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Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)

Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)

Are there different types of headaches? — Yes. There are different types of headaches. The 2 most common types are:

Tension headaches – Tension headaches cause pressure or tightness on both sides of the head.

Migraine headaches – Migraine headaches often start mild and then get worse. They often affect just 1 side of the head. The pain often feels like it is pounding or throbbing. Routine activities like walking or climbing stairs can make the headache worse. Migraines can also cause nausea or vomiting, or make you sensitive to light and sound.

Is there anything I can do to feel better when I have a headache? — Yes. Some people feel better if they:

Take non-prescription pain medicines (but check with your doctor first if you have a health condition or already take prescription medicines).

Lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room (this works best for migraine headaches).

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — You should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

Your headache starts suddenly, quickly becomes severe, or could be described as "the worst headache of your life."

You also have a seizure, personality changes, or confusion, or you pass out.

You have weakness, numbness, or trouble seeing (migraine headaches can sometimes cause these symptoms, but you should be seen right away the first time these symptoms happen).

You should see a doctor or nurse if:

You get frequent or severe headaches.

Your headache began after you exercised or had a minor injury.

You have new headaches, especially if you are pregnant or older than 40.

You have a fever or stiff neck with your headache.

What might be causing my headaches? — Some people find that their headaches are triggered by certain foods or things they do. To get an idea of what might be causing your headaches, you can keep a "headache calendar." In the calendar, write down every time you have a headache and what you ate and did before it started.

Some common headache triggers include:

Being stressed

Skipping meals or eating too little

Having too little or too much caffeine

Sleeping too much or too little

Drinking alcohol

Eating/drinking certain foods or drinks

You can also write down what medicine you took for the headache and whether or not it helped.

Is there anything I can do to keep from getting headaches? — If you know what things trigger your headache, try avoiding those things if possible. For example, it might help to:

Change your eating or sleeping patterns.

Learn relaxation techniques and healthy ways to manage stress.

Make healthy lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and getting more physical activity.

If your headaches are frequent, severe, or long-lasting, your doctor can suggest ways to try to prevent them. In some cases, medicines can also help.

How are headaches treated? — There are lots of medicines that can ease the pain of headaches. You can try taking acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). There are prescription medicines that can help, too. The right medicine for you will depend on what type of headaches you get, how often you get them, and how bad they are.

If you get headaches often, work with your doctor to find a treatment that helps. Do not try to manage frequent headaches on your own with non-prescription pain medicines. Taking non-prescription pain medicines too often can actually cause more headaches later.

More on this topic

Patient education: Headaches in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Migraines in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Migraines in children (The Basics)

Patient education: Migraines in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache causes and diagnosis in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache in children (Beyond the Basics)

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Jan 01, 2023.
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms ©2023 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
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