How to Tell What Type of Headache You Have, Natural Relief Options, and When to See a Neurologist

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether you experience occasional tension headaches or frequent, debilitating pain, understanding the nature of headaches and how to manage them is crucial for improving your quality of life. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the types of headaches, their causes, and go over effective natural remedies for headache relief and medical treatment options when needed.

What Are Headaches?

Headaches are characterized by pain in the head or face, which can range from a dull ache to a throbbing sensation. The pain can occur on one or both sides of the head, and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the type of headache.

Types of Headaches

Headaches can be broadly categorized into two types: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Understanding which type you are dealing with is the first step toward effective treatment.

Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are not a result of another medical condition; they are the main issue. The most common primary headaches include:

• Tension headaches: These are the most common and are characterized by a dull, aching pain, often described as a band or vice tightening around the head. Tension headaches are usually triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or poor posture. They typically cause mild to moderate pain and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.

  Symptoms:

  • Dull, aching pain
  • Pressure around the forehead, sides, or back of the head
  • Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles

• Cluster headaches: Known for their intense pain around or behind one eye, cluster headaches come in "clusters," occurring several times a day for weeks or even months. They are more common in men and can be extremely debilitating.

  Symptoms:

  • Severe pain around one eye or temple
  • Redness and tearing of the eye on the affected side
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose
  • Restlessness or agitation

• Exercise headaches: These headaches occur during or after physical exertion. The increased blood flow to the muscles in your head, neck, and scalp can trigger these pulsing headaches. They are frequently associated with migraines.

  Symptoms:

  • Throbbing pain during or after exercise
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light or sound

• Migraines: Migraines are a neurological condition characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours to days and may be preceded by visual disturbances known as auras.

  Symptoms:

  • Severe, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
  • Visual disturbances (aura) like flashing lights or blind spots

  Want to learn more about migraines and aura? Our migraine guide explains the four phases of a migraine and what makes migraines a distinct neurological condition.

  Did you know?

  Migraines are the third most prevalent illness in the world, affecting an estimated 1 billion people globally.

Secondary Headaches

Secondary headaches are caused by underlying medical issues such as sinus infections, brain tumor, or trauma. These are more concerning because they indicate another problem that needs to be addressed. Common examples include:

• Sinus headaches: Inflammation or infection in the sinuses can cause a deep, throbbing pain in your forehead, cheeks, and nose. Unlike migraines or cluster headaches, sinus headaches often come with symptoms like fever and nasal congestion.

  Symptoms:

  • Pain and pressure in the face
  • Nasal congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Aching in the upper teeth

• Post-traumatic headaches: Often called post-concussion headaches, these occur after an injury to the head and can last for days to months, often accompanied by dizziness or difficulty concentrating.

  Symptoms:

  • Dull, aching pain
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Concentration problems
  • Sleep disturbances

What Causes Headaches?

The pain from a headache originates from complex interactions between your brain, nerves, and blood vessels. Here are some of the most common triggers:

• Stress: Emotional stress can lead to tension headaches, particularly when combined with muscle strain or poor posture.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is a common, yet often overlooked, cause of headaches.
• Diet: Certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol or processed meats, can trigger headaches. Skipping meals or eating irregularly can also be a cause.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to strong smells, loud noises, or bright lights can bring on headache pain.
• Sleep Apnea: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches from undiagnosed sleep apnea due to oxygen deprivation during the night. If you wake up with headaches regularly, consider a home sleep study to rule out sleep apnea.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger migraines in some individuals.

Diagnosing Headaches

To diagnose headaches, a neurologist will typically:

1. Take a detailed medical history
2. Perform a physical and neurological examination
3. Ask you to keep a headache diary to track frequency, duration, and potential triggers
4. Order imaging tests (e.g., CT scan or MRI) if necessary to rule out underlying conditions

Natural Remedies for Headache Relief

Research supports several non-pharmacological approaches for headache relief and prevention, particularly for migraine and tension-type headache. These methods are generally safe and may be considered especially for patients seeking alternatives to medication.

Home Remedies for Severe Headache

When a headache strikes, these home remedies can provide meaningful relief:

• Cold or Warm Compress: Applying a cold compress to the forehead or temples can reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels. Some people find warm compresses on the neck and shoulders more effective for tension headaches. Try 15-20 minutes at a time.
• Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room: Reducing sensory stimulation by lying down in a dark, quiet environment can help headaches subside, especially migraines.
• Hydration and Regular Meals: Dehydration and skipping meals are common headache triggers. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily and maintain regular eating patterns.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Approaches for Headache Prevention

Research demonstrates that behavioral strategies can significantly reduce headache frequency and improve quality of life:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Studies show mindfulness practice can reduce headache frequency and the emotional burden of chronic headaches.
• Yoga: Regular yoga practice has demonstrated benefit for both migraine and tension-type headache prevention.
• Relaxation Techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and guided imagery help reduce stress-related headache triggers.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and change thought patterns that contribute to headache pain and disability.
• Biofeedback: This technique teaches you to control physiological responses like muscle tension, which can trigger headaches.
• Regular Physical Activity: Moderate exercise helps reduce headache frequency over time, though intense exertion can trigger headaches in some people.
• Sleep Hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine reduces headache frequency.

