Symptoms of Headache

Symptoms vary by type of headache. Noticing the pattern helps you and your doctor find the cause.

Tension-type headache

A dull, tight, band-like pressure on both sides of the head, sometimes with neck and shoulder tightness. It is usually mild to moderate and does not worsen with activity.

Migraine

Throbbing pain, often on one side, with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Activity makes it worse. Some people have an aura first, such as flashing lights or blurred vision, lasting up to an hour. Attacks last 4 to 72 hours.

Cluster headache

Very severe pain around or behind one eye, with a red, watering eye, a blocked or runny nostril and restlessness. Attacks last 15 minutes to 3 hours and may occur several times a day.

Medication-overuse headache

A daily or near-daily dull headache in someone who takes painkillers often.

Red flag symptoms: call 112 or 102 or go to emergency care

• Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache, or the worst headache of your life
• Headache with fever and stiff neck, rash or confusion
• Weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, drooping face or loss of vision
• Fainting or a seizure
• Headache after a head injury
• Headache with a very high blood pressure reading

See a doctor soon

Headaches that are new after age 50, keep getting worse, wake you from sleep or begin in pregnancy.

Key point

Most headaches are not dangerous, but red flags need urgent attention.

Before your appointment

Keep a headache diary for a few weeks, noting when headaches start, how long they last, their location and type of pain, and possible triggers such as sleep, meals, stress, periods and screen time. List all medicines, supplements and painkillers you take and how many days a month you use them. Mention head injuries, family history, and any red flag symptoms.