Headache

A headache is pain or pressure in the head, scalp, or neck. It can vary from mild and occasional to severe and disabling. Headaches are categorized as:

• Primary: Migraine, tension-type, cluster headaches.
• Secondary: Caused by another condition, such as infection, injury, high blood pressure, or sinus disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Primary headaches: Migraine triggers include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes; tension headaches often result from muscle strain; cluster headaches are linked to hypothalamic changes.
• Secondary causes: Sinus infections, concussion, high blood pressure, medication overuse.
• Risk factors: Family history, poor sleep, dehydration, excessive caffeine or alcohol, skipping meals.

Seek urgent care for:

• Sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache
• Headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, vision changes, or weakness
• Headache after head injury
• Increasing frequency or severity of headaches