A headache refers to pain at any part of the head. It may be on one or both sides of the head and may be a sharp, pounding pain or a dull ache. Headaches may last for less than an hour to a few days. The most common headaches are tension-type headache and cluster headache.
Tension-type headache:
- A feeling of tightness and dull pressure around the forehead and sometimes at the neck
- Last for minutes to days
- Can be caused by stress, tiredness, tense muscles or anxiety
Cluster headache:
- A very bad pounding pain that is one-sided and located around or behind the eye
- Becomes painful quickly, often within minutes
- Usually comes with blocked or runny nose. The eye on the affected side may also become red, teary and swollen.
- The cause of cluster headache is unknown, but smoking and alcohol use may trigger it.
What you can do
- Baths and massages may be useful to ease a headache.
- Rest in a dark and quiet room
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller, e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen
When to see a doctor
A headache may sometimes point to a serious illness. See a doctor if your headache:
- Happens suddenly and is very bad (e.g. feels like the worst headache of your life)
- Happens after a head injury
- Comes with fever, stiff neck, feeling confused, numbness, weakness, changes in eye sight or difficulties in speaking
- Becomes more often and/or worse
- Does not go away after taking over-the-counter medicines
- Is affecting your everyday activities
You can prevent headache
- Keep a headache diary to track your food intake, amount of sleep, any stressful events or other activities that may have caused the headache
- Make some lifestyle changes
- Change your sleep habits to increase your sleep quality
- Get more sleep and rest
- Exercising regularly
- Keep a healthy diet
- Reduce stress by using relaxation methods like meditation, yoga or deep breathing
- Stretch your neck and shoulder muscles once in a while when reading or using the computer
- Keep a good posture when standing or sitting to reduce stress on your muscles
- Do not smoke
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol
Click here to see Medication List
Updated in Nov 2018
