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Headache: causes, warning signs & what to do
Almost everyone gets headaches, and the vast majority are harmless. A few patterns, though, point to something serious. Here are the common causes and the warning signs.
Common causes of headache
- Tension headache — a tight band around the head, stress-related
- Migraine — throbbing, often one-sided, with nausea or light sensitivity
- Sinus headache — pressure over the cheeks/forehead with a blocked nose
- Dehydration, skipped meals, caffeine withdrawal or poor sleep
- Eye strain or uncorrected vision
- Medication-overuse headache — from taking painkillers too often
When to see a doctor urgently
- A sudden "worst headache of my life" (thunderclap) — call your local emergency number now
- Headache with fever and a stiff neck, or a non-fading rash
- Headache with weakness, confusion, slurred speech or vision loss
- A new headache after a head injury, or one that steadily worsens over days
Frequently asked questions
When should I worry about a headache?
A sudden severe headache, or one with fever and stiff neck, weakness, confusion or vision changes, needs urgent care. A steadily worsening new headache also warrants review.
What is the difference between a migraine and a tension headache?
Tension headaches feel like a tight band and are usually mild-moderate; migraines throb, are often one-sided, and come with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.