What are the most common triggers for migraines. How can you identify and manage migraine symptoms at home. What lifestyle changes can help prevent migraines. When should you seek medical attention for a headache. How can you create an effective migraine treatment plan with your healthcare provider.

Understanding Migraines: Symptoms and Warning Signs

Migraines are a common type of headache characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. They can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Some people experience an aura, a set of warning signs that precede the actual headache. These auras typically involve vision changes and serve as an indicator that a severe headache is imminent.

Key Migraine Symptoms:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Visual disturbances (aura)

Do auras always precede migraines? Not all migraine sufferers experience auras. For those who do, these warning signs can provide an opportunity to take preventive measures before the onset of the headache.

Common Migraine Triggers: Foods and Environmental Factors

Identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial in managing migraines. While triggers can vary from person to person, certain foods and environmental factors are commonly associated with migraine onset.

Food Triggers:

• Processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
• Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, and dairy products
• Certain fruits (avocado, banana, citrus)
• Meats with sodium nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami)
• Red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken liver, figs, and certain beans

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers:

• Alcohol consumption
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Skipping meals
• Lack of sleep
• Strong odors or perfumes
• Loud noises or bright lights
• Intense exercise
• Cigarette smoking

Can eliminating these triggers completely prevent migraines? While avoiding triggers can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, it may not eliminate them entirely. Each person’s triggers and response to them can be unique.

Immediate Steps to Manage Migraine Symptoms

When migraine symptoms begin, taking prompt action can help reduce the severity of the headache. Here are some immediate steps you can take:

1. Drink water to prevent dehydration, especially if vomiting occurs
2. Rest in a quiet, dark room
3. Apply a cool cloth to your head
4. Avoid smoking, coffee, and caffeinated drinks
5. Steer clear of alcoholic beverages
6. Try to sleep if possible

Is it beneficial to take over-the-counter pain medication for migraines? For mild migraines, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can be helpful. However, it’s important to use these medications as directed and be aware of the risk of rebound headaches from overuse.

Prescription Medications and Their Proper Use

Your healthcare provider may prescribe specific medications to stop a migraine. These can come in various forms, including nasal sprays, rectal suppositories, or injections, in addition to pills. Some medications are designed to treat nausea and vomiting associated with migraines.

How should you use prescribed migraine medications? It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Some medications are most effective when taken at the first sign of a migraine, while others may be used preventively.

Rebound Headaches: A Cautionary Note

Rebound headaches can occur from overuse of pain medication. If you find yourself using pain medicine more than three days a week regularly, you may be at risk for developing rebound headaches. This underscores the importance of working with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that doesn’t rely solely on pain medication.

Keeping a Headache Diary: A Tool for Identifying Triggers

A headache diary can be an invaluable tool in identifying your specific migraine triggers. When you experience a headache, record the following information:

• Date and time the pain began
• Food and drink consumption in the past 24 hours
• Sleep patterns
• Activities and location just before pain onset
• Duration of the headache and factors that alleviated it

How can a headache diary help in migraine management? By reviewing your diary with your healthcare provider, you can identify patterns and triggers specific to your migraines. This information is crucial in developing a personalized treatment plan and implementing effective preventive measures.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Migraine Frequency

Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact the frequency and severity of migraines. Consider implementing the following strategies:

• Avoid identified triggers
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Exercise regularly
• Gradually reduce caffeine intake
• Practice stress management techniques
• Learn relaxation exercises and meditation
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Can lifestyle changes alone prevent migraines? While lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce migraine frequency for some people, others may still require medication. A combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment often yields the best results.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches

While many migraines can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Call emergency services if you experience:

• The worst headache of your life
• Speech, vision, or movement problems, or loss of balance (especially if new)
• Fever accompanying your headache
• A sudden, explosive headache

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

• Your headache patterns or pain changes
• Previously effective treatments no longer help
• You experience side effects from your medication
• You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• You need pain medication more than three days a week
• You’re taking birth control pills and experiencing migraines
• Your headaches worsen when lying down

Why is it important to seek medical attention for these symptoms? Some of these symptoms could indicate more serious underlying conditions that require immediate medical intervention. Additionally, changes in your migraine patterns or treatment efficacy may necessitate adjustments to your management plan.

