{"id":282552,"date":"2026-07-10T04:11:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T04:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=282552"},"modified":"2026-07-10T04:12:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T04:12:35","slug":"diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Headaches Happen? Common Causes, Symptoms and Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><head><meta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html; charset=utf-8\">\n<\/head><body><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5106ba9d0b5\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5106ba9d0b5\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#What_Is_a_Headache\" >What\u00a0Is\u00a0a Headache?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Types_of_Headaches\" >Types of Headaches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Symptoms_of_Headache\" >Symptoms of Headache<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Causes_of_Headache\" >Causes of Headache<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Risk_Factors_for_Headaches\" >Risk Factors for Headaches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#How_Are_Headaches_Diagnosed\" >How Are Headaches Diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Treatment_for_Headache\" >Treatment for Headache<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Tips_for_Prevention_of_Headaches\" >Tips for\u00a0Prevention\u00a0of\u00a0Headaches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#When_to_Consult_a_Doctor\" >When to Consult a\u00a0Doctor?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/diagnostic-why-do-headaches-happen-common-causes-symptoms-and-treatments\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n    <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/channel-health-talk\"\n       class=\"pe-healthtalk-banner\"\n       style=\"position:relative; display:block; margin:10px; border-radius:10px; border-bottom:2px solid #117B77; overflow:hidden;\">\n        <span aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"position:absolute; left:0; bottom:0; width:2px; height:50%; background:#10847e;\"><\/span>\n        <img alt=\"Join Health Talk by PharmEasy on WhatsApp\"\n             src=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/PEhealthtalk-1.png\"\n             style=\"width:100%; display:block; border-radius:10px;\">\n    <\/a>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span><strong>Introduction<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A headache\u00a0is\u00a0a common problem\u00a0that\u00a0makes\u00a0it difficult to study, work, or enjoy any activities you do. Although\u00a0headaches\u00a0may\u00a0not\u00a0be\u00a0severe\u00a0in most cases, sometimes they may be a cause\u00a0for\u00a0concern.\u00a0However, knowing\u00a0their\u00a0cause\u00a0can help\u00a0you\u00a0get\u00a0the\u00a0right treatment\u00a0you\u00a0need<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0In this blog,\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0cover the common causes and symptoms of headaches, the available treatment options, and simple ways to help\u00a0manage\u00a0them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Headache\"><\/span><strong>What\u00a0Is\u00a0a Headache?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A headache is a pain or discomfort\u00a0arising from pain-sensitive structures\u00a0in the head, such as the blood vessels, nerves,\u00a0and the tissues covering the brain\u00a0(meninges)<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38043970\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0This pain occurs because of changes in the way the brain, nerves, and blood vessels process pain signals.\u00a0It can\u00a0occur in\u00a0different parts\u00a0of the head, scalp,\u00a0or\u00a0face. It may feel dull, sharp, throbbing, or like a tight band wrapped around the head. Headaches can last from a few minutes to several hours or, in some cases, even days, depending on the underlying cause. While most headaches are not serious and improve with simple treatment, some may be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group  fact-box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>Did You Know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Around 40%\u00a0(3.1 billion)\u00a0of the global population experiences headache disorders.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches are more common in women than in men.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Migraine is\u00a0said to be the\u00a0third leading cause of neurological disability worldwide, based on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches can affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/headache-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Headaches\"><\/span><strong>Types of Headaches<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Headaches\u00a0are broadly classified into primary headaches and secondary headaches, depending on whether the headache itself is the main condition or is caused by another medical problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Primary Headaches<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Primary Headaches\" class=\"wp-image-282605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-375x250.webp 375w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-741x494.webp 741w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-480x320.webp 480w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Primary-Headaches.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Headaches that\u00a0occur because of changes in the pain-sensitive structures of the head or the way the brain processes pain\u00a0are called primary headaches.\u00a0They may\u00a0not\u00a0be\u00a0caused by an underlying health condition.\u00a0The\u00a0different\u00a0types\u00a0of headaches\u00a0(primary)\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"1\">\n<li><strong>Tension Headaches:<\/strong>\u00a0These\u00a0are\u00a0one of\u00a0the most common\u00a0type\u00a0of headache.\u00a0They\u00a0usually cause a dull, aching pain or a feeling of tightness around the forehead or the back of the head and neck.\u00a0They can last anywhere from 30\u202fminutes to\u00a0about 7 days.