
Preventive OptionsHealthy lifestyle, Avoid triggering factors, Staying hydrated, Monitoring BP
Treatment OptionsPrescribed medications, Acupuncture, Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, Surgery
SpecialistNeurologist

Headaches can also be linked to emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Stress and anxiety can cause headaches and muscle pain. Migraines can also be triggered by emotional stress and depression. Emotions can also be a symptom of inevitable headaches, such as chronic daily headaches, where people may feel overwhelmed, hopeless and helpless. Additionally, experiencing a headache can also affect a person's emotional state, causing frustration, irritability, and even depression.

Other Symptoms that come with headache

Other Symptoms that come with headache

Symptoms of a headache can vary depending on the type of headache and its underlying condition are given in the following.

  1. Pain or discomfort in the head, face, or neck.
  2. Tenderness or pain in the scalp or temples.
  3. A dull, aching sensation.
  4. A throbbing or pulsating sensation.
  5. Tightness or pressure in the head.
  6. Nausea or vomiting.
  7. Light or sound sensitivity.
  8. Fatigue
  9. Blurred vision or visual disturbances.
  10. Dizziness or confusion.
  11. Trouble sleeping.

The Types of Headache

There are several types of headaches are mentioned below. People constantly suffer from different types of headaches.

  1. Tension headaches: The most common type of headache, characterized by a dull ache or tightness in the head and neck, often caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension.
  2. Migraine headaches: Severe, pulsating headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
  3. Cluster headaches: Less common but considered the most severe type and characterized by intense pain on one side of the head, typically around the eye.
  4. Sinus headaches: Caused by inflammation or infection in the sinuses, characterized by pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes.
  5. Rebound headaches (medication overuse headaches) caused by overusing over-the-counter pain medications.
  6. Hormonal headaches: Caused by changes in hormones, such as those that occur during menstruation.

Conditions that cause Headache

There are several diseases and medical conditions that can cause headaches as a symptom, including:

  1. Migraines: a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms.
  2. Tension-type headaches: the most common type of headache, characterized by a dull ache or tightness in the head and neck, often caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension.
  3. Cluster headaches: a type of headache characterized by intense pain on one side, typically around the eye, and often accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose and red, watery eye.
  4. Sinus headaches: caused by inflammation or infection in the sinuses, characterized by pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes.
  5. Rebound headaches (medication overuse headaches): caused by overusing over-the-counter pain medications.
  6. Meningitis: an inflammation of the meninges that is a layer that protects spinal and brain organs can cause headaches as a symptom.
  7. Temporal arteritis: inflammation of the blood vessels in the head and neck, it can cause headaches as a symptom.

Diagnostic Tests for Headache

There are several diagnostic tests that a doctor may use to determine the cause of a headache.

  1. Physical examination: A doctor will perform a physical examination, including a neurological examination, to check for any signs of neurological problems or abnormalities.
  2. Blood tests: A doctor may order blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the headaches, such as high blood pressure or anemia.
  3. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI can be used to visualize the brain and check for any structural abnormalities or tumors that may be causing the headaches.
  4. Lumbar puncture: also known as a spinal tap, it is a procedure that involves removing a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is used to diagnose conditions such as meningitis and certain types of headache.
  5. Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test that records the electrical activity of the brain.
  6. Sleep study: A sleep study is a diagnostic test that is done to evaluate a person's sleep patterns and sleep disorders.

Treatment for Headache

There are several treatment options for headaches, depending on the type of headache and underlying cause.

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.
  2. Prescription medications For certain types of headaches, such as migraines.
  3. Physical therapy Exercises and stretches can help relieve muscle tension and improve posture, which can help prevent tension headaches.
  4. Relaxation techniques Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or biofeedback can help prevent tension headaches.
  5. Lifestyle changes Such as maintaining a healthy
  6. Acupuncture This ancient Chinese practice, which involves inserting fine needles into the specific points.
  7. Chiropractic care This alternative therapy that involves manual manipulation of the spine can help alleviate tension headaches.
  8. Surgery Surgery may be necessary to treat underlying conditions that are causing the headaches, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.

The Preventive Care for Headache

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent headaches, including:

  1. Managing stress: Stress is a common trigger for headaches, so finding ways to manage stress such as through exercise, yoga, meditation, or biofeedback can help prevent headaches.
  2. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help prevent headaches.
  3. Avoiding triggers: Keeping a headache diary to track when and where your headaches occur.
  4. Staying hydrated: Drinking enough water can help prevent headaches.
  5. Managing medications: Taking medications as directed and not overusing over-the-counter pain relievers can help prevent rebound headaches.
  6. Monitoring your blood pressure: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and keeping it under control.
  7. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco: Consuming alcohol and tobacco can increase the risk of headaches.
  8. Practicing good posture: maintaining good posture can help prevent tension headaches

When to see a doctor

It crucial to see the doctor if you have problem and consistent headache. It indication a few serious conditions. The time you should visit the doctor are given in the following.

  1. The headache is severe or unusual for you
  2. The headache is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, confusion, vision changes.
  3. The headache is recurrent, frequent or worsening over time
  4. Your headache is associated with neck pain, scalp tenderness, stiffness or changes in vision
  5. History of headaches or migraines and they are changing in pattern, frequency or severity
  6. You have a history of cancer, HIV, or other chronic medical conditions.
  7. You're taking a new medication, or have recently changed the dosage of a medication
  8. You have a history of head injury or trauma
  9. You're experiencing a headache after a fall, or after a blow to the head.

