Overview
Understanding headache and migraine
Primary headaches, such as migraine or tension-type headache, occur on their own. Secondary headaches are caused by another medical condition. Nerve-related facial or head pain can follow a different pattern again.
A headache diary can help show frequency, duration, triggers, associated symptoms, and medication use. A change from a person’s usual pattern is important to mention.
Useful context
What people may notice
- Pressure, throbbing, stabbing, or electric pain
- Pain on one side, both sides, behind the eye, or beginning in the neck
- Nausea or sensitivity to light, sound, or movement
- Visual, sensory, or speech changes before or during some attacks
At the clinic
How evaluation works
- 01
Review the start, location, frequency, duration, and associated symptoms of each pattern.
- 02
Check medication use and possible triggers, including sleep and hydration changes.
- 03
Perform a physical and neurologic examination.
- 04
Order imaging or other testing only when the history or examination raises concern for a secondary cause.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.
Questions and answers
Headache and migraine FAQs
What is the most effective treatment for chronic migraines?
For frequent migraines, a pain specialist can discuss interventional treatments and preventive options based on your migraine pattern and triggers.
What is an occipital nerve block for migraines?
An occipital nerve block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid near the occipital nerve at the base of the skull. It can provide rapid relief from migraines and cluster headaches and may prevent future attacks for an amount of time that varies.