Headache

What is a headache?

A headache is a common medical complaint of pain or discomfort in the head or face. For most, a headache is an annoyance that comes and goes. But when they start to occur regularly, studies, work, family and social activities can be affected. It can also cause significant concern and anxiety.

Fortunately, most headaches are not an indication of a serious medical condition and can be treated. However, medical attention should be sought for frequent or severe headaches.

What are the symptoms of a headache?

The symptoms vary based on the type of headache:

Migraine

• Throbbing pain of moderate to severe intensity
• Physical activities make headaches worse
• Sensitivity to light, sound and smell
• Nausea or vomiting
• May be preceded by flashing lights
• Other symptoms, e.g. seeing zigzag lines and tingling or numbness of limbs

These associated symptoms may occur before or during a headache, and usually lasts an hour or less.

Tension headache

• Pain is usually dull, steady and not throbbing
• No nausea or vomiting

Cluster headache

• There may be redness and tearing of the affected eye
• Other side of the head is unaffected
  

How can headaches be prevented?

​Most headaches have a genetic basis. Some may also be sensitive to certain triggers that can lead to a headache.
Lessen the impact of a headache by identifying triggers and avoiding them:

• External environment (i.e., changes in weather, bright lights, smells and loud sounds)
  
• Emotion, mood and stress
  
• Diet (e.g., alcohol, cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), citrus fruits)
  
• Hormonal changes due to menstruation, menopause, oral contraception, hormone replacement therapy

Keeping a headache diary can help identify factors that may contribute to the headache and the pattern of the headache.

How are headaches treated?

There are two types of treatment:

• Symptomatic treatments relieve the symptoms of pain and nausea
• Prophylactic treatments prevent headaches from occurring. These are taken on a regular basis, usually
  daily and may be in the form of oral medication or injection therapies.

A healthy lifestyle is also important:

• Get adequate sleep
• Eat at regular meal times
• Exercise regularly
  
• Avoid smoking
• Learn to cope with stress and manage your emotions

• ​Download the Headache brochure
  
• Download the Headache Diary