Headache & Migraine

Headache is common, but every headache is not the same. Some headaches happen because of stress, lack of sleep, screen use, skipped meals or tiredness. They may settle with rest. But when headache keeps coming back, becomes severe, affects daily routine, or comes with vomiting, light sensitivity or dizziness, it should be evaluated properly.

Migraine is one of the common causes of repeated headache. It is not just “normal headache.” During a migraine attack, a person may feel one-sided pain, throbbing, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, heaviness or tiredness. For many patients, migraine affects work, study, sleep, travel and family life.

This page explains how headache and migraine are understood, when treatment is needed, and when a headache should not be ignored. You can also explore other neurological conditions on the Treatments page.

Understanding the Type of Headache

The first step in treatment is to understand the type of headache. Migraine, tension-type headache, neck-related headache, medication-overuse headache and serious secondary headaches are not managed in the same way.

During consultation, the doctor usually looks at:

• When the headache started
• How often it happens
• Where the pain is felt
• Whether it is throbbing, heavy, tight or pressure-like
• Whether nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity or sound sensitivity is present
• Whether sleep, stress, fasting, travel, smell or screen use triggers it
• Which medicines have already been taken
• Whether the headache pattern is changing

Many patients take painkillers again and again without knowing the reason behind the headache. Pain relief is important, but repeated headache needs a proper diagnosis.

What Migraine May Feel Like

Migraine can feel different for different patients. Some people get pain on one side of the head. Some feel pain around the eye, forehead or back of the head. Some may feel heaviness, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision or tiredness.

The NINDS migraine information page explains migraine as repeated attacks of moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head.

Common migraine symptoms include:

• Repeated headache attacks
• One-sided or throbbing pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Pain worsening with movement
• Blurred vision or flashing lights before headache
• Tiredness or dullness after the attack
• Difficulty working, studying or using screens during headache

Common triggers may include lack of sleep, missed meals, stress, dehydration, long travel, strong smells, hormonal changes or irregular routine. The World Health Organization headache disorders guide also highlights that headache disorders can affect quality of life and are often under-recognised.

Treatment Approach for Headache & Migraine

Treatment depends on the type of headache, frequency of attacks, severity, age, medical history and previous medicine use.

The treatment plan may include medicines for acute headache attacks, preventive medicines for frequent migraine, trigger control, sleep routine correction, hydration, meal timing and follow-up review.

Preventive treatment is considered when headache attacks are frequent, severe, long-lasting or disturbing work, study or sleep. These medicines are not taken for instant relief. They help reduce future attacks over time.

A headache diary can also be useful. Patients can note the date, time, duration, possible trigger, medicine taken and relief. This helps the doctor understand the pattern more clearly.

Patients who want to know more about the doctor’s background can visit the About page.

Is MRI Needed for Every Headache?

No. Every headache does not need MRI or CT scan. Many headaches can be understood through history and neurological examination.

Tests may be advised if there is sudden severe headache, weakness, seizure, confusion, head injury, fever with neck stiffness, vision changes, new headache after older age, or a major change in headache pattern.

Warning Signs

Do not delay medical care if headache is:

• Sudden and extremely severe
• Different from previous headaches
• Associated with weakness, speech difficulty or confusion
• Linked with seizure or fainting
• Present with fever, neck stiffness or repeated vomiting
• Seen after head injury
• Associated with vision loss or severe dizziness

These symptoms do not always mean something dangerous, but they should be checked without delay.

Headache & Migraine Consultation

For repeated headache, migraine attacks, vomiting with headache, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or frequent painkiller use, proper evaluation can help in planning the right treatment direction.

Dr. Anadi Mishra provides consultation for headache and migraine at Axiom Neurology & Speciality Clinic, Ashiyana, Lucknow. The focus is on understanding the headache pattern, checking for warning signs, reviewing previous medicines or reports, and explaining the treatment plan in simple language.

Patients can book an appointment for consultation. For clinic address, timing and phone details, visit the Contact Us page.