Developing a Comprehensive Migraine Management Plan

Creating an effective migraine management plan involves collaboration between you and your healthcare provider. This plan should encompass various strategies, including:

1. Trigger identification and avoidance
2. Lifestyle modifications
3. Appropriate use of over-the-counter and prescription medications
4. Stress management techniques
5. Regular follow-ups to assess treatment efficacy

For frequent migraines, your provider may prescribe preventive medication to be taken daily. Finding the right preventive medication may require trying multiple options before determining the most effective one for you.

How often should you review and adjust your migraine management plan? It’s advisable to have regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, especially if you notice changes in your migraine patterns or treatment efficacy. Your management plan may need adjustments as your body and circumstances change over time.

The Role of Non-Pharmacological Treatments

In addition to medication and lifestyle changes, various non-pharmacological treatments can be incorporated into your migraine management plan. These may include:

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Massage therapy
• Yoga and tai chi

Can non-pharmacological treatments replace medication for migraine management? While these treatments can be effective complementary therapies, they typically work best when used in conjunction with appropriate medical treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating new treatments into your management plan.

Understanding the Impact of Hormones on Migraines

Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can significantly influence migraine patterns. Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all affect the frequency and severity of migraines.

Menstrual Migraines

Many women experience migraines in association with their menstrual cycle. These headaches typically occur before or during menstruation and may be more severe than migraines at other times of the month.

Pregnancy and Migraines

Pregnancy can have varying effects on migraines. Some women experience improvement in their migraines during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. However, others may find their migraines worsen, especially in the first trimester.

Menopause and Migraines

The transition to menopause can be associated with changes in migraine patterns. Some women experience worsening migraines during perimenopause, while others find relief after reaching menopause.

How should hormonal influences be addressed in migraine management? If you notice a correlation between your hormonal cycles and migraine patterns, discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend specific strategies or treatments to manage hormone-related migraines, such as hormonal therapy or adjusting existing medications around your menstrual cycle.

The Role of Diet in Migraine Prevention

While certain foods can trigger migraines, maintaining a balanced diet can play a crucial role in migraine prevention. Consider the following dietary strategies:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Eat regular, balanced meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels
• Consider following a low-tyramine diet, as tyramine has been linked to migraines in some individuals
• Incorporate magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains
• Consider supplements like riboflavin (vitamin B2) or coenzyme Q10, which have shown promise in migraine prevention (consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements)

Is there a specific “migraine diet” that works for everyone? While there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for migraine prevention, keeping a food diary and working with a registered dietitian can help you identify your personal dietary triggers and develop an eating plan that supports migraine management.

The Impact of Sleep on Migraine Frequency

Sleep patterns can significantly influence migraine occurrence. Both insufficient sleep and oversleeping can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. Establishing good sleep hygiene can help reduce migraine frequency:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure your sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening

How much sleep is optimal for migraine prevention? While individual needs vary, most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Pay attention to your body’s needs and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule that allows you to feel refreshed upon waking.

Managing Migraines in the Workplace

Migraines can significantly impact work productivity and quality of life. Implementing strategies to manage migraines in the workplace can help reduce their impact:

• Communicate with your employer about your condition and any necessary accommodations
• Identify and minimize workplace triggers (e.g., bright lights, strong smells)
• Keep rescue medication readily available
• Take short breaks to practice relaxation techniques or stretch
• Consider using anti-glare screens or adjusting lighting if computer use is a trigger
• Stay hydrated and maintain regular meal times

Should you disclose your migraine condition to your employer? While not legally required in most cases, open communication with your employer can lead to better understanding and potential accommodations that can help you manage your condition more effectively at work.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Migraines

