🩺 Headache Explained

🔍 What does headache mean? 

Headache means pain or pressure in the head. It can feel dull, tight, throbbing, sharp, or heavy.

Doctors use the word headache to describe many different patterns of head pain, because causes vary widely. Headache is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Most headaches are not dangerous and are related to common, everyday factors.

📌 Top 5 common reasons doctors use this term 

Doctors most often use headache because of common causes such as:

1. Tension or stress
   
   

2. Dehydration
   
   

3. Poor sleep or eye strain
   
   

4. Sinus congestion or allergies
   
   

5. Migraine patterns
   
   

Headaches often have more than one trigger.

⚠️ Common symptoms people notice 

People with headaches may notice:

• Pressure or tightness around the head
  
  

• Pain on one or both sides
  
  

• Throbbing or pulsing pain
  
  

• Sensitivity to light or sound
  
  

• Neck or shoulder tension
  
  

Headaches can last minutes, hours, or longer.

❓ Common questions people ask 

Why do I wake up with a headache? 

Morning headaches are often linked to dehydration, poor sleep quality, teeth grinding, or tension built up overnight. 

Why do I get headaches every day? 

Daily headaches may be related to stress, posture, eye strain, sleep issues, or frequent medication use. 

Why does my headache feel worse when I move? 

Movement can increase pressure in the head, especially with sinus congestion, migraines, or dehydration. 

Why do headaches come with nausea? 

Some headache types, especially migraines, can affect areas of the brain involved in nausea. 

🧪 How doctors usually check headaches 

Doctors may evaluate headaches using:

• Symptom history and patterns
  
  

• Physical and neurological exams
  
  

• Review of sleep, stress, and habits
  
  

• Imaging or blood tests only if needed
  
  

Most headaches are diagnosed based on symptom patterns, not tests.

👩‍⚕️ Do I need a regular doctor or a specialist? 

Most headaches are managed by a primary care doctor.

If a specialist is needed

• Neurologist – for frequent, severe, or unusual headaches
  
  

• ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) – for sinus-related headaches
  
  

• Eye doctor – for vision or eye strain causes
  
  

Specialist care depends on frequency, severity, and associated symptoms.

🔄 What usually happens next 

For many people, next steps may include:

• Identifying triggers
  
  

• Improving hydration and sleep
  
  

• Stress management
  
  

• Medications if needed
  
  

• Follow-up if headaches persist
  
  

Most headaches improve with lifestyle changes and proper management.

ℹ️ Important note 

This page is for educational purposes only.

It does not diagnose any condition.

Always follow guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. 

🔗 Explore related medical terms 

Dehydration

Inflammation