\u00a0They\u00a0may happen occasionally,\u00a0frequently, or even become a long-term (chronic) problem.\u00a0They usually begin around puberty and are most common in people in their 30s.\u00a0These headaches are caused by several factors<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK562274\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4<\/a><\/sup>,\u00a0such as\u00a0stress,\u00a0poor sleep,\u00a0poor posture, anxiety, and muscle\u00a0strain<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cluster Headaches:\u00a0<\/strong>These are\u00a0a rare,\u00a0but\u00a0an\u00a0extremely painful type of headache.\u00a0They cause sudden, intense pain on one side of the head, usually around one eye<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0The pain\u00a0can last\u00a0from 15 minutes to 3 hours<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/the-complete-headache-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0These headaches occur in repeated episodes, or clusters, often at the same time each day or night and may continue for several weeks before disappearing for months. During an attack, the affected eye may become red or watery, the nose may become blocked or runny, and the person may feel restless.\u00a0They most commonly occur between the ages of 20 and 40\u00a0but can occur\u00a0at any age, including\u00a0in children and older adults. They\u00a0are more common in men than in women<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0Cluster\u00a0headaches\u00a0are usually triggered by alcohol<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/the-complete-headache-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Migraine:\u00a0<\/strong>This is a common type of headache that occurs\u00a0repeatedly.\u00a0It causes\u00a0moderate-to-severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0It usually lasts between 4 to 72 hours<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/headache-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0and can cause\u00a0symptoms like\u00a0nausea, vomiting,\u00a0and\u00a0blurred vision.\u00a0Some people\u00a0may\u00a0experience warning signs, also\u00a0known\u00a0as aura,\u00a0such as\u00a0flashing lights\u00a0(most common),\u00a0tingling sensations in\u00a0the\u00a0arms and legs,\u00a0or trouble speaking,\u00a0prior to\u00a0or during\u00a0the headache<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40597581\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">7<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0They mostly occur during puberty and are common among people aged 35 to 45\u00a0years.\u00a0Women are more prone to migraine than men.\u00a0In children,\u00a0a\u00a0migraine attack\u00a0lasts\u00a0usually\u00a0for\u00a0a short period\u00a0and\u00a0can also cause stomach-related symptoms<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/headache-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0\u00a0The most common triggers include alcohol consumption, certain\u00a0odours, weather changes, hunger,\u00a0and\u00a0emotional stress<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/the-complete-headache-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><div id=\"sfa_container_282552\" class=\"sfa_container\" style=\"display:none\"><div class=\"sfa_overlay\"><\/div><button id=\"sfa_btn_282552\" class=\"sfa_btn\">Show Full Article<\/button><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Secondary Headache<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Secondary Headache\" class=\"wp-image-282606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-375x250.webp 375w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-741x494.webp 741w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-480x320.webp 480w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Secondary-Headache.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is a\u00a0type which\u00a0indicates\u00a0an underlying health condition, such as\u00a0high blood pressure\u00a0(BP), infection,\u00a0or\u00a0head injury.\u00a0It can last from a few minutes to several days, weeks, or even months, depending on the underlying cause<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37456555\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0It happens when the condition affects the pain-sensitive tissues or nerves in the head.\u00a0It is\u00a0less\u00a0common,\u00a0but\u00a0needs\u00a0prompt\u00a0medical evaluation and treatment for the underlying cause\u00a0rather\u00a0than the headache itself<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0Examples include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"1\">\n<li><strong>Sinus Headache:<\/strong>\u00a0Although less common, sinus headaches\u00a0occur when the sinuses become inflamed or infected<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19344297\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000647.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0A sinus headache may\u00a0cause pain or pressure around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or nose, and on one or both sides of the face. The pain may worsen when a person bends forward or\u00a0lies down<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup>,\u00a0and can last for more than 12 weeks if left untreated<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000647.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0It is often accompanied by a blocked or runny nose,\u00a0inflammation of the nasal passages,\u00a0thick yellow or green nasal mucus, facial tenderness, or cough<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0The most common triggers include smoking, hay fever\/allergic rhinitis, cold,\u00a0and\u00a0altitude changes<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000647.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0However, in many self-diagnosed cases, migraines are actually mistaken for sinus headaches<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/sinus-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">11<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medication Overuse Headache:<\/strong>\u00a0This is also known as a rebound headache. It usually occurs due to the frequent or long-term use of pain-relieving medicines. Instead of reducing the pain, overusing these medicines can make headaches occur more often, sometimes\u00a0for\u00a0more than 15 days each month. This happens because\u00a0the\u00a0frequent use of these medicines can change the way the brain responds to pain.