Call 108 or go to an emergency department now if
- a sudden, severe headache, the worst ever, reaching full strength within a minute (a "thunderclap" headache)
- headache with fever, a stiff neck, a rash, or confusion
- headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, loss of vision or a drooping face
- headache after a head injury, with vomiting or drowsiness. Read about head injury
- headache with a fit, or fainting
- a new severe headache in pregnancy or soon after delivery
- headache with very high blood pressure (180/120 or more) or blurred vision
- over 50, with pain at the temples and any blurred, double or lost vision
- headache with a painful red eye and blurred vision
- several people at home with headache at the same time, especially with a gas heater or a closed room: get everyone into fresh air
Caspian Healthcare has no emergency department. Go to a hospital with a CT scan.
See a doctor within days if
- a new headache after the age of 50
- headaches that are getting worse week by week, or a change in your usual pattern
- headache that wakes you from sleep, or is worst on waking with vomiting
- headache worse on coughing, straining or bending
- headache with weight loss, or in someone with cancer or low immunity
- over 50, with pain at the temples or pain on chewing: see a doctor within a day or two
The common kinds
Tension headache
A band-like pressure on both sides of the head, mild to moderate. Linked to stress, poor sleep, long screen time and skipped meals.
Migraine
Throbbing, often on one side, with sickness and dislike of light or noise. Can last hours to days. Often runs in families and has triggers.
Medication overuse headache
Daily headaches in people who take painkillers on most days. Improves when the painkillers are cut down with a doctor's help.
Fasting and dehydration
Headache when meals are skipped, in fasting months, or with too little water, especially in the heat.
What helps
- Regular sleep, meals and water.
- Screen breaks every 30 to 45 minutes, and a check of your eyesight.
- A headache diary: note the days, what you ate, sleep, stress and medicines. It shows triggers and helps the doctor.
- Painkillers on no more than 2 or 3 days a week.
- Preventive medicines for frequent migraine, prescribed by a doctor.
Neck problems can also cause headaches at the back of the head: read about neck pain.
See Dr. Imran at Caspian
Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon. MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), Gandhi Medical College. Telangana Medical Council 60634.
Monday to Saturday, 4 to 5 pm. Walk in, no appointment needed. Consultation ₹600, valid for 6 days or 2 visits, whichever comes first.
Bring any MRI, CT or X-ray you have had (the films or CD and the written report), and the list of every medicine you take.
Common questions
Can high blood pressure cause headaches?
Usually not, unless the pressure is very high, such as 180/120 or more. A headache with very high blood pressure, blurred vision or confusion needs hospital the same day. Most people with high blood pressure have no headache, which is why it should be checked regularly.
Do I need a brain scan for my headaches?
Most people with headaches do not. A scan is needed when there are warning signs, when the pattern changes, or when the examination is abnormal. A normal scan does not treat headaches, but it can be reassuring in selected cases.
Can my eyes or sinuses cause headaches?
Uncorrected eyesight can cause a mild ache after reading or screen work. Sinus infection causes pain over the face with a blocked nose and fever. Many headaches blamed on the sinuses are actually migraine.
I take a painkiller almost every day. Is that a problem?
Yes, it can be. Taking painkillers on more than 10 to 15 days a month can itself cause daily headaches (medication overuse headache). A doctor can help you cut down safely and start a preventive medicine.
Who should I see for headaches?
Most headaches are managed by a general physician or neurologist. A neurosurgeon is needed when a scan shows a problem that may need surgery, or after a head injury. At Caspian, our doctors will guide you to the right one.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Telangana Medical Council 60634. Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General information for patients of Caspian Healthcare: your own doctor’s advice comes first.