Migraine and headache
Types, triggers, danger signs and treatment

Almost everyone has headaches, and most are not serious. Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes repeated, often disabling headaches. With the right diagnosis, avoiding triggers and treatment, attacks can become fewer and milder. A few headaches signal a serious problem and need urgent care. The neurology team at Charak Hospital, Lucknow treats headache disorders.

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About headaches

Common types of headache

Most headaches are “primary” headaches — the headache itself is the condition. Others are “secondary”, caused by another problem such as infection, high blood pressure, sinus disease or, rarely, bleeding or a tumour.

  • Migraine: throbbing, often one-sided, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound
  • Tension-type headache: band-like pressure on both sides
  • Cluster headache: severe pain around one eye with a watering eye, in clusters
  • Medication-overuse headache: from taking painkillers too often
  • Women are more likely to have migraine

Right diagnosis

History and examination guide treatment.

Know your triggers

A headache diary helps.

Treat attacks early

Take medicine at the start of an attack.

Prevention

Daily medicine if attacks are frequent.

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Danger signs

When a headache needs urgent attention

Seek medical help quickly if a headache comes with any of these:

Sudden, severe headache

The “worst headache of my life”, reaching full strength within a minute.

Fever and stiff neck

With or without a rash.

Weakness or slurred speech

Numbness, confusion or difficulty walking.

After a head injury

Especially with vomiting or drowsiness.

Vision loss

Or double vision.

New headache after 50

Or a change in your usual pattern.

Worse lying down or waking you

With vomiting.

In pregnancy or after delivery

Especially with high blood pressure.

A sudden, explosive headache, or headache with weakness, confusion or fits, is an emergency. Come to the 24×7 emergency department or call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How headaches are assessed

Most headaches are diagnosed from the history and examination.

Detailed history

Pattern, triggers, frequency and medicines used.

Examination

Including blood pressure and eyes.

Headache diary

Records attacks for a few weeks.

CT or MRI

Only when danger signs or an unusual pattern are present.

Other checks

Eye or ENT review if needed.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and how often headaches happen.

Treating an attack

Take the medicine your doctor advises as soon as an attack starts. Rest in a dark, quiet room.

Simple pain relievers or migraine-specific medicinesAnti-nausea medicineRest and fluids

Avoid

  • Painkillers on more than 10–15 days a month
  • This can cause medication-overuse headache

Tell your doctor

  • If attacks are getting more frequent
  • If medicines stop working
Everyday care

Living with migraine

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Keep a diary

Note date, duration, triggers and medicines. Bring it to your appointment.

Routine

Sleep and eat at regular times, including weekends.

Screens

Take breaks from screens and check your eyesight.

Contact us urgently if

  • Sudden, very severe headache
  • Headache with fever and stiff neck
  • Headache with weakness, confusion or fits
  • Headache after a head injury
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about headache

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Every headache means a brain tumour.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Brain tumours are a rare cause of headache. Danger signs, not headache alone, prompt a scan.

Myth

“A scan is needed for every headache.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most headaches are diagnosed without scans.

Myth

“Taking a painkiller daily is harmless.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Frequent painkillers can worsen headaches.

Your neurology team

Neurology and neurosurgery

Neurosciences Stroke High blood pressure
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Your headache diary
  • All medicines, including painkillers you buy yourself
  • Previous scans or reports
  • Insurance card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can migraine be cured?

Migraine is a long-term tendency, but treatment can make attacks much less frequent and less severe.

Do I need an MRI for my headaches?

Only if there are danger signs or an unusual pattern. Your neurologist will advise.

Is migraine hereditary?

It often runs in families.

Can children get migraine?

Yes. Children often have shorter attacks and tummy pain.

Is headache linked to blood pressure?

Very high blood pressure can cause headache, but most people with high BP have no headache. Check your BP regularly.

Glossary

Words you may hear

AuraVisual or other warning symptoms before a migraine.
Primary headacheA headache that is not caused by another condition.
Medication-overuse headacheHeadache caused by taking painkillers too often.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Neurosciences Stroke Epilepsy High blood pressure Health library

Headaches affecting your life?

Book a neurology consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Neurosciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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