Headache Neurology 

Tension headaches often feel like a band of pain around the head. They can happen once in a while or last for weeks. They typically cause mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head. Most tension headaches can be treated with aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). 

Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraine than men. Migraine headaches can cause throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Treatment may reduce pain and frequency. 

Migraine and sinus headaches are often confused because symptoms can overlap. But sinus headaches normally don’t cause nausea or vomiting. They usually cause a thick nasal discharge, and pain and pressure in the face. They’re also associated with sinus infections. 

Cluster headaches are rare and the most painful of all headaches. They come in groups (or “clusters”) of attacks that happen many times a day for weeks or months. 

Exercise headaches happen during or after vigorous exercise. There are two forms of exercise headaches — primary and secondary. 

Primary headaches are usually benign. Secondary headaches may be caused by an underlying health condition. If you get headaches when you exercise, see a doctor. 

If you take headache medication more than three days a week, it can cause MOH. This is common in people who get migraine and also have anxiety. The best way to treat MOH is to stop using the medication. A doctor will guide you through the process.