Living with chronic migraines can take a toll on mental health. The unpredictability and pain associated with migraines can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Addressing the psychological aspects of migraine management is crucial:

• Consider seeking support from a mental health professional experienced in chronic pain management
• Join support groups or online communities for individuals with migraines
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation or progressive muscle relaxation
• Engage in activities you enjoy, even if modified to accommodate your condition
• Educate family and friends about your condition to foster understanding and support

How can addressing mental health improve migraine management? Managing the psychological impact of migraines can reduce stress, a common migraine trigger. Additionally, developing coping strategies can improve overall quality of life and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Migraine Management

The field of migraine research is continually evolving, with new treatments and management strategies emerging. Some recent developments include:

• CGRP inhibitors: A new class of drugs that target calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein involved in pain transmission
• Neuromodulation devices: Non-invasive devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation to prevent or treat migraines
• Botulinum toxin injections: Approved for chronic migraine prevention in some countries
• Genetics research: Studying the genetic factors that contribute to migraine susceptibility
• Precision medicine approaches: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic and biomarker profiles

How can patients stay informed about new migraine treatments? Stay in regular contact with your healthcare provider, who can keep you updated on new treatment options. Additionally, reputable migraine organizations and medical websites often provide up-to-date information on emerging treatments and ongoing research.

In conclusion, managing migraines effectively requires a multifaceted approach that combines lifestyle modifications, appropriate medication use, and ongoing collaboration with healthcare providers. By understanding your triggers, implementing preventive strategies, and staying informed about treatment options, you can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of migraines on your daily activities.

Managing migraines at home: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

A migraine is a common type of headache. It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Most people feel a throbbing pain on only one side of their head during a migraine.

Some people who get migraines have warning signs, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms that includes vision changes. An aura is a warning sign that a bad headache is coming.

Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods. The most common are:

• Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, as well as foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, and dairy products
• Fruits (such as avocado, banana, and citrus fruit)
• Meats containing sodium nitrates, such as bacon, hot dogs, salami, and cured meats
• Red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken liver, figs, and certain beans

Alcohol, stress, hormonal changes, skipping meals, lack of sleep, certain odors or perfumes, loud noises or bright lights, exercise, and cigarette smoking may also trigger a migraine.

Try to treat your symptoms right away. This may help make the headache less severe. When migraine symptoms begin:

• Drink water to avoid dehydration, especially if you have vomited
• Rest in a quiet, dark room
• Place a cool cloth on your head
• Avoid smoking or drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
• Try to sleep

Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, are often helpful when your migraine is mild.

Your health care provider may have prescribed medicines to stop a migraine. These drugs come in different forms. They may come as a nasal spray, rectal suppository, or injection instead of pills. Other medicines can treat nausea and vomiting.

Follow your provider’s instructions about how to take all of your medicines. Rebound headaches are headaches that keep coming back. They can occur from overuse of pain medicine. If you take pain medicine more than 3 days a week on a regular basis, you can develop rebound headaches.

A headache diary can help you identify your headache triggers. When you get a headache, write down:

• Day and time the pain began
• What you ate and drank over the past 24 hours
• How much you slept
• What you were doing and where you were right before the pain started
• How long the headache lasted and what made it stop

Review your diary with your provider to identify triggers or a pattern to your headaches. This can help you and your provider create a treatment plan. Knowing your triggers can help you avoid them.

Lifestyle changes that may help include:

• Avoid triggers that seem to bring on a migraine headache.
• Get regular sleep and exercise.
• Slowly decrease the amount of caffeine you drink every day.
• Learn and practice stress management. Some people find relaxation exercises and meditation helpful.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

If you have frequent migraines, your provider may prescribe medicine to reduce the number of them. You need to take this medicine every day for it to be effective. Your provider may have you try more than one drug before deciding which works best for you.

Call 911 or the local emergency number if:

• You are experiencing “the worst headache of your life.”
• You have speech, vision, or movement problems or loss of balance, especially if you have not had these symptoms with a headache before.
• You have a fever with your headache.
• A headache starts suddenly or is explosive in nature.

