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Do you have a headache? We’ll tell you when to visit a doctor

Do you have a headache? We’ll tell you when to visit a doctor

Headaches (also known as cephalgia or cephaelea) are among the most common health issues people experience. They can be short-lived and harmless, but they can also signal a more serious problem. However, it is not always easy to distinguish a common headache from a situation that warrants seeing a doctor. In this article, we will therefore focus on the various types of headaches, their most common causes, relief options, and warning signs.

The most common types of headaches

There is no single diagnosis for a headache, as there are several types that differ in their causes, courses, and treatments. Correctly identifying the type of headache helps choose the appropriate course of action and avoid unnecessary worry.

  • Primary headaches

    • Tension headache: the most common, a pressing sensation, usually on both sides, associated with stress and muscle tension

    • Migraine: throbbing, often on one side, accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound

    • Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, which includes, for example, “cluster headache”: very intense, one-sided pain around the eye, occurring in episodes. This category also includes so-called chronic paroxysmal hemicrania: repeated pain attacks during the day (up to 5 times) lasting 2 to 30 minutes.

  • Secondary headaches — caused by another condition (infection, high blood pressure, injury, etc.)

The most common causes of headaches

A headache can be the body’s response to a variety of common triggers. It is often caused by a combination of factors, including lifestyle, mental stress, and physical condition.

The most common causes of headaches include:

  • stress and mental strain,

  • lack of sleep or an irregular sleep schedule,

  • dehydration,

  • long hours working at a computer and eye strain,

  • hunger or an irregular diet,

  • hormonal changes,

  • weather changes,

  • alcohol.

Medical causes may include, for example, infections, cervical spine issues, or high blood pressure.

How to relieve common headaches

Simple lifestyle adjustments can help with the most common headaches. The goal is to eliminate the trigger, release tension, and support the body’s recovery.

Practical steps that can provide relief:

  • staying hydrated,

  • taking a short rest or nap,

  • limiting screen time and avoiding noise,

  • gentle stretching of the cervical spine,

  • a cold or warm compress, depending on the type of pain,

  • common pain relievers, such as Ibalgin, if not contraindicated.

It is important to avoid frequent use of pain relievers, as overuse of medication can also cause headaches.

When a headache is a reason to visit a doctor

Although most headaches are not dangerous, there are situations when it is advisable to seek a professional examination. A doctor can identify an underlying cause and, as a result, recommend targeted treatment.

Visit a general practitioner if:

  • the pain is new and unusually severe,

  • the pain gradually worsens or changes in nature,

  • it is very frequent or chronic,

  • standard treatment does not help,

  • the pain significantly limits your daily functioning.

Warning signs of headaches

Some symptoms may signal a serious condition and require immediate evaluation. These situations should not be underestimated.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • you experience a sudden “worst headache of your life,”

  • the pain occurred after a head injury,

  • you have a fever and a stiff neck,

  • neurological symptoms appear (speech difficulties, weakness, vision problems),

  • you experience confusion or impaired consciousness,

  • the pain occurs with high blood pressure,

  • a new severe headache develops in older adults,

  • the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath,

  • weakness, or speech difficulties,

  • or if children have recurring headaches.

Specific situations

Headaches also have certain contexts that require increased attention. In these cases, it is advisable to consult your general practitioner sooner.

  • During pregnancy: headaches may be related to pressure or complications.

  • In children: recurrent headaches should be evaluated.

  • Nighttime headaches: may signal a secondary cause.

  • Pain associated with the cervical spine: common in sedentary occupations.

How the examination proceeds

The headache examination is usually step-by-step and begins with a detailed interview. The doctor focuses on the nature of your pain, its triggers, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.

The examination may include:

  • clinical and neurological examination,

  • blood pressure measurement,

  • laboratory tests,

  • imaging methods (e.g., CT or MRI) if a secondary cause is suspected.

After considering all factors, the doctor will recommend the next steps. It may turn out that long-lasting pain originates from the spine, in which case a physiotherapist can help you.

 

Headaches are very common, and although they are usually harmless, it is important to pay attention to their nature, frequency, and accompanying symptoms. Lifestyle changes often bring relief over time, but recurring, unusual, or severe pain should always be evaluated by a doctor. Early examination helps rule out serious causes and establish effective treatment.



Sources:

Bolesti hlavy a jejich charakteristika. (Cit. 28.2.2026). Published on: http://czech-headache.cz/bolesti-hlavy-a-jejich-charakteristika/

Bolesti hlavy (2024). (Cit. 28.2.2026). Published on: https://www.wikiskripta.eu/w/Bolesti_hlavy

Bolest hlavy (2025). (Cit. 28.2.2026). Published on: https://www.nzip.cz/clanek/2485-bolest-hlavy

Varovné příznaky bolesti hlavy – a kdy volat lékaře. (Cit. 28.2.2026). Published on: https://www.panadol.com/cs-cz/symptoms/adult/headache/headache-warning-signs-and-when-to-call-the-doctor.html

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