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Headache — Types, Warning Signs and Treatment
Also described as head pain, migraine, persistent headache.
Most headaches are tension-type or migraine and are not dangerous, but a sudden severe headache, one that wakes you from sleep, or one with fever, weakness or vision loss needs same-day assessment. Iswarya Hospital's Neurology department, OMR Chennai, investigates headaches that are new, changing or worsening.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •A sudden, severe headache that peaks within seconds — the 'worst headache of my life'
- •Headache with fever and a stiff neck
- •Headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech or drooping of the face
- •New headache after a head injury
- •Headache with vision loss, or with vomiting that keeps returning
- •A new headache pattern after age 50
What causes headache?
Migraine
Throbbing pain, often one-sided, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. May follow an aura.
Tension-type headache
A band of pressure around the head, linked to stress, posture and screen time.
Sinusitis
Pain over the cheeks or forehead, worse on bending forward, with nasal congestion.
High blood pressure
Usually symptomless, but severe hypertension can cause morning headaches at the back of the head.
Brain tumour
An uncommon cause. Suspected when headaches are progressive, worse in the morning, or come with seizures or neurological changes.
How it is investigated
- ✓Neurological examination and blood pressure check
- ✓MRI or CT brain, when red flags are present or the pattern has changed
- ✓Eye examination to check the optic discs
- ✓Blood tests for anaemia, thyroid and inflammatory markers
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
When should a headache be scanned?▼
Imaging is not needed for most long-standing migraines or tension headaches. A scan is warranted when the headache is sudden and severe, has changed in pattern, wakes you from sleep, follows a head injury, or comes with neurological symptoms such as weakness, seizures or vision loss.
Can taking painkillers too often make headaches worse?▼
Yes. Taking painkillers on more than about ten days a month can cause medication-overuse headache, where the treatment sustains the problem. If you are reaching for tablets that often, see a neurologist rather than increasing the dose.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.