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Simple Appointment Booking

Easily get headache treatment online with a quick, stress-free appointment. Speak with a doctor from home, share your symptoms, and receive a personalised plan to reduce your pain and manage your headaches effectively.

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Effective Pain Treatment

Access headache treatment online and find relief fast. Our doctors provide expert guidance, from medication options to lifestyle tips tailored to your needs. Take control of your headaches with convenient online support and personalised care.

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Trusted Medical Support

Receive ongoing support even after your headache treatment online. Our doctors are here to guide you, monitor your progress, and adjust your care plan as needed, ensuring you have lasting relief and the right tools to manage future headaches.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is A Headache?

A headache is a pain or discomfort felt in any part of the head or face. It can feel like throbbing, pressure, sharp pain, or a dull ache. Headaches vary widely in how intense they are, where they’re located, and how often they occur.

 

Most headaches are common and usually not a cause for serious concern. Many people experience headaches throughout their lives, which are a frequent reason for missing work or school. However, in rare cases, headaches can be a symptom of a more serious condition, so paying attention to any unusual or severe symptoms is essential.

Headache Types

Primary Headaches

Any other illness or condition does not cause primary headaches. They happen because of issues with parts of your head that feel pain, like:

  • Certain parts of the brain

  • Blood vessels

  • Muscles

  • Nerves

  • Brain chemicals

Common types of primary headaches include:

  • Tension Headaches: The most common type, often linked to stress or sitting with bad posture.

  • Migraines: Extreme headaches that can make you feel sick and sensitive to light or noise.

  • Cluster Headaches: Severe headaches that happen in groups or “clusters” over some time.

  • New Daily Persistent Headaches (NDPH): Headaches that start suddenly and last every day.

Primary headaches can be triggered by certain foods, skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, or being stressed. They can be painful and make it hard to do things, but they’re usually not dangerous.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches happen because of another health problem, like an illness or injury. They’re a symptom of something else. Examples include:

  • Dehydration Headaches: From not drinking enough water, which usually gets better when you rehydrate.

  • Sinus Headaches: Caused by sinus infections or pressure in the sinuses.

  • Medication Overuse Headaches: Happen if you take pain medicine too often.

Some secondary headaches can be severe, like:

  • Spinal Headaches: These happen when spinal fluid leaks, often after medical procedures like a spinal tap.

  • Thunderclap Headaches: Sudden, severe headaches that feel like a clap of thunder and need quick medical care. They can be a sign of something serious, like a brain injury or bleeding.

If you have an excruciating headache that doesn’t go away or comes with other worrisome symptoms, see a doctor.

Headache Symptoms

If you or your child experiences any of the following headache symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical help right away:

  • A sudden, severe headache that’s new or unusual.

  • Headache accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, a stiff neck, or a rash.

  • Headache following a head injury or accident.

  • A new type of headache appears after the age of 55.

Additionally, seek urgent care if your headache is linked with neurological symptoms, such as:

  • Weakness or sudden dizziness.

  • Loss of balance or falling.

  • Numbness, tingling, or paralysis.

  • Difficulty speaking or mental confusion.

  • Seizures or changes in personality.

  • Vision changes, like blurred or double vision or blind spots.

Headache Causes

Headaches can happen for many reasons, and they are generally divided into two main types: primary and secondary.

Primary Headaches

Another health condition does not cause primary headaches. They result from issues with the pain-sensitive areas of your head, like nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Common causes and triggers include:

  • Dietary Factors: Alcohol (especially red wine), certain foods like cheese or processed meats, and too much caffeine or skipping meals.

  • Lifestyle Triggers: Poor posture, stress, lack of sleep, or too much screen time. Even bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells can set off headaches.

  • Hormonal Changes: Hormones can play a role, especially in females.

  • Physical Activity: Strenuous exercise or physical strain.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches occur because of another health problem or condition. These can range from simple to severe, including:

  • Infections: Sinus infections, ear infections, or colds can lead to headaches.

  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause headaches.

  • Eye Strain Or Dental Issues: Problems like needing glasses or dental pain can trigger headaches.

  • More Serious Causes: Conditions like brain tumours, strokes, aneurysms, glaucoma, or meningitis may also cause headaches. Sudden and severe headaches, especially with other symptoms like blurry vision or confusion, need immediate medical attention.

Sometimes, headaches can even result from substance use or withdrawal, like from alcohol or caffeine. In rare cases, severe conditions like acute glaucoma (a sudden increase in eye pressure) can cause intense headaches and require emergency treatment.

Headache Treatment

While there isn’t a cure for headaches, several ways exist to manage the pain and reduce how often they occur. Treatments may include a mix of self-care, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Self-Care At Home

For mild headaches, simple remedies can often help:

  • Lie down in a dark, quiet room.

  • Try to get some sleep.

  • Place a cold or warm cloth on your neck or forehead.

  • Take a walk outside for fresh air.

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Stretch or gently massage your neck muscles.

Medications For Headaches

Over-the-counter pain relief medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin can help. (Remember, aspirin should not be given to children under 16.) For frequent or severe headaches, doctors may prescribe:

  • Low doses of antidepressants for pain relief.

  • Anti-nausea medicine, especially for migraines.

  • Triptans, a type of medication used specifically for migraines.

Other Treatments

If headaches persist, your doctor may suggest:

  • Stress Management: Learning techniques to handle stress better.

  • Avoiding Triggers: Keeping track of and avoiding things that cause headaches.

  • Neck Exercises And Massage: Gentle exercises or massages to relieve tension.

Alternative And Integrative Treatments

Some people find relief through alternative methods but always consult your doctor first. These may include:

  • Acupuncture: Inserting tiny needles to reduce pain.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Therapy to manage stress and pain.

  • Herbal Supplements: Such as magnesium or vitamin D, though evidence isn’t conclusive.

  • Meditation And Relaxation Techniques: To calm the mind and body.

For those with medication overuse headaches, doctors may advise slowly reducing painkillers to prevent worsening symptoms. In some cases, managing underlying conditions, like high blood pressure or jaw problems, is also essential.

Mobi Doctor offers quick, online consultations to help you manage headaches. Our experienced doctors can provide personalised advice, suggest effective treatments, and guide you in finding relief—all from the comfort of your home.

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