\u00a0The common culprits are narcotic\u00a0medicines, triptans, and even over-the-counter medications, such as\u00a0ibuprofen\u00a0and acetaminophen<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other types of secondary headaches include\u00a0post-traumatic headache\u00a0(related to head injury or trauma),\u00a0headaches related to\u00a0an\u00a0arterial ischemic event (caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to a stroke),\u00a0headaches related to arthritis,\u00a0hypertension headache\u00a0(caused by extremely high BP),\u00a0and\u00a0reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (caused by temporary narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain)<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37456555\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_Headache\"><\/span><strong>Symptoms of Headache<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Headache symptoms\u00a0can vary based on the type. While some symptoms are specific to certain types of headaches, there are a few common signs\u00a0and symptoms\u00a0that many people with headaches may experience. These\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Mild-to-severe pain\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain on one or both sides\u00a0of the head or\u00a0that\u00a0encompasses\u00a0the entire head\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sudden or gradual pain\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain that lasts for minutes\u00a0to hours\u00a0or days, affects sleep,\u00a0or becomes\u00a0worse with physical activity, movement, coughing, or bending forward\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty carrying out daily activities due to the pain\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Episodes that occur occasionally or repeatedly over time<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_Headache\"><\/span><strong>Causes of Headache<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The causes of headaches vary depending on the type.\u00a0Some of the most common\u00a0headache\u00a0causes\u00a0include\u00a0the following.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Causes of Primary Headaches<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Stress and emotional\u00a0tension\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle tightness\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor posture\u00a0(eye strain, prolonged screen time, etc.)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dehydration and alcohol use\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disruptions to\u00a0the\u00a0body\u2019s natural sleep and wake cycle<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hormonal changes<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/headache-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skipping meals<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in the levels of certain brain chemicals\u00a0(e.g.,\u00a0serotonin\u00a0and\u00a0histamine)<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25205974\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">13<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Causes of Secondary Headaches<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Infection,\u00a0inflammation, or fluid\u00a0build-up in the sinuses<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nasal polyps. These are\u00a0growths\u00a0inside\u00a0the\u00a0sinus or nose lining<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sinus-infection\/about\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14<\/a><\/sup>\u00a0that may\u00a0rarely\u00a0cause a headache\u00a0if they block the sinus or cause a sinus infection\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequent or long-term use of\u00a0medications such as\u00a0triptans, narcotics,\u00a0and\u00a0aspirin<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Head injury\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extremely\u00a0high\u00a0BP\u00a0that may be life-threatening (hypertensive emergencies)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tumours\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stroke<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_Factors_for_Headaches\"><\/span><strong>Risk Factors for Headaches<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to understanding\u00a0the causes of headaches,\u00a0knowing the risk factors\u00a0is\u00a0very important\u00a0to reduce\u00a0the risk or manage the condition.\u00a0Factors\u00a0that may increase the risk of a person having headaches\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Sex\u00a0(headaches are more common in\u00a0women)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family history\u00a0of headaches\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weather changes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caffeine\u00a0intake\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking and alcohol use (particularly red wine)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bright light and strong smell (in\u00a0the\u00a0case of migraine)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain foods (cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, processed meat, etc.)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional stress<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seasonal allergies\u00a0(pollen, dust, moulds, etc.) and cold. However, these may be accompanied by other triggers such as\u00a0migraine, acute upper respiratory infections, or acute\u00a0sinus infection.