Headaches are among the most frequent reasons patients visit neurologists. For some, the pain is temporary. For others, it’s a persistent headache that lingers for days, or a headache on the left side of the head that keeps coming back.
At Neurology Care Center, we help patients in San Marcos get relief from all kinds of headaches — from tension-type and cluster headache to migraines and headaches linked to high blood pressure or pregnancy.
This guide will help you understand the most common types of headaches, their causes, symptoms, and when to seek help from a specialist.
What Is a Headache?
A headache is more than just discomfort in your head. It’s the result of pain signals being triggered by interactions between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves.
While most headaches are harmless and resolve on their own, some may signal a more serious underlying problem — especially when they become frequent, intense, or long-lasting.
Common Headache Types You Should Know
There are over 150 medically recognized types of headaches, but most fall into two broad categories: primary (standalone conditions) and secondary (caused by another issue).
Primary Headache
These are not the result of another illness.
- Tension Headache
Often described as a dull, steady pressure around the forehead or back of the head. It’s the most common type and often triggered by stress or posture issues. - Migraine
A recurring throbbing headache, usually one-sided, sometimes accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or vision changes. Migraines may involve headache behind eyes, blurry vision, or sensitivity to sound. - Cluster Headache
Extremely painful headaches that come in waves — usually around one eye. These are less common but very severe. You might experience a headache behind the right eye that returns daily or multiple times a day. - New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
Sudden onset and persistent from the very first day. If you’ve had a constant headache for a week or more, NDPH might be the cause.
Secondary Headache
These are caused by another health condition.
- Sinus Headache
Pain and pressure in the cheeks, forehead, or bridge of the nose, often due to allergies or infection. These can turn into sinus headaches every day if untreated. - Hypertension Headache
Occurs with elevated blood pressure. Usually felt at the back of the head and neck. - Dehydration Headache
Triggered by low fluid levels. It can cause a pounding headache and fatigue. - Thunderclap Headache
A severe, sudden headache that peaks within seconds. May be linked to bleeding or other emergencies. Seek immediate care. - Medication Overuse Headache
Also known as rebound headaches, these occur when pain medication is used too frequently.
Where the Pain Happens — And What It Means
The location of your headache can offer important diagnostic clues.
- Left Side Headache or Right Side Headache
Often seen with migraines or cluster headaches. You may also experience a headache on left side of head and eye or headache on right side of head and eye. - Forehead Headache
Common in sinus pressure headache, especially during allergy season. - Top of Head Headache
May be caused by tension headache, stress, or poor sleep posture. - Back Head Pain and Neck Pain
Could indicate a hypertension headache, poor posture, or cervical spine issues.
If you’re saying, “I’ve had a headache for 3 days,” especially in a specific location, it’s time to consult a neurologist.
What Triggers Headaches?
Headaches may be caused by a range of physical, environmental, or hormonal triggers. Some patients suffer from headaches every morning, while others notice pain only during times of stress or hormonal change.
Common Triggers Include:
- Skipping meals or dehydration
- Caffeine withdrawal or overuse
- Hormonal fluctuations (including menopause headache, period headache, and pregnancy headache)
- Poor posture or excessive screen time (can lead to eye strain headache)
- Sleep disturbances
- Weather changes (barometric pressure headache)
- Allergic reactions (allergy headache)
- Viral infections like headaches after COVID
These triggers can lead to recurring headaches, and without intervention, they may develop into consistent headache or daily headaches that interfere with your life.
When to See a Neurologist
Some headaches require immediate medical evaluation. If you’re experiencing any of the following, don’t delay care:
- A headache every day or one that lasts for several days
- Severe headache that disrupt daily activities
- New headache patterns, especially after age 50
- Headache accompanied by stiff neck, blurred vision, or dizziness
- Pain that worsens with physical activity or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medicine
- Continuous headache for 3 days or more with fatigue
If you’re pregnant and experiencing ongoing head pain, seek care promptly. Pregnancy headache can be linked to blood pressure issues and need careful monitoring.
How Headaches Are Diagnosed
At [Clinic Name] in San Marcos, we perform a thorough evaluation to determine what type of headache you’re experiencing.
The diagnostic process includes:
- Physical and neurological examination
- Detailed symptom and history review
- Headache frequency and pattern tracking
- Imaging (MRI or CT scan) when needed
- Use of a headache diary to identify personal patterns and triggers
Treatment Options That Actually Work
Treatment depends on the type, frequency, and severity of your headache. We provide customized plans for each patient based on their unique case.
Options may include:
- Acute pain relief (OTC or prescription)
- Preventive medications for migraine, cluster headache, or menopause headache everyday
- Lifestyle coaching to manage hydration, nutrition, sleep, and hormone balance
- Stress reduction strategies, such as physical therapy or mindfulness
- Hormonal review and management (especially for perimenopause headaches)
- Home guidance for natural remedies for headaches during pregnancy
We also provide support for managing chronic daily headache, tension headache self-care, and safe strategies for hypertension headache treatment at home.
Managing Headaches Long-Term
For many patients, managing headaches is a long-term process — especially those dealing with headaches every morning, headache at night, or really bad headache that return weekly.
Long-term management includes:
- Tracking headaches with a diary
- Avoiding identified triggers
- Adjusting medications under medical supervision
- Consistent sleep, hydration, and meal schedules
- Regular follow-ups with your neurologist to adjust treatment as needed
Our clinic in San Marcos provides continuing support to help you regain control over your symptoms and improve daily life.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Relief
Living with constant or severe headaches can affect your work, relationships, and emotional well-being. Whether it’s a forehead headache, a headache on top of your head, or random headache you can’t explain, professional care can make all the difference.
Don’t ignore the signs. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can significantly reduce — or even eliminate — your symptoms.
Book a Headache Consultation in San Marcos
If you’re tired of living with daily headache, sharp pain that comes and goes, or throbbing headaches behind your eyes, our board-certified neurologist at [Clinic Name] is here to help.
Schedule your appointment today or call 442-999-5977 to speak with our team.