Schedule an appointment or call your provider if:

• Your headache patterns or pain changes.
• Treatments that once worked are no longer help.
• You have side effects from your medicine.
• You are pregnant or could become pregnant. Some medicines should not be taken during pregnancy.
• You need to take pain medicines more than 3 days a week.
• You are taking birth control pills and have migraine headaches.
• Your headaches are more severe when lying down.

Headache – migraine – self-care; Vascular headache – self-care

• Migraine cause
• CT scan of the brain
• Migraine headache

Becker WJ. Acute migraine treatment in adults. Headache. 2015;55(6):778-793. PMID: 25877672 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25877672/.

Garza I, Robertson CE, Smith JH, Whealy MA. Headache and other craniofacial pain. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 102.

Marmura MJ, Silberstein SD, Schwedt TJ. The acute treatment of migraine in adults: the American Headache Society evidence assessment of migraine pharmacotherapies. Headache. 2015;55(1):3-20. PMID: 25600718 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25600718/.

Waldman SD. Migraine headache. In: Waldman SD, ed. Atlas of Common Pain Syndromes. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 2.

Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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11 types of headaches: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

There are many different types and causes of headaches, such as migraine, tension-type, cluster, sinus, and hypnic headaches. Medication overuse can also lead to a headache when a person stops using pain relief or other drugs after using them for some time.

Headaches are a common complaint — the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost half of all adults will have experienced at least one headache within the last year.

While they can sometimes be painful and debilitating, a person can treat most of them with simple pain relievers, and they will go away within several hours. However, repeated attacks or certain types of headaches could indicate a more serious health condition.

The International Classification of Headache Disorders defines more than 150 different types of headaches, which it divides into two main categories: primary and secondary.

A primary headache is not due to another condition — it is the condition itself. Examples include migraine and tension headaches. In contrast, a secondary headache has a separate underlying cause, such as a head injury or sudden caffeine withdrawal.

This article explores some of the most common types of headaches, along with their causes, treatment, prevention, and when to speak with a doctor.

A headache with migraine often involves intense throbbing pain on one side of the head.

A person may experience a heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Nausea and vomiting are also common.

Around 25% of people with migraine experience an aura before the headache starts. These are visual and sensory disturbances that typically last 5–60 minutes and include:

• seeing zig-zagging lines, flickering lights, or spots
• partial loss of vision
• numbness
• tingling
• muscle weakness
• difficulty speaking or finding words

Be aware that aura symptoms could also indicate stroke or meningitis. Anyone experiencing these for the first time should seek immediate medical attention.

Migraine headaches tend to be recurrent, and each attack can last from a few hours to several days. For many, it is a lifelong condition.

Health experts do not understand the causes of migraine fully. However, it often runs in families and is more common in people with certain preexisting conditions, such as depression and epilepsy.

Triggers of migraine could include:

• stress and anxiety
• sleep disruption
• hormonal changes
• skipping meals
• dehydration
• some foods and medications
• bright lights and loud noise

Treatment

Treatment will depend on various factors, including how severe the symptoms are, how often they occur, and whether the person experiences nausea and vomiting.

Treatment options include:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or acetaminophen
• triptans, such as sumatriptan, which need a prescription
• antiemetics, such as metoclopramide, to manage nausea and vomiting

Neurostimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, may also help.

A person can also ease attacks by:

• resting in a dark, quiet place
• placing an ice pack or a cold cloth on the forehead
• drinking water

People with chronic migraine should speak with a doctor about preventive treatment. A healthcare professional may diagnose chronic migraine if a person has an episode on more than 15 days per month or if symptoms occur on at least 8 days a month for 3 months.

Drug options for migraine prevention include:

• topiramate (Topamax)
• propranolol
• amitriptyline

Other management choices to consider are dietary changes, stress management, and acupuncture.

Get some tips on managing migraine through lifestyle strategies.