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry air\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weak immune system<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sinus-infection\/about\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0These are common risk factors for many types of headaches. Having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0get headaches<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_Headaches_Diagnosed\"><\/span><strong>How Are Headaches Diagnosed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following are the approaches\u00a0a\u00a0doctor might take to\u00a0identify\u00a0the\u00a0type of headache:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Medical History:<\/strong>\u00a0The doctor might\u00a0enquire about\u00a0the\u00a0symptoms, including when the headaches began,\u00a0how frequently they occur,\u00a0where the pain is felt,\u00a0how long they persist,\u00a0family history,\u00a0any known allergies,\u00a0and the medications\u00a0usually\u00a0taken while having a headache<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sinus-infection\/about\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">14<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Physical Examination:<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0doctor might look for symptoms such as\u00a0fever, high\u00a0BP, sinus problems, or neck stiffness\u00a0that\u00a0may be causing the headache<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neurological Examination:<\/strong>\u00a0The doctor may\u00a0assess\u00a0the\u00a0reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, balance, coordination, vision, and other nerve functions to look for abnormalities<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Blood Tests:<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0doctor might suggest tests such as:\u00a0\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/diagnostics\/profile\/complete-blood-count-cbc-408\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Complete Blood Count<\/a>:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0to\u00a0help detect infections contributing to headaches<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/diagnostics\/tests\/crp-quantitative-60\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test- Quantitative<\/a>:<\/strong>\u00a0which helps\u00a0measure the\u00a0level of inflammation in the body that can cause infections or inflammatory conditions that\u00a0may\u00a0contribute\u00a0to headaches<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Imaging Tests:<\/strong>\u00a0The\u00a0doctor might recommend imaging tests such as\u00a0a computed\u00a0tomography (CT) scan or\u00a0magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)\u00a0scan\u00a0in case of suspected\u00a0serious underlying conditions, such as a brain injury, tumour, bleeding, or stroke<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lumbar Puncture:\u00a0<\/strong>The\u00a0doctor may recommend a lumbar puncture<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup>, in which a small sample of spinal fluid is collected to help identify the cause of the headache, such as\u00a0an\u00a0infection\u00a0(meningitis, encephalitis, etc.),\u00a0cortical (surface of the brain)\u00a0bleeding,\u00a0increased pressure inside the skull,\u00a0or problems with the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord\u00a0(cerebrospinal fluid)<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37456555\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37469996\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_for_Headache\"><\/span><strong>Treatment for Headache<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Headache\u00a0treatment\u00a0is\u00a0determined\u00a0by its\u00a0type, severity, frequency, and underlying reason. While some headaches can be treated with simple lifestyle adjustments,\u00a0others may\u00a0necessitate\u00a0prescription medications or therapy for the underlying medical issue.\u00a0The treatment approaches that\u00a0are commonly\u00a0recommended include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Prescription\u00a0(Standard)\u00a0Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the type of headache,\u00a0the doctor may recommend pain-relieving medicines, such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/molecules\/paracetamol-acetaminophen-7802\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">paracetamol<\/a> <\/strong>or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/molecules\/ibuprofen-2224\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ibuprofen<\/a><\/strong><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/medicines-for-headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">16<\/a><\/sup>,\u00a0triptans\u00a0or\u00a0beta-blocker\u00a0medicines\u00a0(for migraine),\u00a0antidepressants\u00a0or<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>barbiturates\u00a0(for tension headaches;\u00a0barbiturates are\u00a0not routinely recommended\u00a0due to\u00a0a\u00a0risk of medication overuse headache),\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/molecules\/verapamil-2352\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>verapamil<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(for cluster headaches)<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0Although\u00a0some of\u00a0these medicines are available\u00a0as\u00a0over-the-counter\u00a0medicines, taking them too often or without a doctor\u2019s advice\u00a0is not advisable<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Treatment of\u00a0Any\u00a0Underlying\u00a0Conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Headaches caused by an underlying medical condition (secondary headaches), such as sinus infections, high\u00a0BP, or brain tumours, require treatment of the underlying cause.\u00a0This may include antibiotics,\u00a0nasal corticosteroid sprays or\u00a0anti-histamines\u00a0(for sinus infection)<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000647.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10<\/a><\/sup>,\u00a0BP\u00a0medications\u00a0(for high BP),\u00a0surgery\u00a0(for tumours),\u00a0etc.<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37456555\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">8<\/a><\/sup>,\u00a0depending on the cause.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Physical Therapy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Exercises, stretching, and posture correction to help with tension headaches or headaches caused by muscle strain<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK562274\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Medical\u00a0Procedures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0Surgeries, chemotherapy, etc., in cases where the\u00a0headaches do not respond to\u00a0medicines, for example,\u00a0a\u00a0tumour\u00a0that is\u00a0causing a\u00a0headaches<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/the-complete-headache-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Headache treatment differs from person to person based on the type, severity, frequency, and underlying cause. Do not self-medicate or take pain relievers on a regular basis without consulting\u00a0a\u00a0doctor, since this can worsen headaches.