headache / migraine

Headache Problems

A headache is a common condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can vary in intensity, ranging from a mild, dull ache to a severe, throbbing pain that can interfere with daily activities. Headaches are often classified into primary types, such as tension headaches, migraines, or cluster headaches, and secondary types, which are symptoms of underlying conditions like sinus infections, high blood pressure, or head injuries. Triggers for headaches may include stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, poor posture, or dietary factors. While most headaches are temporary and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or lifestyle adjustments, persistent or severe headaches may require medical evaluation to identify and address the root cause.
A tension-type headache is a common form of headache characterized by a dull, aching pain or a sensation of pressure around the head, often described as a tight band. It typically affects both sides of the head and may extend to the neck and shoulders. Unlike migraines, tension headaches usually do not involve nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound, although mild sensitivity may occur in some cases.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

Individual migraines are moderate to severe in intensity, often characterized by a throbbing or pounding feeling. Although they are frequently one-sided, they may occur anywhere on the head, neck and face — or all over. At their worst, they are typically associated with sensitivity to light, noise and/or smells. Nausea is one of the most common symptoms and it worsens with activity, which often results in patient disability.

Migraine pain can be felt in the face, where it may be mistaken for a sinus headache — or in the neck, where it may be mistaken for arthritis or muscle spasm. Complicating the diagnosis of migraine is that the headaches may be accompanied by other “sinus-like” symptoms, including watering eyes, nasal congestion and a sense of facial pressure. Most patients who think they have sinus headaches in fact have migraines. 

In up to 25 percent of patients, the migraine headache pain may be preceded by an aura, a temporary neurological syndrome that slowly progresses and then typically resolves just as the pain begins. While the most common type of migraine aura involves visual disturbances (flashing lights, zigzags, blind spots), many people experience numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, vertigo (spinning dizziness) and other strokelike neurological symptoms. Some patients may experience auras without headaches.

"Get in touch with Dr. Harpreet for personalized treatment & care."

GET IN TOUCH!