Headache: Types, Causes & When to See a Doctor
Headaches range from mild tension-type discomfort to disabling migraines. Most are not dangerous, but sudden severe headaches or new patterns after age 50 warrant prompt medical attention.
Headaches range from mild tension-type discomfort to disabling migraines.
What is headache?
Headaches range from mild tension-type discomfort to disabling migraines.
Common headache types
Tension-type headaches often feel like a band around the head and relate to stress, poor sleep, or eye strain. Migraines typically cause throbbing pain, often one-sided, with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Cluster headaches cause severe pain around one eye in recurring episodes. Sinus headaches relate to facial pressure during infection or allergy — though many self-diagnosed 'sinus' headaches are actually migraines.
When to see a doctor for headache
Seek urgent care for the 'worst headache of your life,' sudden onset thunderclap headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, weakness, vision loss, or after head injury.
Non-urgent evaluation is appropriate for frequent headaches, increasing frequency, headaches that interfere with work, or those requiring pain medicine more than twice weekly.
When to seek medical care
Emergency care for sudden severe headache, neurological symptoms, fever with stiff neck, or after significant head trauma. Routine care for frequent or worsening headaches.
Which doctor treats headache?
For headache, a neurologist is often the appropriate starting point. They can examine you, order relevant tests, and refer to another specialist if needed. View available doctors.
Frequently asked questions
What causes headaches?
Causes include tension, migraine, dehydration, sleep problems, eye strain, infections, and medication overuse. Sudden severe headaches need emergency evaluation.
Which doctor treats headaches?
A general physician can evaluate most headaches. A neurologist may be referred for complex, frequent, or treatment-resistant migraines and headaches.
Related topics in this cluster
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