Headache: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A headache is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. For many, it is a temporary discomfort that improves with rest or over-the-counter medication. For others, it can be a recurring condition that significantly affects work, sleep, and quality of life—or even a warning sign of a serious medical emergency.

There are more than 150 different types of headaches, each with its own causes and treatment options. Some are primary headaches, meaning the headache itself is the condition, while others are secondary headaches, caused by an underlying illness or injury.

Recognizing the type of headache you have and knowing when to seek medical attention is essential for receiving the right treatment and preventing complications.

At BlueNetHospitals Los Cabos, our Neurology specialists provide comprehensive evaluations to identify the cause of headaches and develop personalized treatment plans based on the latest medical evidence.

A headache, medically known as cephalalgia, is pain or discomfort that occurs anywhere in the head, scalp, face, or upper neck.

The pain may feel like:

• A dull ache
• A throbbing or pulsating sensation
• Pressure or tightness
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Constant or intermittent discomfort

Headaches may last from less than an hour to several days, depending on the underlying cause.

According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3), headaches are divided into two major categories.

Primary headaches are neurological disorders that are not caused by another medical condition.

The most common types include:

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by moderate to severe headaches, often affecting one side of the head.

Symptoms may include:

• Throbbing pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Visual disturbances (aura)

Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.

Typical symptoms include:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Pressure or tightness around the head
• Neck and shoulder muscle tension
• Pain that gradually develops during the day

Cluster headaches are less common but among the most painful headache disorders.

Symptoms include:

• Severe pain around one eye
• Redness of the eye
• Excessive tearing
• Nasal congestion
• Episodes occurring in clusters over weeks or months

Secondary headaches occur because of another medical condition affecting pain-sensitive structures in the head.

Possible causes include:

• High blood pressure
• Brain tumors
• Blood clots
• Concussion
• Acute sinusitis
• Influenza
• Ear infections
• Dental problems
• Meningitis
• Stroke
• Glaucoma
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Dehydration
• Excessive use of pain medications
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Alcohol hangover

Treating the underlying condition often resolves the headache.

Headaches may develop due to many different factors, including:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of sleep
• Dehydration
• High blood pressure
• Hormonal changes
• Migraine
• Muscle tension
• Skipping meals
• Excessive caffeine
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Alcohol consumption
• Viral infections
• Neurological disorders

Symptoms vary depending on the type of headache.

• Mild to moderate pain
• Tight, band-like pressure around the head
• Neck stiffness
• Muscle tenderness

• Moderate to severe throbbing pain
• Usually affects one side of the head
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Aura in some patients

• Sudden, severe pain around one eye
• Red eye
• Excessive tearing
• Nasal congestion
• Restlessness

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and neurological examination.

Your Neurologist will evaluate:

• The location of the pain
• Pain intensity
• Duration
• Frequency
• Associated symptoms
• Possible triggers
• Medical history
• Current medications

If warning signs are present, additional testing may include:

• Blood tests
• CT scan
• MRI
• Lumbar puncture when meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected
• Eye examination if glaucoma is suspected

Not every patient requires imaging studies. These tests are recommended only when clinically indicated.

Treatment depends on the type and cause of the headache.

Treatment may include:

• Pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Triptans for migraine
• Preventive migraine medications
• Antibiotics for infections

Many headaches improve with healthy habits, including:

• Drinking enough water
• Sleeping regularly
• Managing stress
• Exercising consistently
• Limiting excessive caffeine and alcohol
• Eating balanced meals without skipping meals

For certain headache disorders, your neurologist may recommend:

• Preventive therapies
• Nerve blocks
• Botox® injections for chronic migraine
• CGRP monoclonal antibody therapy
• Multidisciplinary pain management

Seek immediate medical attention if your headache:

• Begins suddenly and reaches maximum intensity within seconds
• Is the worst headache of your life
• Occurs after a head injury
• Is accompanied by fever
• Causes confusion or loss of consciousness
• Is associated with weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
• Causes vision loss
• Is accompanied by seizures
• Progressively worsens over time
• Appears for the first time after age 50
• Occurs in patients with cancer or weakened immune systems

These symptoms may indicate a life-threatening neurological condition.

Schedule an appointment if you:

• Experience frequent headaches
• Have headaches that interfere with daily life
• Need pain medication several times each week
• Notice changes in the pattern or intensity of your headaches
• No longer respond to your usual medications
• Have a family history of migraine or neurological disorders

Keeping a headache diary that records frequency, duration, symptoms, and possible triggers can help your neurologist reach an accurate diagnosis.

At BlueNetHospitals Los Cabos, our experienced Neurology specialists diagnose and treat all types of headaches, including migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and secondary headaches caused by underlying neurological conditions. Using advanced diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatments, we help patients find lasting relief and improve their quality of life.

📲 Schedule your appointment today by WhatsApp at +52 (624) 151 0693.

The most common headache is the tension-type headache, followed by migraine. Both can often be managed successfully with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Migraine usually causes moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience visual disturbances called aura before the headache begins.

A headache should be evaluated immediately if it appears suddenly, is extremely severe, follows a head injury, or is associated with fever, confusion, seizures, weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision loss.

Depending on your symptoms, your neurologist may recommend blood tests, a CT scan, MRI, lumbar puncture, or an eye examination to determine the underlying cause.

Many headaches can be reduced by staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, managing stress, exercising regularly, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and following the treatment plan recommended by your neurologist.

You should see a neurologist if your headaches become frequent, severe, change in pattern, interfere with your daily activities, or no longer respond to medication. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and prevent complications.