Headache Doctors

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If you have headache and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified headache doctor. A doctor specializing in treating headache, such as a Neurologist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for headache. You can book an appointment with one to start your headache treatment today.

Dr. Kulbhushan Hasti, Neurologist in

Dr. Kulbhushan Hasti

Consultant - Neurology

54 Years of experience

7 Feedbacks

Max Hospital, Pitampura, Delhi NCR

Rs. 800 Consult Fees

Dr. Subhashini Prabhakar, Neurologist in

Dr. Subhashini Prabhakar

Senior Consultant - Neurology

53 Years of experience

1 Feedbacks

Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees

Dr. Pravina Ushakant Shah, Neurologist in

Dr. Pravina Ushakant Shah

Senior Consultant - Neurology

50 Years of experience

13 Feedbacks

Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai

Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees

Headache Hospitals

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your headache. If you are experiencing headache In that case, it is important to visit a headache hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for headache treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars(1681 Reviews)

Established in 1918

🛌345 Beds

https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/45663/original/Anil_Karapurkar.webp?1682695579https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/62022/original/Madhav_Kamat.webp?1682696472https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/45874/original/Bhupendra_Gandhi.webp?1682695590https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/62633/original/Gustad_B_Daver.webp?1682696506https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/63645/original/Vijay_N_Khambhati.webp?1682696564 5+ Doctors
Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars(12 Reviews)

Established in 1940

🛌220 Beds

https://cdn.credihealth.com/others/doctor_thumb.webphttps://cdn.credihealth.com/others/doctor_thumb.webphttps://cdn.credihealth.com/others/doctor_thumb.webphttps://cdn.credihealth.com/others/doctor_thumb.webphttps://cdn.credihealth.com/others/doctor_thumb.webp 5+ Doctors
Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Super Speciality Hospital

4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars(1134 Reviews)

Established in 1950

🛌350 Beds

https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/56142/original/Ashok_Mehta.webp?1682696151https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/64539/original/Nana_C_Joshi.webp?1682696613https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/62971/original/Agyasingh_Kochar.webp?1682696527https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/54588/original/Rashid_H_Merchant.webp?1682696064https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/52673/original/Harish_Mohanty.webp?1682695956 5+ Doctors

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about headache.

Can headaches be a symptom of a more serious condition?

Headaches can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a brain tumor, aneurysm, meningitis, or high blood pressure.

What are the top causes of headache?

Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including tension or muscle strain in the head and neck, changes in brain chemicals or blood vessels, infections such as sinusitis, head injury or trauma, eye strain, dehydration, and overuse of medications such as pain relievers. Additionally, certain foods, environmental factors such as bright lights or loud noises, and hormonal changes can also trigger headaches.

Can a headache be a side effect of medication?

Yes, a headache can be a side effect of medication. Some medications such as oral contraceptives, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can cause headaches as a side effect.

How do I relieve headache?

To relieve a headache, you can try resting in a quiet, dark room, applying a cold or warm compress to the forehead or neck, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It's also important to stay hydrated and avoid triggers such as caffeine or alcohol if they tend to cause headaches for you.

What are some common triggers for headaches?

Common triggers for headaches include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, environmental factors, lack of sleep, changes in weather, and medication overuse.

What are the types of a headache?

The main types of headache include tension headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and rebound headaches. Other types of headaches include hormonal headaches (which are linked to hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstruation), exercise headaches (which occur during or after exercise), and thunderclap headaches (which are sudden, severe headaches that can be a sign of a medical emergency).

Headache Patient Reviews

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Reviews by patients on different.

HeadacheReview 1

Dilip

Apollo Gleneagles Hospital

Several months ago I was suffering from a terrible headache. I took some general medicines from the chemist initially but it only got worse. Then I visited my family doctor who told me to see a neurologist. I met a doctor whom I found nearby my place but he was unable to detect the issue. I could not trust him because he was doubtful himself. Finally, I had the good luck to meet Dr. Amitabha Ghosh. I have no words to describe how much has he helped me. It was his brilliant judgment that diagnosed my illness. Later when he started the treatment, he made sure that I knew every step. I really liked his approach. He is still available to talk on the phone if there are issues. Highly recommended doctor.

HeadacheReview 2

Sumit Gupta

Gleneagles Global Hospital

My sister was going through the trouble of migraines. She suffered a lot and even had to miss a family gathering because of this. We tried to look for some doctors but no treatment as suiting her. My mom and I were worried that so many medicines may make her more ill. Finally, through an old friend, I had the chance to know about Dr. Nayak. We instantly took the appointment from credihealth and met him. He is the best person. The only doctor who could help my sister. I will be always grateful to him and I recommend him to everyone else.

HeadacheReview 3

Pulak Sen

Dr. Koushik Dutta is currently treating my mother who is 86 years old in AMRI. He is very prompt in serving the patients and going to the root of the cause of their ailment. My mother suffered a cerebral attack and her right side was paralyzed. Within 30 minutes of admission of her in AMRI under the Doctor, all pre-medical tests were performed. Within the first 18 hrs paralysis and in the rest of 72 hrs she was made to walk. I would strongly recommend Dr Dutta for such cases

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