Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)

Are there different types of headaches? — Yes. There are different types of headaches. The most common types are:

●Tension headaches – Tension headaches cause pressure or tightness on both sides of the head.

●Migraine headaches – Migraine headaches often start mild and then get worse. They often affect just 1 side of the head. The pain often feels like it is pounding or throbbing. Routine activities like walking or climbing stairs can make the headache worse. Migraines can also cause nausea or vomiting, or make you sensitive to light and sound.

●Cluster headaches – Cluster headaches affect 1 side of the head. They start quickly, happen frequently, and are very painful. They also cause symptoms on the same side of the face where the headache is. For example, you might get a droopy or watery eye, a stuffy nose, or facial sweating on 1 side.

●Secondary headaches – Sometimes, a headache is related to another health problem. Doctors call this "secondary headache." For example, infections, illnesses, or medicines can cause a headache. Your doctor or nurse will help figure out if your headache is related to another condition.

Is there anything I can do to feel better? — Yes. Some people feel better if they:

●Take non-prescription pain medicines – Check with your doctor first if you have a health condition or already take prescription medicines.

●Rest in a cool, dark, quiet room – This works best for migraine headaches. Some people find it helps to put a cold compress on their head or neck.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — You should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

●Your headache starts suddenly, quickly becomes severe, or could be described as "the worst headache of your life."

●You also have a seizure, personality changes, or confusion, or you pass out.

●You have weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or trouble seeing. (Migraine headaches can sometimes cause these symptoms, but you should be seen right away the first time that these symptoms happen.)

You should see a doctor or nurse if:

●You get frequent or severe headaches.

●Your headache began after you exercised or had a minor injury.

●You have new headaches, especially if you are pregnant or older than 50.

●You have a fever or stiff neck with your headache.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor or nurse might want to do tests. This can help them figure out if your headache might be related to another health problem.

What might be causing my headaches? — Some people find that their headaches are triggered by certain foods or things they do. To get an idea of what might be causing your headaches, you can keep a "headache diary." This involves writing down every time you have a headache and what you ate and did before it started.

Some common headache triggers include:

●Stress

●Skipping meals or eating too little

●Having too little or too much caffeine

●Sleeping too much or too little

●Drinking alcohol

●Certain foods or drinks

●Not drinking enough water

You can also write down what medicine you took for the headache and whether or not it helped.

Is there anything I can do to keep from getting headaches? — If you know what things trigger your headache, avoid those things if possible. For example, it might help to:

●Change your eating or sleeping patterns.

●Learn relaxation techniques and healthy ways to manage stress.

●Make healthy lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and getting more physical activity.

If your headaches are frequent, severe, or long-lasting, your doctor can suggest ways to try to prevent them. In some cases, medicines can also help.

How are headaches treated? — There are lots of medicines that can ease the pain of headaches. You can try taking acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). There are prescription medicines that can help with pain, too.

The right treatment for you will depend on what type of headaches you get, how often you get them, and how bad they are. Some medicines are used to treat headaches, and others are taken every day to try to prevent headaches.

If you get headaches often, work with your doctor to find a treatment that helps. Do not try to manage frequent headaches on your own with non-prescription pain medicines. Taking these too often can actually cause more headaches later.

More on this topic

Patient education: Headaches in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Migraines in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Migraines in children (The Basics)

Patient education: Migraines in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache causes and diagnosis in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache in children (Beyond the Basics)