In today’s fast-paced world, headache and migraine have quietly become some of the most common health complaints across all age groups. From students and office workers to homemakers and senior citizens, almost everyone experiences head pain at some point in their life. Because of this, headache-related queries consistently rank among the most searched health symptoms on Google.
At Mediexpro, patients frequently seek medical advice for recurring headaches, severe migraines, and unexplained head pressure that affects daily life. According to Dr. Sandwip Talukdar (MBBS, DFM – BSMMU, MCPS (FM), CCD – BIRDEM, DMU – BTEB), headache is not a disease itself, but a signal from the body that something may be out of balance—physically, mentally, or neurologically.
This article explains headaches and migraines in a clear, human way—covering causes, symptoms, differences, risk factors, treatment options, and when to seek medical care.
What Is a Headache?
A headache refers to pain or discomfort in any region of the head, scalp, or upper neck. It may feel dull, sharp, throbbing, tight, or pressure-like. Headaches can occur occasionally or become chronic, depending on the underlying cause.
Common Types of Headache
- Tension Headache – The most common type, often related to stress and muscle tension
- Sinus Headache – Caused by sinus infection or nasal congestion
- Cluster Headache – Severe pain occurring in cycles
- Secondary Headache – Caused by another condition such as fever, infection, or injury
At Mediexpro, tension and sinus headaches are the most frequently reported among working professionals and students.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is more than just a severe headache. It is a neurological condition involving changes in brain activity, blood flow, and nerve signaling. Migraine attacks can be extremely painful and disabling.
Unlike common headaches, migraines often come with additional symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
Key Characteristics of Migraine
- Throbbing or pulsating pain
- Usually affects one side of the head
- Pain lasts 4 to 72 hours
- May include nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity
According to Dr. Sandwip Talukdar, many patients delay treatment because they assume migraine is “just a headache,” which often leads to worsening attacks over time.
Headache vs Migraine: Understanding the Difference
| Feature | Headache | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of pain | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Type of pain | Dull, tight, pressure | Throbbing, pulsating |
| Location | Both sides or whole head | Usually one side |
| Duration | Minutes to hours | Several hours to days |
| Associated symptoms | Rare | Nausea, light sensitivity |
| Neurological involvement | No | Yes |
Understanding this difference is essential for proper treatment.
Why Are Headaches and Migraines So Common Today?
Modern lifestyle plays a major role in the increasing number of headache cases worldwide.
1. Stress and Mental Pressure
Chronic stress tightens muscles in the neck and scalp, leading to tension headaches. Emotional stress is also a well-known migraine trigger.
2. Screen Overuse
Long hours on mobile phones, laptops, and computers cause eye strain and poor posture, resulting in frequent headaches.
3. Sleep Disorders
Irregular sleep patterns, lack of sleep, or excessive sleep can trigger both headaches and migraines.
4. Dehydration and Skipped Meals
Low water intake and irregular eating habits reduce blood sugar levels, causing head pain.
5. Sinus Problems and Allergies
Inflammation in sinus cavities causes pressure around the forehead, eyes, and nose.
6. Hormonal Changes
Many women experience migraines during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Headache Symptoms
- Tight band-like pressure around the head
- Mild to moderate pain
- Neck or shoulder stiffness
- Relief with rest or pain medication
Migraine Symptoms
- Severe one-sided head pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Visual disturbances (aura)
- Fatigue after the attack
At Mediexpro, patients are encouraged to note symptom patterns, as this helps doctors identify the exact type of headache.
Migraine Triggers Identified by Doctors
Dr. Sandwip Talukdar highlights some common migraine triggers seen in clinical practice:
- Emotional stress or anxiety
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
- Bright lights or loud noise
- Strong smells (perfume, smoke)
- Weather changes
- Certain foods (processed food, excessive caffeine)
Identifying and avoiding triggers can significantly reduce migraine frequency.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify the Cause
Headache diagnosis is mainly based on:
- Detailed patient history
- Symptom pattern
- Lifestyle habits
- Physical and neurological examination
Advanced tests such as blood tests, imaging, or ultrasound may be recommended if needed. At Mediexpro, patient-centered diagnosis ensures unnecessary tests are avoided while serious causes are ruled out.
Treatment Options for Headache and Migraine
1. Lifestyle Management
- Regular sleep schedule
- Adequate hydration
- Balanced meals
- Reduced screen time
- Stress management techniques
2. Medication
- Pain relievers for mild headaches
- Preventive medicines for chronic migraines
- Medications tailored to individual needs
Important: Self-medication for frequent headaches is discouraged. Overuse of painkillers can worsen the condition.
3. Trigger Control
Keeping a headache diary helps identify triggers and avoid them effectively.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention immediately if:
- Headache is sudden and extremely severe
- Pain is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or weakness
- Headache worsens over time
- Vision problems or confusion occur
- Headache starts after injury
Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.
Expert Care at Mediexpro
Mediexpro is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-focused healthcare for common and complex medical conditions. With experienced doctors and modern diagnostic facilities, Mediexpro ensures accurate evaluation and personalized treatment plans.
Consultant Doctor
Dr. Sandwip Talukdar
MBBS
DFM (BSMMU)
MCPS (FM)
CCD (BIRDEM)
DMU (BTEB)
With extensive experience in family medicine and chronic condition management, Dr. Talukdar emphasizes holistic care—treating not just symptoms, but the root cause.
Final Thoughts
Headache and migraine may seem common, but they should never be ignored when they affect daily life. Proper understanding, timely medical consultation, and lifestyle adjustments can dramatically improve quality of life.
If headaches or migraines are disrupting your work, sleep, or peace of mind, professional medical guidance is essential. With expert care at Mediexpro and guidance from Dr. Sandwip Talukdar, patients can manage headaches effectively and regain control of their health.