Tension-type headaches affect most people at some time. They present as a dull, constant pain on both sides of the head. Other symptoms can include:

• tenderness of the face, head, neck, and shoulders
• a feeling of pressure behind the eyes
• sensitivity to light and sound

These headaches can last from 30 minutes to several hours.

What causes tension headaches is unclear, but stress, anxiety, and depression are common triggers. Other potential triggers include:

• dehydration
• loud noise
• lack of exercise
• insufficient quality sleep
• posture
• skipped meals
• eye strain

Treatment

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin, are usually very effective in stopping or reducing pain. Individuals experiencing headaches on more than 15 days per month over 90 days should consult a doctor.

Lifestyle changes and some treatments may help prevent tension headaches. These can include:

• getting enough sleep
• regular exercise and stretching
• improving sitting and standing posture
• having an eye test
• management of stress, anxiety, or depression
• acupuncture

Cluster headaches are severe and recurrent headaches. They are six times more likely to affect males than females. People describe an intense burning or piercing pain behind or around one eye.

Other symptoms can include:

• watering eyes
• swollen eyelid
• a blocked or a runny nose
• sensitivity to light and sound
• restlessness or agitation

Cluster headaches usually come on suddenly and without warning and last between 15 minutes and 3 hours. People can experience up to eight attacks a day.

These attacks tend to occur in daily clusters and can persist for weeks or months. They also tend to start at consistent times, often a couple of hours after falling asleep at night.

Any person experiencing these symptoms, which can sometimes resemble hay fever, should consult their doctor.

The cause of cluster headaches is unclear, but they are more likely to occur in smokers. People should avoid alcohol during attack periods.

Treatment

Treatment aims to reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks. Options include:

• oxygen therapy
• sumatriptan
• verapamil
• steroids
• melatonin
• lithium

Deep-brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation also show promise in treating cluster headaches that do not respond to medication.

Exertional headaches are due to strenuous physical exercise, with the following triggers:

• running
• jumping
• weight lifting
• sexual intercourse
• bouts of coughing or sneezing

These headaches are usually very short-lived but can sometimes last up to 2 days. They present as a throbbing pain throughout the head and are more common in those with a family history of migraine.

Individuals experiencing cluster headaches for the first time should see speak with a doctor, as they could be a sign of something serious.

Treatment

Treatment for exertional headaches includes using:

• OTC pain relief
• beta-blockers, such as propanolol
• indomethacin

Sometimes, exertional headaches may result from cardiovascular problems. If so, a doctor may recommend tests to check a person’s cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.

A hypnic headache is a rare condition that usually begins when people are in their 50s, but it can start sooner. People also refer to them as “alarm clock” headaches, and they wake individuals during the night.

A hypnic headache consists of mild-to-moderate throbbing pain, usually in both sides of the head. It can last for up to 3 hours, while other symptoms may include nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

People can experience several attacks each week. The cause of hypnic headaches is not clear, and there are no known triggers.

Although hypnic headaches are harmless, an older adult who experiences any unusual headaches for the first time should seek medical advice. A doctor may wish to rule out migraine and cluster headaches.

Treatment

Treatment options for hypnic headaches include:

• caffeine
• indomethacin
• lithium

A medication-overuse headache (MOH) — sometimes known as a rebound headache — is the most common type of secondary headache. A MOH features frequent or daily headaches with symptoms similar to those of tension headaches or migraine.

These headaches initially respond to painkillers but then reoccur sometime later.

A doctor may diagnose MOH if a person has a headache disorder and has also taken pain relief medication on at least 15 days in a month.

Drugs that can cause MOH include:

• opioids
• acetaminophen
• triptans, such as sumatriptan
• NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

A MOH can still occur despite taking these medications. However, a MOH mainly seems to develop in people taking painkillers specifically to treat a headache.

Treatment

The only treatment for MOH is to stop taking the medication causing the headaches. However, anyone stopping medication should only do so under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor can help devise a plan and may prescribe alternative medicines to ease the withdrawal process.