Physical Therapies for Headache Management

Several physical modalities have shown efficacy for headache management:

• Acupuncture: Multiple studies show acupuncture is superior to sham treatment for migraine and tension-type headache prevention.
• Massage Therapy: Can help relieve muscle tension contributing to tension headaches and may reduce migraine frequency.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises targeting neck and shoulder muscles, posture correction, and manual therapy techniques can be effective for tension-type headaches.

Natural Headache Relief Without Medication

Several vitamins and supplements have evidence supporting their use for headache management:

• Magnesium: Well-studied for migraine prevention. Generally well tolerated at 400mg daily. One of the few supplements recommended by the American Headache Society.
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Research shows B2 (400mg daily) can reduce migraine frequency by approximately two headaches per month.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Some studies show benefit for migraine prevention, typically at 100-300mg daily.
• Melatonin: May help headache sufferers, especially those with sleep disturbances, though evidence is still emerging.
• Feverfew: A traditional herbal remedy that may help prevent migraines, though evidence is mixed.
• Butterbur: Has shown effectiveness for migraine prevention, but only use products certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids due to liver toxicity risk.
• Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Some evidence suggests benefit for migraine prevention, though results are inconsistent.

The evidence for these natural approaches ranges from low to moderate quality, and what works varies by individual. If natural remedies aren't providing sufficient relief, consult a headache specialist in Los Angeles who can develop a personalized treatment plan combining lifestyle modifications with medical interventions when needed.

Medical Treatment Options for Headaches

The treatment for headaches depends on their type, frequency, and severity. Common approaches include:

Over-the-Counter Medications for Headache Relief

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Acetaminophen
• Combination medications like Excedrin

Prescription Medications for Headache Management

• Triptans, Ubrelvy or Nurtec can be used to abort a migraine attack
• Preventive medications like Amitriptyline, Topiramate or Cymbalta may be needed for people who suffer from headaches more then 3 times a week

When to Seek Medical Help

While most headaches are manageable with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications, some require professional medical attention. Seek immediate help if your headaches:

• Are more severe or frequent than usual
• Are accompanied by symptoms like stiff neck, confusion, or numbness
• Start after a head injury
• Are causing nausea or vomiting

These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Headaches can significantly impact your daily life, but with proper understanding and management, you can find relief. By identifying your triggers, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and working with a healthcare professional, you can develop an effective strategy to minimize the impact of headaches on your life.

If you're in Southern California, be aware that environmental factors—including how Santa Ana winds can trigger migraines and air quality changes—can also contribute to headache frequency. Our guide covers 20 surprising migraine triggers in Southern California that may affect you.

If you're experiencing frequent or severe headaches that interfere with your daily activities, don't hesitate to see a headache neurologist in Los Angeles. Our team offers specialized headache and migraine care in Los Angeles, providing comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches

What are the most common types of headaches?

The most common types of headaches include tension headaches (characterized by a dull, aching pain like a band tightening around the head), migraines (severe throbbing pain often with nausea and light sensitivity), cluster headaches (intense pain around one eye occurring in cycles), and sinus headaches (deep pain in the forehead and cheeks from sinus inflammation). Understanding migraine vs headache differences can help you identify your condition.

What are natural remedies for headaches?

Evidence-based natural headache remedies include behavioral approaches (mindfulness meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy), physical therapies (acupuncture, massage, physical therapy), and supplements with research support (magnesium, riboflavin/vitamin B2, CoQ10, melatonin, and feverfew). Lifestyle factors like staying hydrated, maintaining regular sleep schedules, and regular exercise also help prevent headaches. These approaches work best when combined with trigger identification.

When should I see a neurologist for headaches?

You should see a neurologist if your headaches are more severe or frequent than usual, are accompanied by symptoms like stiff neck, confusion, or numbness, start after a head injury, cause persistent nausea or vomiting, or do not respond to over-the-counter medications. Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headaches require immediate medical attention. A headache specialist in Los Angeles can provide expert diagnosis and treatment.

What helps a headache go away fast?

For fast headache relief, drink water to address dehydration, apply a cold compress to your forehead or temples, rest in a dark quiet room, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, try gentle neck stretches or massage, and use peppermint oil on your temples. For persistent or severe headaches, consult a headache specialist for more targeted treatment options.

About the Author

Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD

Board-Certified Neurologist
Achilles Neurology Clinic

Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD is a board-certified neurologist and MS specialist known for his thorough evaluations and compassionate approach. Originally from Greece, he trained at Johns Hopkins University and Mount Sinai Hospital before founding Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered neurological care. He specializes in MS, autoimmune neurology, neuropathy, headaches, and other neurological disorders, blending research-driven insights with personalized treatment plans.

Learn More About Dr. Ntranos(310) 774-7025