Headache

Overview

Headache is one of the most common symptoms in medicine. Almost everyone experiences it at some point, and the large majority are primary headaches — migraine or tension-type — that are not dangerous, even when painful. A smaller proportion are secondary, meaning the pain is a symptom of another problem such as fever, infection, high blood pressure, medication overuse, or rarely a serious cause. This page is the general overview; specific patterns are covered on the dedicated topic pages below.

The central task is to distinguish a benign primary headache from a secondary one needing investigation, and to recognise red flags that require urgent care.

Primary vs secondary headache

• Primary — migraine, tension-type and cluster headache; the headache itself is the condition.
• Secondary — caused by another problem: fever or infection, high blood pressure, medication overuse, sinus or eye issues, neck problems, dehydration, or rarely serious causes.

When to read the specific pages

• One-sided, throbbing, with nausea and light sensitivity → Migraine.
• Frequent headaches on 15+ days a month → Chronic Daily Headache or Chronic Migraine.
• Pressing band-like pain without nausea → Tension-Type Headache.
• Severe one-sided eye pain in short attacks → Cluster Headache.
• Worse in the morning or on waking → Morning Headache.

Evaluation

Evaluation focuses on the history — onset, frequency, duration, location, quality, triggers and accompanying features — plus a neurological examination and blood pressure check. Most primary headaches need no tests. Investigations are ordered when features suggest a secondary cause or a red flag is present.

Warning signs (red flags)

• Sudden severe or thunderclap headache.
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion or rash.
• New weakness, numbness, speech or visual difficulty.
• A clear change in your usual headache pattern.
• Headache worsening over days or weeks, or triggered by exertion or lying flat.

How we help

Dr. Nayak classifies your headache, excludes secondary causes and red flags, and builds a management plan matched to the type — with attention to contributing factors such as blood pressure, sleep and medication use. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Migraine
• Tension-Type Headache
• Cluster Headache
• Recurrent Headache
• Severe Headache
• Hypertension & Cardiovascular Risk