After stopping the drug, a person is likely to experience:

• worsened headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• increased heart rate
• low blood pressure
• sleep disturbance
• restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness

A doctor may prescribe medication, such as antiemetics, to help relieve these symptoms to manage nausea and vomiting. The symptoms usually last for 2–10 days but can persist for up to 4 weeks.

A doctor will advise on suitable pain relief medication to use after resolving a MOH.

The following steps can help prevent MOH:

• avoiding the use of codeine and opioids
• limiting the use of pain relief medication for headaches
• using preventive medications for a chronic migraine

Sinus headaches occur with sinusitis — an inflammation of the sinuses. It usually results from an infection or an allergy.

The symptoms consist of a dull, throbbing ache around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. The pain may worsen with movement or straining and can sometimes spread to the teeth and jaw.

Other possible symptoms include:

• facial pressure or pain
• reduced sense of smell
• nasal discharge
• a blocked nose
• fever
• fatigue
• ear pain
• bad breath
• cough
• dental pain
• a general feeling of being unwell

Sinus headaches are quite rare. If there are no nasal symptoms, a headache of this nature is more likely to be a migraine attack.

Treatment

Sinusitis usually goes away within 2–3 weeks.

Treatment options include:

• rest
• drinking fluids
• OTC pain relief
• nasal decongestants
• saltwater nasal sprays or solutions from the pharmacy
• antihistamines
• steroid nasal sprays, available on prescription
• antibiotics, if a doctor finds there is a bacterial infection

People should speak with a doctor if symptoms do not improve within a week or become severe.

To diagnose the underlying cause of sinusitis, a doctor may refer an individual to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. In some cases, minor surgery may be necessary to drain the sinuses.

Tips for preventing sinusitis include avoiding smoking and known triggers.

Read some tips on how to treat a sinus infection.

A high caffeine intake — more than 400 milligrams (mg), or around 4 cups of coffee per day — can sometimes lead to headaches.

In people consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine daily for over 2 weeks, withdrawal may result in migraine-like headaches. These typically develop 12–24 hours after stopping abruptly. They peak at 20–51 hours and can last 2–9 days.

Other possible symptoms include:

• tiredness
• difficulty concentrating
• reduced mood or irritability
• nausea

The effects of caffeine vary from person to person, but reducing intake could decrease the risk of getting headaches. Limiting caffeine consumption may help people who have chronic migraine.

Is caffeine bad for you?

Sometimes, a person develops a headache immediately or soon after a head injury.

OTC pain relief often resolves this. However, if symptoms are severe or get worse over time, an individual should seek immediate medical attention.

Always call an ambulance for a serious head injury or if the following symptoms occur after a head injury:

• unconsciousness
• seizures
• vomiting
• memory loss
• confusion
• vision or hearing problems

Post-traumatic headaches can also develop months after the original head injury, making them difficult to diagnose. They can sometimes occur daily and persist for up to 12 months.

Even a small blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury. Learn more here about how to recognize it and what to do.

Headaches are often due to changes in hormone levels. Migraine may occur around menstruation from changes in estrogen levels.

Hormone-related headaches often develop 2 days before or 3 days after a period or during ovulation. Symptoms are similar to migraine without aura, but they can last longer.

Hormone-related headaches can also result from:

• oral contraceptives
• menopause
• pregnancy

Treatment

Treatment for a menstrual headache is the same as the treatment for migraine without aura. Doctors can advise about possible preventive measures, such as:

• hormonal therapy
• taking a triptan or NSAID around the time of periods
• alternative oral contraception plans, such as omitting the pill-free break
• hormone replacement therapy for those undergoing menopause

What is a menstrual migraine?

Consuming excessive alcohol can lead to a throbbing headache the following day or even later that day. These migraine-like headaches usually occur on both sides of the head and can worsen from movement.

Someone with a hangover headache may also experience nausea and sensitivity to light.

