Everyone gets a headache sometimes. But not all headaches are the same. Some are sharp, while others are dull. Some come and go. Others stay for hours. Understanding headache types, their reasons, and treatment options is the first step to managing them.
People often ignore headaches, thinking they are normal. But they may be signs of other health problems. A headache on the left side or right side of the head can point to different causes. That’s why knowing the headache pain types is important. If a headache becomes regular, you should consult a doctor in Delhi or a headache specialist in Delhi.
Let’s explore different types of headaches, their causes, and how you can find the best doctors in Delhi NCR for the right care.
What Are Headaches?
A headache is a pain you feel in your head, scalp, or neck. Headaches may vary in intensity. Some are mild. Others may be very painful.
There are two broad types:
- Primary headaches (not caused by another condition)
- Secondary headaches (caused by other health issues)
Primary headaches include migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Secondary headaches may result from infections, pressure in the brain, or medication overuse.
Common Types of Headache
Let’s look at the headache types most people experience.
1. Tension Headache
This is the most common type. The pain feels like a tight band around your head. It is usually mild to moderate.
Symptoms:
- Dull head pain
- Pressure on forehead or sides
- Tenderness in scalp or shoulder muscles
Reasons:
- Stress
- Poor posture
- Eye strain
This headache may affect both sides. Still, some feel it more as a headache on the left side or right side of the head.
2. Migraine Headache
Migraine is more intense than a tension headache. It may last from hours to days.
Symptoms:
- Throbbing pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Blurred vision
Reasons:
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods or smells
- Sleep changes
- Genetics
Migraines often affect one side, so you may notice a headache right side of head or on the left.
3. Cluster Headache
This is a rare but very painful Head Pain. It comes in groups or “clusters.”
Symptoms:
- Severe pain on one side
- Red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
Reasons:
- Unknown
- Possibly related to brain activity or nerve issues
These headaches are short but happen several times a day.
4. Sinus Headache
This type comes when your sinuses are inflamed.
Symptoms:
- Deep pain around eyes, cheeks, or forehead
- Runny nose
- Swollen face
Reasons:
- Sinus infection
- Allergies
It can feel like a headache on left side if the sinus on that side is blocked.
5. Rebound Head Pain
Also called medication-overuse headache. It happens if you use headache medicine too often.
Symptoms:
- Daily or near-daily headaches
- Morning headache
- Pain improves with medicine but returns after
Reasons:
- Frequent use of painkillers
- Dependency on over-the-counter medicines
Why Headaches Occur
Knowing why head pain occur helps manage and prevent them.
Common reasons include:
- Stress and anxiety: Mental pressure can tighten muscles in the neck and head.
- Lack of sleep: Not getting enough rest can trigger headaches.
- Eye strain: Too much screen time or uncorrected vision may lead to headache pain types like tension headaches.
- Dehydration: When your body lacks water, your brain shrinks slightly, causing pain.
- Hunger or poor diet: Skipping meals or eating sugary foods may trigger migraines.
- Hormonal changes: Especially in women, changes in estrogen levels can cause headaches.
- Weather: Some people feel pain due to changes in humidity or temperature.
- Posture: Bad posture strains your neck and back, leading to tension headaches.
Headache on Left Side vs Right Side
When you get a headache on the left side, it may point to:
- Migraine
- Cluster headache
- Eye strain in the left eye
A headache right side of head might signal:
- Sinus infection on the right
- Stress or tension
- Migraine focused on one side
Always note which side hurts. It helps the doctor diagnose better.
How Is Headache Diagnosed?
Doctors check your history and symptoms. This is called clinical diagnosis.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Eye tests
- CT scan or MRI
These help rule out infections, tumors, or brain pressure. If the cause is unclear, they refer you to a headache specialist in Delhi or a doctor in Delhi.
When to See a Doctor?
You should seek head pain treatment in Delhi or NCR if:
- Your headache is sudden and severe
- It lasts more than 2-3 days
- You have vision issues
- You feel numbness or weakness
- Pain medicine does not help
A doctor in Delhi can help diagnose and treat you.
Best Headache Medicine Delhi
Doctors usually recommend:
- Paracetamol: For mild pain
- Ibuprofen: For stronger pain
- Triptans: For migraines
- Antidepressants or beta-blockers: For long-term care
Avoid overusing any medicine. It can lead to rebound headaches. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Headaches
You can reduce headache frequency by changing daily habits.
- Drink 7-8 glasses of water
- Sleep for 7-9 hours
- Eat balanced meals
- Reduce screen time
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
Keeping a headache journal also helps. Note the time, food, and symptoms when pain starts. This helps doctors see patterns.
Choosing the Right Doctor in Delhi
For serious or chronic headaches, visit a specialist. Look for:
- Headache specialist in Delhi
- Neurologist or general physician in Delhi
- Pain management expert
They may also work with ENT doctors if sinuses are involved. Some cases may need support from psychologists or eye doctors too.
Headaches are common, but they should not be ignored. Knowing your headache pain types, tracking symptoms, and visiting a doctor in Delhi or headache specialist in Delhi can change your quality of life. Whether it’s a headache on left side or a headache right side of head, help is available.
Keep an eye on your symptoms, manage stress, and make healthy lifestyle choices. With the right care from trusted experts like those at Primus Super Speciality Hospital, you can treat your headache and live pain-free.
If you want reliable headache treatment in Delhi, or are looking for a doctor in Delhi for daily headache issues, Primus is a dependable choice. Their team helps patients understand the headache types, the reasons behind them, and the right path forward.