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Migraine and headache

Most headaches are primary headaches, such as migraine and tension-type headache, which are not caused by another disease but can still disrupt work, study and family life. At Medcare in Bongaigaon, Dr. Tamoghna Das confirms the type of headache, rules out warning signs, and builds a plan to treat attacks and reduce how often they come.

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At a glance

  • Migraine: moderate to severe, often one-sided throbbing headache lasting hours, with nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound
  • Tension-type headache: a tight band around the head, usually milder, often with stress, poor sleep or posture
  • Common triggers: missed meals, poor sleep, stress, bright light, strong smells, some foods, hormonal changes
  • Watch out for: overusing painkillers, which can cause daily "rebound" headaches
  • At Medcare: consultation, examination, BP check, headache diary, treatment and prevention plan

Signs that it may be migraine

  • Headache attacks lasting 4 to 72 hours
  • Throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side
  • Worse with activity
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Discomfort with light and sound
  • Some people see flashing lights or zigzag lines before the headache (aura)

What happens at Medcare

  1. Headache history. How often, how long, where, what helps, what triggers it, family history and medicines used.
  2. Examination. BP, eyes, nervous system and neck.
  3. Tests only if needed. Most primary headaches do not need scans. Scans or other tests are advised when there are warning signs.
  4. Treatment for attacks. The right medicine taken early in the attack, and limits on how many days a month to use it.
  5. Prevention plan. For frequent attacks, daily preventive treatment, plus sleep, meal and stress routines.
  6. Diary. A simple headache diary to track triggers and progress.
  1. Headache history. How often, how long, where, what helps, what triggers it, family history and medicines used.
  2. Examination. BP, eyes, nervous system and neck.
  3. Tests only if needed. Most primary headaches do not need scans. Scans or other tests are advised when there are warning signs.
  4. Treatment for attacks. The right medicine taken early in the attack, and limits on how many days a month to use it.
  5. Prevention plan. For frequent attacks, daily preventive treatment, plus sleep, meal and stress routines.
  6. Diary. A simple headache diary to track triggers and progress.

Self-care that helps

  • Keep regular sleep and wake times, including on weekends
  • Do not skip meals; carry a snack
  • Drink enough water
  • Limit tea and coffee to a steady, moderate amount
  • Take short screen breaks
  • Use painkillers no more than 2 to 3 days a week
  • Note triggers in a diary rather than avoiding everything

When to see a doctor urgently

When to get help straight away.

Call 108 or 112 or go to a hospital emergency for: a sudden, very severe headache that peaks within a minute ("worst ever"); headache with fever and stiff neck; headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, slurred speech or loss of vision; headache after a head injury; or a new severe headache in pregnancy or after the age of 50.

FAQs

Do I need a brain scan for my headaches?

Most people with migraine or tension-type headache do not need a scan. A careful history and examination are usually enough. A scan is advised when there are warning signs, such as a sudden severe headache, weakness, confusion or a change in headache pattern. Dr. Das will tell you if you need one.

Can taking painkillers often make headaches worse?

Yes. Using painkillers on more than about 10 to 15 days a month can lead to medication overuse headache, where headaches become daily. Reducing painkillers with a doctor's guidance and starting preventive treatment usually breaks the cycle.

Can migraine be prevented?

Often, yes. Regular sleep, meals and exercise, and identifying triggers reduce attacks. For people with frequent or disabling migraine, daily preventive medicines can cut the number of attacks. The right choice depends on your other health conditions.

Is high BP a common cause of headache?

Usually not. Most people with high BP have no headache. Very high BP can cause headache, especially with other symptoms, and that needs urgent care. Your BP is checked at every headache visit.

Are migraines linked to periods?

Yes, many women have migraine around their period, due to hormone changes. Tracking attacks in a diary helps confirm the pattern, and specific treatment can be planned around those days.

Sources

  • International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3)
  • Indian Academy of Neurology, consensus on migraine management
  • American Headache Society, consensus statements

Related care

Internal medicineAdult medical care from an MD physicianSleep apneaLoud snoring and daytime sleepiness, tested and treatedHigh blood pressureConfirm, treat and track BP, including 24-hour monitoring

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tamoghna Das, MBBS, MD (Medicine) · Assam Council of Medical Registration No. 20276 · Last reviewed 3 October 2026

Book a visit with Dr. Tamoghna Das

Call 60031 21297 or send a WhatsApp message. We confirm your time within 30 to 60 minutes during clinic hours.

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