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Prevention_of_Headaches\"><\/span><strong>Tips for\u00a0Prevention\u00a0of\u00a0Headaches<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People\u00a0often\u00a0wonder\u00a0how to reduce headaches\u00a0naturally. The best approach is to prevent headaches rather than treating\u00a0them after they occur. Here are some simple ways to help reduce\u00a0the\u00a0risk of getting a headache:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Avoiding Triggers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"211\" src=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-375x211.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-277916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-375x211.webp 375w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-2048x1152.webp 2048w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-480x270.webp 480w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-853x480.webp 853w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/No-smoking-150x84.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><sub>Image Source: freepik.com<\/sub><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Identifying\u00a0and avoiding\u00a0personal headache triggers, such as certain foods, alcohol,\u00a0smoking,\u00a0dehydration, bright lights, lack of sleep,\u00a0improper posture, etc.,\u00a0can help\u00a0reduce headache episodes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Relaxation\u00a0Techniques<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-375x250.webp\" alt=\"kundalini yoga\" class=\"wp-image-274763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-375x250.webp 375w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-741x494.webp 741w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-480x320.webp 480w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/kundalini-yoga.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u00a0Deep breathing, meditation, yoga,\u00a0regular\u00a0exercise\u00a0and other relaxation methods can help reduce stress-related headaches<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"229\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/05095958\/Might-Control-Blood-Pressure-375x229.webp\" alt=\"hypertension\" class=\"wp-image-214724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/05095958\/Might-Control-Blood-Pressure-375x229.webp 375w, https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/05095958\/Might-Control-Blood-Pressure-480x293.webp 480w, https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/05095958\/Might-Control-Blood-Pressure-150x91.webp 150w, https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/05095958\/Might-Control-Blood-Pressure.webp 741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><sub><sub>Image Source: freepik.com<\/sub><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Undergoing\u00a0regular health check-ups, especially\u00a0in\u00a0people with\u00a0conditions\u00a0such as high\u00a0BP\u00a0or allergies,\u00a0can\u00a0help\u00a0identify\u00a0and manage factors that may contribute to headaches.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Note:\u00a0<\/strong>These recommendations may help\u00a0reduce\u00a0the frequency or severity of headaches, but they do not guarantee perfect prevention. If headaches are severe, frequent, sudden, or persistent despite these precautions, see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/home-remedies-for-headache-by-dr-siddharth-gupta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Home Remedies For Headache By Dr. Siddharth Gupta<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Consult_a_Doctor\"><\/span><strong>When to Consult a\u00a0Doctor?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/online-doctor-consultation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Consult\u00a0a\u00a0doctor<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0if:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The headache is sudden and extremely severe\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches interfere with your daily activities despite treatment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A\u00a0severe\u00a0headache\u00a0occurs following a head injury\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A\u00a0new headache\u00a0occurs\u00a0(especially\u00a0in\u00a0cancer survivors\u00a0or\u00a0one with a history of HIV\/AIDs)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Someone is\u00a0over 50 years old and develops\u00a0a new headache for the first time<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Headaches\u00a0are common and, in most cases, do not\u00a0indicate\u00a0a major health problem. They might be caused by common conditions like stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or illness, but they can also be symptoms of an underlying medical disease.\u00a0Consult a doctor\u00a0immediately\u00a0for\u00a0an accurate\u00a0diagnosis and treatment\u00a0if headaches are severe, frequent, or accompanied by strange symptoms.\u00a0Understanding the\u00a0various types, symptoms, and triggers might help in managing headaches more successfully.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582608999\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Why do I wake up with a headache every morning?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Morning headaches can be caused by poor sleep, dehydration\u00a0(mainly from\u00a0alcohol consumption), stress, teeth grinding, sleep\u00a0apnoea\u00a0(interrupted breathing during sleep), and excessive\u00a0medication\u00a0use.