Treatment

There are no cures for hangovers, but it is possible to relieve symptoms by drinking plenty of water and eating sugary foods. OTC painkillers may help reduce or stop the headache.

Symptoms of hangovers tend to go away within 72 hours.

Ways of reducing the risk of a hangover include:

• drinking in moderation
• not drinking on an empty stomach
• drinking water between alcoholic beverages and before going to bed

Find some more tips for managing a hangover headache.

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for headache and migraine, visit our dedicated hub.

Was this helpful?

Headaches are a common problem, but most people can manage them with OTC pain relief, such as acetaminophen.

However, anyone who experiences severe, persistent, recurrent, or worsening headaches should consult a doctor. An individual should seek immediate medical assistance if they have a headache:

• that starts suddenly and is extremely painful
• following a significant blow to the head
• with confusion or disturbed vision, balance, or speech
• with numbness or weakness
• with fever, seizures, or unconsciousness
• with a stiff neck or rash
• with persistent vomiting

Children who have recurring headaches should also speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Headaches can affect many people. Often, taking OTC pain relief, such as NSAIDs, will resolve them. However, in some cases, headaches may indicate a medical issue.

Cluster, migraine, and medication-overuse headaches are all types of headaches that may benefit from medical help and possibly prescription medication.

Anyone with concerns about persistent headaches should seek medical advice, as they can sometimes indicate an underlying disorder.

Read this article in Spanish.

Headache in children – health articles

11/10/2022

Why does the child have a headache?

Headache (cephalgia) is any discomfort that occurs in the area from the eyebrows to the back of the head. This is one of the few sufferings familiar to almost anyone. At the appointment with a neurologist, every fifth patient complains of a headache.

It has long been believed that cephalalgia in children, especially young children, is rare. Actually it is not. It’s just that kids can’t describe how they feel when they have a headache, and older children don’t like to complain about it and even hide this fact from their parents.

The most common causes of cephalalgia in children are mental, physical and emotional stress, vegetative-vascular dystonia, migraine, head injuries, inflammatory diseases in the head and neck. It is worth paying attention to how much time the child spends near the computer or TV. Prolonged stress on the organs of vision and hearing can provoke a headache.

Often cephalalgia occurs in a child who spends a long time in a stuffy room or eats irregularly. By the way, children who do not attend kindergarten are more likely to experience pain. This is due to the fact that parents do not always adhere to the daily routine for the child in a family environment, while in kindergarten there is timely meals and daytime sleep.

Sometimes a severe and especially sudden headache can signal problems in the brain or central nervous system. Also, cephalgia may indicate emotional or psychological problems, or a viral disease: tonsillitis, colds, flu.

Parents should remember that headache complaints are subjective and difficult to verify. There are “phenomena of pain” that make it possible to judge the presence and nature of the pain syndrome. It is necessary to analyze how a child with complaints of cephalalgia behaves. With complaints that deserve attention, the mood background is reduced, interest in the environment is weakening, the child seeks to lie down. There is a serious facial expression, sometimes shifted eyebrows, wrinkles over the bridge of the nose. Sometimes there is crying or moaning. The pallor or redness of the face, dark circles under the eyes, cold fingers are striking.

Headache in infants is manifested by general anxiety, sleep disturbance, refusal to eat, regurgitation “fountain”, fever. In severe cases, there is a monotonous “brain” cry. At 1-2 years old, instead of complaining of a headache, children talk about fatigue, they want to lie down. They may redden the whites of their eyes, yawning appears. Children from 3 to 7 years old can already distinguish and describe cephalalgia.

Nowadays, schoolchildren constantly experience stress and overwork. Among all types of cephalalgia in adolescents, in 80% of cases and more often there is a headache of muscle tension. Children complain of a feeling of “tightness” around the head, tension and soreness of the scalp muscles are felt, discomfort occurs when combing the hair.

At the age of 12-13, hormonal changes begin in the child’s body, affecting the functioning of his vessels and his psycho-emotional state, which can provoke the development of vascular headaches. There is a strong dependence on changes in weather conditions.

