Understanding Head Pain and Neurological Triggers
A) What Are Headaches?
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headaches are very common and can vary widely in intensity, location, and duration.
Most headaches are not dangerous, but frequent or severe headaches can significantly affect daily life and may require medical evaluation.
B) What Are Migraines?
A migraine is a specific type of headache caused by changes in brain activity and nerve signaling. Migraines often involve moderate to severe pain and may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Migraines are a neurological condition — not just a “bad headache.”
C) Common Types of Headaches
Tension headaches
Often related to muscle tension, stress, or posture. Pain is usually mild to moderate and feels like pressure or tightness.
Often related to muscle tension, stress, or posture. Pain is usually mild to moderate and feels like pressure or tightness.
Migraine headaches
Typically throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head.
Typically throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head.
Cluster headaches
Severe, intense headaches that occur in cycles, often around one eye.
Severe, intense headaches that occur in cycles, often around one eye.
Secondary headaches
Caused by another condition such as infection, injury, sinus issues, or medication effects.
Caused by another condition such as infection, injury, sinus issues, or medication effects.
D) Common Symptoms
Headache and migraine symptoms may include:
Head pain or pressure
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
Nausea or vomiting
Visual disturbances (aura, flashing lights, blind spots)
Neck or shoulder tension
Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
Symptoms vary depending on the type and cause of the headache.
E) What Happens in the Brain
Headaches and migraines involve changes in:
Nerve signaling pathways
Blood vessel activity
Neurotransmitter release
Pain-processing centers in the brain
In migraines, abnormal electrical activity may spread across the brain (called cortical spreading depression), triggering pain and sensory symptoms.
F) Common Triggers
Triggers may differ from person to person and can include:
Stress or emotional strain
Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns
Dehydration
Hormonal changes
Certain foods or caffeine
Bright lights or strong smells
Identifying triggers can help reduce headache frequency.
G) How EEG May Be Used
An EEG (electroencephalogram) does not diagnose headaches or migraines directly, but it may be used when:
Seizure activity needs to be ruled out
Symptoms are unusual or unclear
Neurologists are evaluating abnormal brain activity
EEG results are interpreted by a neurologist as part of a broader clinical evaluation.
H) When to Seek Medical Evaluation
You should seek medical attention if headaches:
Are severe, sudden, or different from usual patterns
Become more frequent or worsen over time
Are accompanied by confusion, weakness, or vision changes
Interfere with daily activities or sleep
Follow a head injury
Early evaluation helps guide appropriate treatment and reassurance.
A Final Message to Patients
Headaches and migraines can be frustrating, exhausting, and disruptive — but they are often manageable with the right evaluation, education, and care.
Understanding your symptoms is an important step toward relief and improved quality of life.