\u00a0In such cases, it is important to\u00a0see a doctor to\u00a0determine\u00a0the underlying reason and get the right treatment<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/405443332_Comments_on_Morning_Headaches_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Causes_Associated_Disorders_and_Management_Strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">17<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582622592\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Why does my head hurt when I bend down?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Headaches\u00a0that worsen while\u00a0bending\u00a0down\u00a0are\u00a0commonly caused by sinus congestion or a sinus infection, as bending increases pressure in the inflamed sinuses<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a><\/sup>. However, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment, as headaches when bending down can also be caused by other underlying conditions<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/405443332_Comments_on_Morning_Headaches_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Causes_Associated_Disorders_and_Management_Strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">17<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582646971\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can skipping meals cause headaches?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, skipped meals, especially breakfast,\u00a0can result in headaches.\u00a0Going too long without eating\u00a0can\u00a0cause\u00a0blood sugar levels\u00a0to\u00a0drop, causing a headache, particularly in people who are prone to migraines<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/405443332_Comments_on_Morning_Headaches_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Causes_Associated_Disorders_and_Management_Strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">17<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582659833\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can dehydration cause a headache?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Dehydration\u00a0may\u00a0cause headaches by lowering the amount of fluid in\u00a0the\u00a0body,<sup>1,6<\/sup>\u00a0which disrupts proper brain function. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day\u00a0can\u00a0help\u00a0avoid dehydration-related headaches.\u00a0Dehydration\u00a0may\u00a0also occur from excessive drinking of alcohol, thereby contributing to headache<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/405443332_Comments_on_Morning_Headaches_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Causes_Associated_Disorders_and_Management_Strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">17<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582676993\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can lack of sleep cause headaches?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Lack of sleep can cause headaches by altering how your brain responds to pain. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting enough rest can help lower\u00a0the\u00a0risk of headaches.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582716402\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the reason\u00a0for\u00a0headache?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Headaches can happen for many reasons, including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, skipping meals, eye strain, infections, or underlying medical conditions.\u00a0Identifying\u00a0the cause can help in choosing the right treatment<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582736630\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is it okay to take a painkiller every time I have a headache?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Taking a painkiller for a headache\u00a0too often can\u00a0actually cause\u00a0more frequent headaches (medication overuse headaches).\u00a0You should\u00a0consult a doctor if\u00a0you have recurring\u00a0headaches\u00a0to\u00a0identify\u00a0the cause\u00a0rather\u00a0than taking an over-the-counter medication<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783582777655\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How to cure\u00a0a\u00a0headache?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The best way to treat a headache depends on its cause. Resting, staying hydrated, eating a light meal\u00a0if it is skipped, and taking pain-relieving medicines, if\u00a0advised by a doctor or\u00a0avoiding\u00a0them\u00a0in case of medication-overdose headaches, etc.,\u00a0can help relieve most common headaches<sup><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span><strong>References<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Headache. 2026.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/headache<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Robertson CE, Benarroch EE. The anatomy of head pain. Handb Clin Neurol. 2023;198:41-60. doi: 10.1016\/B978-0-12-823356-6.00001-9. PMID: 38043970. Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38043970\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38043970\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Migraine and other headache disorders. 2025.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/headache-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/headache-disorders<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Nihir Shah, Asuncion RMD, Hameed S. Muscle Contraction Tension Headache. 2024.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK562274\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK562274\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. The Complete Headache Chart.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/the-complete-headache-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/the-complete-headache-chart\/\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Headaches. 2025.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/headaches<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. Joppekov\u00e1 \u013d, Pinto MJ, Da Costa MD, et al. What does a migraine aura look\u00a0like?\u2014A systematic review.\u00a0<em>J Headache Pain<\/em>. 2025;26(1):149. doi:10.1186\/s10194-025-02080-6\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40597581\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40597581\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8. Wijeratne T, Wijeratne C, Korajkic N, Bird S, Sales C, Riederer F. Secondary headaches \u2013 red and green flags and their significance for diagnostics. eNeurologicalSci. 