Headaches are common, disruptive and not all created equal. Knowing the main types, how they present, and the danger signs to act on can help you treat them smarter and seek care when it matters.
ALSO SEE: Five feminine hygiene myths, explained
Primary vs secondary headaches
Doctors group headaches into two broad categories. Primary headaches are conditions in their own right, driven by sensitivity in the brain’s pain pathways. Secondary headaches are symptoms of something else, such as a sinus infection, high blood pressure or head injury. Clinicians use the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) to name and diagnose them.
Primary headaches you are most likely to meet
Migraine. Typically, a throbbing pain, often one-sided, lasting 4 to 72 hours, and commonly paired with nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience a visual or sensory aura beforehand. Management usually blends trigger control with acute and, when needed, preventive medicines prescribed by a clinician.
Tension-type headache. A dull, tight, band-like pressure across both sides of the head. Stress, poor sleep, posture, and neck or jaw strain are frequent contributors. Relaxation techniques, movement, and simple pain relief can help. If they are frequent or near-daily, see your GP.
Cluster headache. Excruciating, short attacks centred around or behind one eye, often with tearing, redness, a droopy eyelid or a blocked nostril on the same side. Bouts can strike daily for weeks. High-flow oxygen and specific prescription medicines are first-line, while preventives can shorten a cluster period.
Hemicrania continua. A continuous, one-sided headache that waxes and wanes in intensity and may bring light sensitivity, eye watering or nasal stuffiness. A hallmark is a complete or near-complete response to the anti-inflammatory indomethacin, confirmed under medical supervision.
Primary stabbing (ice-pick) headache. Sudden, very brief stabbing pains that hit without warning, usually in areas served by the trigeminal nerve. They are short-lived but can recur. A new or changing pattern warrants a check-up to exclude secondary causes.
Secondary headaches to know about
Sinus headache. True sinusitis headache comes with thick nasal discharge, facial pressure, fever and pain that worsens when bending forward. Many self-diagnosed “sinus headaches” are actually migraine, so review the full picture with your doctor before repeating decongestants.
Hormone-related headache. Fluctuations in oestrogen around menstruation, during pregnancy or with some contraceptives can trigger migraine-type headaches. A symptom diary linked to your cycle helps tailor treatment.
Caffeine withdrawal. Stopping caffeine abruptly can bring a diffuse, throbbing headache within a day, peaking after one to two days and settling within a week. A gradual taper is kinder than going cold turkey.
Exertional headache. Short, sudden headaches triggered by hard exercise, heavy lifting, coughing or sneezing are often benign, but a new exertional pattern should be assessed to rule out other causes.
Medication-overuse headache. Using acute pain tablets too often can make headaches more frequent. As a guide, most simple painkillers on 15 or more days a month, or triptans and combination analgesics on 10 or more days a month, raise the risk. Prevention and a supervised reset of medicines are key.
Hypertensive emergency headache. A severe, pulsating headache with very high blood pressure and warning signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, confusion, visual changes, weakness or seizures needs urgent care.
Red flags that need urgent assessment
Seek urgent medical help if you have a thunderclap headache that peaks in seconds; a new, severe headache after a head injury; headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, seizures, visual loss or any new neurological symptom; a new headache in pregnancy or within six weeks after birth; a first new headache over the age of 50 or a dramatic change in your usual pattern; or a headache triggered by exertion, cough or sexual activity that is new for you.
Smart self-care
Staying hydrated, eating regular meals and protecting your sleep help to steady common triggers, especially during summer heat or when load-shedding disrupts routine. Limit acute pain tablets to the fewest days you can manage in a month to avoid medication-overuse headache. Keep a simple diary of headache days, symptoms and likely triggers; it makes consultations faster and more precise. If attacks are frequent, disabling or changing, ask your GP for a personalised plan or a referral to a neurologist.
Bottom line: most headaches are manageable once you recognise the pattern. Treat what you can at home, watch your medicine use, and act quickly on red flags. Getting the right diagnosis is the quickest route to relief.
ALSO SEE:
Cravings decoded: what they mean and smarter ways to satisfy them
Featured Image: Pexels
