What Could Your Headache Pain Tell You

Understanding Headaches and Their Causes

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints, affecting people of all ages. While most headaches are harmless and temporary, some can indicate a more serious underlying condition. Understanding the different types of headaches, their causes, and when to seek medical attention can help in finding the right treatment and relief. Dr. Prem Pillay, a specialist in neurology and pain management, advises that persistent or severe headaches should be properly evaluated to rule out serious conditions such as brain tumors or aneurysms.

Types of Headaches

Headaches are generally classified by cause:

Primary Headaches

A primary headache is caused by overactivity or issues with pain-sensitive structures in the head. It is not a symptom of an underlying disease.

Factors contributing to primary headaches include:

• Chemical activity in the brain

• Nerves or blood vessels surrounding the skull

• Muscles of the head and neck

• Genetic predisposition

  
  

Common Primary Headaches:

• Cluster headache

• Migraine

• Migraine with aura

• Tension headache

• Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC)

  
  

Some less common primary headaches have distinct features, such as unusual duration or pain linked to specific activities.

Examples of Uncommon Primary Headaches:

• Chronic daily headaches (chronic migraine, chronic tension-type headache, hemicrania continua)

• Cough headaches

• Exercise headaches

• Sex headaches

  
  

Lifestyle Triggers for Primary Headaches:

• Alcohol consumption (especially red wine)

• Certain foods (such as processed meats with nitrates)

• Changes in sleep patterns (or lack of sleep)

• Poor posture

• Skipped meals

• Stress

Secondary Headaches

A secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying disease that activates pain-sensitive nerves in the head. These can range from mild conditions to severe, life-threatening illnesses.

Possible Causes of Secondary Headaches:

• Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)

• Arterial tears (carotid or vertebral dissections)

• Brain aneurysm (a bulging artery in the brain)

• Brain tumour

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Concussion or post-concussion syndrome

• Dehydration

• Dental problems

• Ear infections (middle ear infections)

• Encephalitis (brain inflammation)

• Glaucoma (acute angle-closure glaucoma)

• Hangovers

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Influenza (flu) or other fever-related illnesses

• Meningitis (brain infection)

• Overuse of pain medications (rebound headaches)

• Panic attacks and panic disorder

• Stroke

• Toxoplasmosis

• Trigeminal neuralgia (nerve irritation affecting the face and brain)

Specific Types of Secondary Headaches

• External compression headaches (caused by tight headgear, such as helmets or goggles)

• Ice cream headaches (commonly known as brain freeze)

• Medication overuse headaches (from excessive use of pain relievers)

• Sinus headaches (due to inflammation and congestion in the sinus cavities)

• Spinal headaches (caused by low cerebrospinal fluid pressure, possibly from a spinal tap or spinal anaesthesia)

• Thunderclap headaches (sudden, severe headaches with multiple possible causes)

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches

Dr. Prem Pillay, an expert on headaches, recommends that if headaches are severe or persistent, you should seek a neurological consultation.

A neurological examination may include:

• MRI of the Brain

• Imaging tests to rule out serious conditions

  
  

Although serious problems such as brain tumours, ruptured brain aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations are not common, failing to detect them early can lead to serious, life-changing consequences.

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Specialist Headache Assessment at Singapore Brain Spine Centre

At Singapore Brain Spine Centre, we offer:

✅ Expert neurological evaluation for chronic headaches

✅ Advanced MRI and imaging tests for accurate diagnosis

✅ Personalised treatment plans for headache relief

Don’t Let Headaches Disrupt Your Life , Get the Right Diagnosis Today

If you are experiencing persistent, severe, or unusual headaches, it’s important to seek expert medical advice. Identifying the root cause early can prevent serious complications.

📞 Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.