2023 Jun 30;32:100473. doi: 10.1016\/j.ensci.2023.100473. PMID: 37456555; PMCID: PMC10339125. Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37456555\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37456555\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>9. Jones NS. Sinus headaches: avoiding over- and\u00a0mis-diagnosis.\u00a0<em>Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics<\/em>. 2009;9(4):439-444. doi:10.1586\/ern.09.8\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19344297\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19344297\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10. Sinusitis. 2024.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000647.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000647.htm\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>11. How to Know if You Have Migraine or Sinus Headache. 2023.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/sinus-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/americanmigrainefoundation.org\/resource-library\/sinus-headache\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>12. Medication Overuse Headache. 2022.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/headaches.org\/resources\/medication-overuse-headache\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>13. Aggarwal M, Puri V, Puri S. Serotonin and CGRP in migraine. Ann Neurosci. 2012 Apr;19(2):88-94. doi: 10.5214\/ans.0972.7531.12190210. PMID: 25205974; PMCID: PMC4117050. Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25205974\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25205974\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>14. Sinus Infection Basics. 2024.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sinus-infection\/about\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sinus-infection\/about\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>15. Kim KT. Lumbar puncture: considerations, procedure, and complications.\u00a0<em>encephalitis<\/em>. 2022;2(4):93-97. doi:10.47936\/encephalitis.2022.00045\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37469996\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37469996\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>16. Medicines for headaches. 2025.\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/medicines-for-headaches\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/medicines-for-headaches\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>17. Hong Y, Kang MK, Kim MS, Mo H, Cox RC,\u00a0Im\u00a0HJ. Morning Headaches: An In-depth Review of Causes, Associated Disorders, and Management Strategies.\u00a0<em>Headache and Pain Research<\/em>. 2025;26(1):66-79. doi:10.62087\/hpr.2024.0023\u00a0Available from:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/405443332_Comments_on_Morning_Headaches_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Causes_Associated_Disorders_and_Management_Strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/405443332_Comments_on_Morning_Headaches_An_In-Depth_Review_of_Causes_Associated_Disorders_and_Management_Strategies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong><em>: The information provided here is for educational\/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Links and product recommendations in the information<\/em>\u00a0<em>provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products\/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<div class=\"pld-like-dislike-wrap pld-custom\">\r\n    <div class=\"pld-like-wrap  pld-common-wrap\">\r\n    <a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"pld-like-trigger pld-like-dislike-trigger  \" title=\"Likes\" data-post-id=\"282552\" data-trigger-type=\"like\" data-restriction=\"cookie\" data-already-liked=\"0\">\r\n                            <img src=\"https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/12132143\/like.png\" alt=\"Likes\" \/>\r\n            <\/a>\r\n    <span class=\"pld-like-count-wrap pld-count-wrap\">    <\/span>\r\n<\/div><div class=\"pld-dislike-wrap  pld-common-wrap\">\r\n    <a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"pld-dislike-trigger pld-like-dislike-trigger  \" title=\"Dislikes\" data-post-id=\"282552\" data-trigger-type=\"dislike\" data-restriction=\"cookie\" data-already-liked=\"0\">\r\n                            <img src=\"https:\/\/blog-images-1.pharmeasy.in\/blog\/production\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/12132208\/dislike.png\" alt=\"Dislikes\" \/>\r\n            <\/a>\r\n    <span class=\"pld-dislike-count-wrap pld-count-wrap\"><\/span>\r\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Introduction A headache\u00a0is\u00a0a common problem\u00a0that\u00a0makes\u00a0it difficult to study, work, or enjoy any activities you do. Although\u00a0headaches\u00a0may\u00a0not\u00a0be\u00a0severe\u00a0in most cases, sometimes they may be a cause\u00a0for\u00a0concern.\u00a0However, knowing\u00a0their\u00a0cause\u00a0can help\u00a0you\u00a0get\u00a0the\u00a0right treatment\u00a0you\u00a0need1.\u00a0In this blog,\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0cover the common causes and symptoms of headaches, the available treatment options, and simple ways to help\u00a0manage\u00a0them.\u00a0 What\u00a0Is\u00a0a Headache? A headache is a pain or discomfort\u00a0arising from [\u2026]","protected":false},"author":176,"featured_media":282631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[10435,14394],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_embedded":{"wp:featuredmedia":[{"source_url":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Types-of-Headaches.webp"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282552"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/176"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=282552"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282552\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":282643,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282552\/revisions\/282643"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/282631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=282552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=282552"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=282552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}