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Experts explain how to identify different types of headaches, which habits can worsen the crises, and when a headache stops being something common to become an important health alert
Frequent headaches, clinically known as cephalalgia, already affect more than half of the world’s population and remain among the main complaints in medical offices. Although many people consider the problem a simple everyday issue, experts warn that recurring pains can indicate diseases, hormonal changes, visual problems, and even muscular disorders. Moreover, self-medication and lack of proper follow-up often worsen the condition even further.
The information was released by “GZH” in a special report on headaches and quality of life, bringing data from the Brazilian Society of Headache and interviews with medical specialists from Unimed Porto Alegre. According to the publication, more than 150 types of headaches have already been identified by science, which reinforces the importance of a correct diagnosis to define the most appropriate treatment.
According to neurologist Vanise Grassi, a member of Unimed Porto Alegre, the diagnosis of headache mainly occurs through clinical analysis. The doctor evaluates factors such as pain intensity, location, duration of the crisis, and associated symptoms. Additionally, the patient’s behavior during the crises also helps identify the type of headache.
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According to the specialist, many people live for years with headaches without discovering the real origin of the problem. As a consequence, they end up constantly resorting to analgesics, creating a dangerous cycle of self-medication.
— The treatment of the crisis is different from the treatment of the underlying disease. When headaches become frequent, it’s not enough to just take medication to temporarily relieve the pain. It’s necessary to investigate the cause and treat it correctly — explains the neurologist.
Women suffer more from migraines due to hormonal influence
Among the different types of headaches, migraines appear as one of the most disabling. Moreover, they affect women up to three times more than men. The explanation, according to gynecologist Soraia Prestes, is directly linked to the hormonal fluctuations of estrogen throughout a woman’s life.
The specialist states that hormone levels vary during the menstrual cycle. After menstruation, estrogen starts at a low concentration, rises until ovulation, and then falls again. It is precisely during this hormonal drop that many women develop intense headache crises.
Furthermore, menopause can also increase the frequency of crises. This happens because the ovaries stop producing estrogen adequately, causing changes in the body that favor headaches.
The journalist Luciana Marques knows this reality well. She had her first migraine crisis at the age of 30, in 2017. At the time, she believed she was suffering a stroke. Only after talking to a doctor friend did she understand that she was facing a severe migraine crisis.
For years, Luciana used only palliative medications. However, in 2024, she began specialized monitoring and discovered that the origin of the pain was related to muscle tension during the night.
— I would tense the cervical region so much while sleeping that it ended up triggering pain throughout the entire day — she reports.
In addition to hormonal and muscular changes, emotional factors also directly influence the crises. Excessive stress, anxiety, poorly slept nights, and inadequate diet are among the main triggers for recurring headaches.
Excessive screen time and vision problems can worsen crises
Another factor that is concerning specialists is excessive screen exposure. With an increasingly digital routine, many people spend hours in front of computers, cell phones, and tablets without proper breaks. As a result, headache symptoms end up intensifying.
Ophthalmologist Gustavo Longhi explains that pain located in the frontal region of the head or around the eyes may indicate ophthalmological changes. According to him, problems such as hypermetropia and mild astigmatism often cause constant visual strain.
Even low degrees, like 0.75 or 1.00, can already cause significant discomfort. This occurs because the eyes keep trying to compensate for the difficulty in focusing throughout the day, especially in front of screens.
Moreover, working in dark environments and very close to the monitor further increases eye strain. The specialist recommends maintaining a distance equivalent to an outstretched arm from the computer and always working in well-lit places.
— Many patients spend the entire day very close to the screen. After hours of continuous strain, the eye muscles cannot relax, causing periocular pain and headache — details Longhi.
According to the Brazilian Headache Society, headaches are classified into primary and secondary headaches. Primary ones arise without direct relation to other diseases. Secondary ones appear as a consequence of specific health problems.
Among the most common types is tension headache, considered the most frequent in the world. It affects between 30% and 78% of the global population. It usually causes a sensation of pressure or tightness in the head and can radiate to the neck. Stress and cervical muscle tension appear as the main triggers.
Migraine, on the other hand, usually causes throbbing pain of moderate to severe intensity. The crises can last for hours or even two days. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound are also part of the symptoms. Some people also experience visual aura, characterized by flashing lights, zigzag lines, and temporary blind spots.
Another well-known type is cluster headache, considered one of the most intense pains among all headaches. The attacks usually affect only one side of the head and are concentrated around the eyes or in the temple region. Additionally, they can occur several times a day over periods of one to three months.
Among the most common symptoms of cluster headaches are tearing, nasal congestion, eye redness, and drooping of the eyelid on the affected side.
Simple habits help prevent frequent headaches
Despite many factors influencing headache attacks, some simple habits significantly help in prevention. Maintaining a regular sleep routine, for example, reduces the risk of frequent attacks.
Moreover, a balanced diet and good hydration also make an important difference in the body’s functioning. Regular physical exercise helps reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation.
Experts also recommend paying attention to ergonomics in the workplace. Adjusting the chair, monitor, and body posture reduces strain on the cervical region and prevents pain associated with prolonged computer use.
Another fundamental point is learning to control emotional stress. Relaxation techniques, breaks during work, and reducing excessive screen exposure help decrease headache episodes.
Identifying specific triggers can also be decisive. Some patients notice worsening of pain after certain foods, strong smells, excessive sound stimuli, or intense brightness.
Therefore, doctors emphasize that ignoring frequent headaches can bring significant consequences for quality of life. In many cases, the correct treatment completely transforms the patient’s routine and significantly reduces the attacks.
Have you ever had headaches so severe that they affected your routine or made you seek medical help? Share your experience in the comments.
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