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Headache
Summary
Almost everyone has had a headache. Headache is the most common form of pain. It’s a major reason people miss days at work or school or visit the doctor.
The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches are due to tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw. They are often related to stress, depression or anxiety. You are more likely to get tension headaches if you work too much, don’t get enough sleep, miss meals, or use alcohol.
Other common types of headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches. Most people can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax and taking pain relievers.
Not all headaches require a doctor’s attention. But sometimes headaches warn of a more serious disorder. Let your health care provider know if you have sudden, severe headaches. Get medical help right away if you have a headache after a blow to your head, or if you have a headache along with a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness, or pain in the eye or ear.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Treatments and Therapies
- Acute Therapy: Why Not Over-The-Counter or Other Nonspecific Options? American Migraine Foundation
- Headaches: What You Need to Know National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Related Issues
- Allergies and Headache National Headache Foundation
- Brain Freeze Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Specifics
- Chronic Daily Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Cluster Headache Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Cough Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Exercise Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Hemicrania Continua National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Intractable Headache – The Pain in Your Head that Just Won’t Quit American Migraine Foundation
- Nighttime Headaches: How Can I Get Relief? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Occipital Neuralgia National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Paroxysmal Hemicrania National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Sex Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Sinus Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Spinal Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- SUNCT Headache (Short-Lasting, Unilateral, Neuralgiform with Conjunctival Injection and Tearing) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Tension Headache Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Thunderclap Headaches Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Cluster Headache National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Headache National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Headache Disorders National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Tension Headache National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Tension-Type Headache National Institutes of Health
Patient Handouts
- Cluster headache Medical Encyclopedia
- Headache Medical Encyclopedia
- Headaches — danger signs Medical Encyclopedia
- Managing tension headaches at home Medical Encyclopedia
- Tension headache Medical Encyclopedia
Living With
- Diet for People with Headache Disorders National Headache Foundation
- Headache Hygiene — What Is It? American Migraine Foundation
- Low-Tyramine Diet for Migraine Disease National Headache Foundation
- Tension-Type Headaches: Self-Care Measures for Relief Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Diagnosis and Tests
- Do I Need an MRI for My Migraine? American Migraine Foundation
- Headaches American Academy of Family Physicians
- When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Headache or Migraine American Migraine Foundation
Find an Expert
- Find a Migraine and Headache Specialist American Migraine Foundation
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Start Here
- Headache Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Headache National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Encyclopedia
- Headache – what to ask your doctor Medical Encyclopedia
Teenagers
- Headaches Nemours Foundation
Children
- Headaches Nemours Foundation
- Headaches (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
- Headaches in Children American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- Headaches in Children Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Women
- Headaches and Hormones: What’s the Connection? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Headaches during Pregnancy: What’s the Best Treatment? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Headaches: Reduce Stress to Prevent the Pain Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Symptoms
- Headaches: Treatment Depends on Your Diagnosis and Symptoms Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research