Headache
Affects: Head · Neurological
Mild
Severity
30 min to hours
Duration
Head
Body Part
Neurological
Category
📖What is Headache?
Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, one of the most common medical complaints.
Severity
Mild
Body Part
Head
Duration
30 min to hours
Category
Neurological
Urgency
Monitor & Consult
Self-Care
Tips Available
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Emergency Warning Signs — Call 112 Immediately
- Sudden or rapidly worsening headache that does not respond to rest or basic remedies
- Headache accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness
- Headache following a head injury, accident, or physical trauma
- High fever (above 39 °C / 102 °F) occurring together with the symptom
- Symptoms present in infants, elderly (65+), pregnant women, or those with serious chronic illnesses
- Headache that has persisted for more than 72 hours without improvement
- New or different symptoms suggesting spread beyond the head
- Confusion, altered consciousness, severe weakness, or inability to speak clearly
🔬Possible Causes
- 1Tension
- 2Migraine
- 3Dehydration
- 4Sinusitis
- 5Hypertension
- 6Stress
- 7Eye strain
- 8Poor posture
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🩺When to See a Doctor
- 1If sudden and severe ('thunderclap')
- 2with fever/stiff neck
- 3after injury
- 4or with vision changes
🩺How Doctors Diagnose Headache
- 1Detailed history-taking — onset, duration, severity, and aggravating factors of headache
- 2Physical examination of the head and related body systems
- 3Routine blood tests, urine analysis, and relevant laboratory investigations
- 4Imaging studies such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan if an underlying cause is suspected
- 5Specialist referral based on initial findings (neurologist, cardiologist, etc.)
- 6Follow-up monitoring to assess treatment response and rule out serious causes
🌿Home Care & Self-Management
- 1Rest in a quiet dark room
- 2cold or warm compress on forehead
- 3stay hydrated
- 4peppermint oil on temples
- 5massage neck/shoulders
Star Health Insurance
FeaturedIndia's #1 Standalone Health Insurer
Comprehensive health cover for individuals & families from ₹299/month. Cashless treatment at 14,000+ hospitals across India.
Symptom Progression & What to Expect
Symptom Onset
Headache appears, often in response to an illness, injury, or environmental trigger. Rest and basic self-care may help mild cases.
Monitoring
Track duration and severity. If symptoms worsen, spread, or don't improve within 48–72 hours, consult a healthcare professional.
Medical Consultation
A doctor examines the head, reviews your history, and may order tests to identify the underlying cause.
Resolution
With appropriate treatment, most people recover fully. Follow medical advice and complete any prescribed course of medication.
Medical Consultation Cost in India (2024–25)
| Service | Govt / Budget | Private |
|---|---|---|
| GP / General Physician | ₹200 – ₹700 | ₹700 – ₹2,000 |
| Specialist Consultation | ₹300 – ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Diagnostic Tests (Basic) | ₹300 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Advanced Imaging (MRI/CT/USG) | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Emergency Visit (if required) | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹15,000 |
* Approximate estimates for India (2024–25). Actual costs vary by city, hospital, and condition. Ayushman Bharat / CGHS may cover eligible consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Headache and what causes it?+
Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, one of the most common medical complaints. The most common causes include: Tension; Migraine; Dehydration; Sinusitis.
When is Headache a medical emergency?+
Headache becomes an emergency when it is unusually severe, sudden in onset, accompanied by other serious symptoms (chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting), or occurs in vulnerable individuals such as infants, the elderly, or people with serious chronic conditions.
How is Headache diagnosed?+
Diagnosis of Headache begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination of the head. Your doctor may order blood tests, urine analysis, imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI), or refer you to a specialist depending on suspected causes. Early diagnosis leads to faster, more effective treatment.
Can I manage Headache at home?+
Mild cases of Headache can often be managed with self-care: Rest in a quiet dark room; cold or warm compress on forehead; stay hydrated. However, if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, always seek medical attention rather than relying solely on home remedies.
How long does Headache usually last?+
Headache is typically classified as 30 min to hours. Acute forms usually resolve within a few days to weeks with appropriate care. Chronic or recurrent headache may persist for months and requires longer-term management by a healthcare professional.
When should I see a doctor for Headache?+
You should see a doctor if: If sudden and severe ('thunderclap'); with fever/stiff neck; after injury. Early evaluation by a healthcare professional ensures an accurate diagnosis and prevents complications.
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. In emergencies, call 112.