Symptom

Headache and migraine

Headache is a very common symptom – almost everyone experiences it in some form. A typical tension headache feels like pain in both temples or as a pressure point in the neck, while migraine is often one-sided, throbbing, and associated with nausea or sensitivity to light.

The most common causes are tension, dehydration, too little sleep, eye strain, tightness in the neck and shoulders, alcohol, or in women hormonal fluctuations. Migraine is a neurological disorder with triggers that vary from person to person.

Treatment includes pain relievers, triptans for migraine, relaxation exercises, a regular sleep rhythm and avoiding trigger factors. Recurrent or unusual headache requires a doctor’s assessment.

Practitioners – Headache and migraine

Frequently asked questions

How is migraine different from a regular headache?

Migraine is typically one-sided, throbbing, and causes moderate or severe pain that is worsened by physical activity and is often associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. An attack lasts 4–72 hours. Some people have aura before the attack (visual disturbances, tingling). A regular tension headache is bilateral and feels like pressure; it does not typically worsen with movement.

Can food trigger headaches?

Yes. Common triggers for headaches and migraine include red wine, aged cheeses, chocolate, caffeine (especially sudden withdrawal), additives such as MSG, and skipping meals. Keep a migraine diary to identify trigger factors.

When does a headache require immediate medical attention?

Call 112 immediately if the headache is sudden and very severe ('the worst headache of your life'), or if it is associated with neck stiffness, fever, confusion, visual disturbances or weakness in the limbs. These may indicate meningitis or a brain hemorrhage.