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Headache & Migraine Pain

Medically Reviewed & Fact-CheckedBy MD, Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine
Reviewed: 9/6/2026

Overview

Headache refers to pain or aching originating in the craniofacial structures sensitive to pain (dura mater, intracranial arteries, pericranial muscles, and cranial nerves V, IX, X). Classified into Primary (Tension, Migraine, Cluster) and Secondary headaches.

Possible Causes

  • Primary: Tension-Type Headache, Migraine with/without Aura, Cluster Headache.
  • Secondary: Sinusitis, Cervicogenic, Medication-Overuse Headache, Hypertension, Temporal Arteritis, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Meningitis.

When to Seek Care

Seek emergency attention for the "worst headache of your life" reaching maximum intensity in seconds, headache accompanied by high fever and stiff neck, or new weakness/speech difficulty.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.