Headache

Headache

Headache is a common health condition that can arise from various causes and significantly affect quality of life.

Headache is one of the most common health complaints, experienced by almost everyone at some point in life. Depending on its severity, it can range from mild discomfort to a condition that significantly interferes with daily activities.

A headache is typically described as a throbbing, pressing, or sharp pain in a specific part of the head. It may develop gradually or appear suddenly and can last from a few hours to several days.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Although most headaches are harmless, some may be a sign of serious conditions such as meningitis, stroke, encephalitis, or COVID-19.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  1. Sudden and severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)
  2. Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
  3. Fainting
  4. High fever (above 39–40°C)
  5. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  6. Speech difficulties
  7. Loss of balance while walking
  8. Nausea or vomiting (not clearly related to flu or another cause)

Types of Headaches

Primary Headaches

These are not caused by another underlying disease:

  1. Tension-type headache
  2. Migraine
  3. Cluster headache
  4. Neuralgic headaches

Secondary Headaches

These occur as a symptom of another medical condition, such as:

  1. Acute sinusitis
  2. Dental problems
  3. Ear infections
  4. Flu or infections
  5. Glaucoma
  6. Brain vascular disorders
  7. Brain tumors (benign or malignant)
  8. Hypertension
  9. Head trauma

Common Causes of Headaches

  1. Stress and fatigue
  2. Sleep disorders
  3. Sinus infections
  4. Eye strain
  5. Hormonal changes
  6. Dehydration

Important Note

Most headaches are benign, with tension-type headaches and migraines being the most common.

However, if a headache:

  1. Starts suddenly and is extremely severe
  2. Does not respond to treatment
  3. Is accompanied by nausea and vomiting
  4. Occurs in individuals with hypertension

It may indicate a serious condition such as brain hemorrhage or other neurological disorders and should be evaluated immediately.

Sıkça Sorulan Sorular

Headache hizmeti hakkında en çok merak edilen sorular ve cevapları.

Stres, migren, sinüzit, enfeksiyonlar ve tansiyon gibi birçok farklı nedene bağlı olarak ortaya çıkabilir.

Ani başlayan, çok şiddetli, ateş, bayılma veya konuşma bozukluğu ile birlikte görülen baş ağrıları acil değerlendirilmelidir.

Sık tekrarlayan, şiddetli veya günlük yaşamı etkileyen baş ağrılarında mutlaka uzman değerlendirmesi gereklidir.