Migraine may be a possible cause of recurrent headaches. The probability of a migraine in a child is higher, the more his adult relatives are susceptible to it. An attack can provoke hunger, some foods, such as cheese, chocolate. Headache is accompanied by nausea, in severe cases – vomiting, “spots” appear before the eyes, photophobia.

To clarify the nature of cephalgia in many children, it becomes necessary to conduct laboratory and instrumental studies, which makes it possible to exclude volumetric formations of the brain, the presence of concomitant diseases.

Treatment

In addition to drug therapy, a wide range of therapeutic methods and interventions are currently used to treat cephalalgia. The amount of drug assistance is determined by the doctor in each case.

Treatment of episodic headaches in children should begin with the correction of diet and diet, creating comfortable conditions for sleep. Daily walks in the fresh air are essential. Of the sports disciplines, preference is given to swimming, wushu, karate, and yoga. For children who are emotionally labile, impressionable, relaxation sessions with a psychotherapist, training in auto-training are recommended.

Physical therapy can be an alternative to drug therapy.

Children’s clinics “MEDSI-ProMedicine” successfully use transcranial micropolarization methods (for cephalgia after head injuries) and interstitial electrical stimulation on the Gerasimov apparatus (for migraine, vascular headache) to treat headaches. Children with vegetative-vascular dystonia are shown acupuncture, massage, therapeutic baths.

In most cases, a child’s headache is benign, but we must not forget that in some cases the headache becomes a manifestation of a serious illness. That is why it is important not to disregard even the rare complaints of the child. Parental anxiety is often understandable and justified.

The author of the article: a neurologist of the highest category Tukhfaeva Svetlana Gennadievna

7 things that absolutely cannot be done with a headache: the opinion of a doctor But if the headache does not leave you for more than half a month, you need to sound the alarm.

September 8, 2022

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Few people perceive a headache as something serious. Let’s be honest: much more often it is caused by something not very dangerous than brain cancer.

However, a headache can give you a lot of unpleasant hours and reduce the quality of life, so you should not ignore it after all. Therapist Marrat Farrakhov tells about why the head hurts most often and what methods popular among the people will definitely not help get rid of the problem.

According to Farrakhov, approximately 80% of adults on the planet experience headaches in one way or another. If you just have a headache from time to time and an ordinary painkiller pill can save you, then there is nothing wrong with that. But if your head hurts more than 15 days a month, this already becomes a real problem. And sometimes breaking the vicious circle of “pain – pill – relief – pain” can be very difficult.

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There are many (over 200!) reasons why you might get a headache. But in 90% of cases, Farrakhov notes in his social network group, people suffer from two types: tension headaches and migraines.

In the first case, everything happens like this: against the background of severe stress, a person develops a spasm of the muscles surrounding the skull and neck. Therefore, such pain is dull, aching, fettering. She is not so strong as to interfere with work, but she constantly reminds herself of herself.

As a rule, such pain does not cause symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, drowsiness. However, in some cases, tension headache sufferers may complain of palpitations, dizziness, unusual weakness, and other unpleasant symptoms.

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But the second type of headache, migraine, is one of the most ignored diagnoses by doctors. Many people think that a migraine is what Pontius Pilate experienced in The Master and Margarita: a severe, throbbing pain in one side of the head. However, in reality, the symptoms of migraine can be very different.

Why do migraines occur at all? It’s all about the wrong work of the trigeminal nerve in the depths of the skull, explains Farrakhov. With a migraine, a person often cannot continue to live as usual, work, such pain is difficult to remove with the help of medications.

However, if you constantly try to suppress such pain with medicines, you may encounter an unusual and very unpleasant phenomenon – overuse headache , that is, pain that appears due to an overabundance of certain pills. In this case, a person will be tormented by two types of chronic pain at once.

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There are several popular methods of dealing with headaches that you definitely do not need to use, Farrakhov emphasizes: