Headache Resource Center
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Headache

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Headaches are characterized by pain in the head, which can range from mild to severe, and they may occur with other symptoms. You might experience throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, or nausea and vomiting. Common types include tension headaches, migraine disorder, and cluster headaches.

FAQ

What are the symptoms of a migraine attack?

Migraine attacks often involve throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine treatment and prevention are very important, as migraine is a chronic neurological disease.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and relaxation techniques can help relieve tension headaches.

Seek emergency help for sudden, severe headaches, headaches with a high fever, and headaches accompanied by changes in vision or speech. Migraine treatment and prevention often require help from a neurologist.

Migraine triggers vary but can include stress, hormonal fluctuations, alcohol, barometric pressure changes, changes in altitude, and disruptions in sleep patterns.

Meet Our Experts In Headache
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Mark Youssef, MD, MA, MFA

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Mark Youssef is currently a headache specialist with vast experience treating chronic migraine, along with other headache disorders such as cluster headache, post traumatic hea...

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Niya Jones, MD, MPH

Medical Reviewer

Niya Jones, MD, MPH, is a board-certified internal medicine physician with a special interest in cardiology, particularly as it relates to health care disparities and women's healt...

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Michael Yang, MD

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Michael Yang is a neurologist and headache specialist at Emplify Health, and an adjunct professor of neurology at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine.

He comp...

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Huma Sheikh, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Huma U. Sheikh, MD, is an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Beth Israel and was previously a clinical instructor of neurology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital–Harvard Medical Schoo...

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Mayoni Ranasinghe, MBBS, MPH

Medical Reviewer
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Jason Paul Chua, MD, PhD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jason Chua, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Division of Movement Disorders at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He received his training at th...

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Jessica Baity, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jessica Baity, MD, is a board-certified neurologist practicing in southern Louisiana. She cares for a variety of patients in all fields of neurology, including epilepsy, headache, ...

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Resources
  1. Headache. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. November 22, 2024.

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