Not all headaches are the same, even if they all feel annoying. Understanding a few basic patterns helps you decide what you might be dealing with and when to seek help.
Tension-type headaches are very common. They often feel like a band of tightness around the head or pressure on the temples, linked to stress, poor posture, or eye strain. They may be uncomfortable but are usually manageable with rest, fluids, and simple pain relief.
Migraines tend to be stronger. The pain is often on one side, throbbing, and may come with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, or visual changes. Some people experience warning signs before the pain starts. Migraines can last many hours or even a couple of days.
Red flag headaches include sudden, severe “worst ever” pain, headaches after a head injury, those with fever and neck stiffness, or headaches with weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking. These need urgent medical attention.
Keeping a headache diary – when it happens, how long it lasts, what you ate, how you slept – helps doctors see patterns. Self-diagnosing on the internet is risky; if headaches are frequent or changing in character, getting a proper evaluation is safer than guessing.