About this symptom
Headache in adults may feel like pressure, throbbing or tightening, sometimes with nausea, light sensitivity or worsening during physical activity. To assess the pattern, a clinician asks how often attacks occur, how long they last, whether they are changing and which pain medicines are being used.
Clinical features
Headache location does not establish the cause. Pain at the back of the head does not prove a neck disorder, while temporal pain alone does not diagnose high blood pressure. Familiar recurrent attacks differ from a new, sudden, progressively worsening or otherwise unusual headache.
Important differences and warning signs
Keep a headache diary recording the onset, severity, associated symptoms and days of painkiller use. A neurological assessment looks for signs of a dangerous secondary cause. Brain MRI is not automatically necessary for a stable, typical primary headache without concerning findings.
Assessment and individual care
Care depends on the type and frequency of headache and other health factors. Treatment may involve strategies for attacks, prevention, sleep and triggers. Frequent use of painkillers can itself contribute to medication-overuse headache, so a longer-term plan should be reviewed.
Related information: Memory and attention changes; Dizziness in adults.
Signs and symptoms
- Recurring throbbing, tightening or pressing pain, sometimes with changing characteristics.
- Nausea, sensitivity to light or sound and possible worsening with activity.
- Frequency, attack duration and the number of days using painkillers are important.
Diagnosis and tests
A neurologist reviews the history and neurological examination to identify red flags. Imaging or laboratory tests are chosen according to clinical indications, not prescribed to everyone.
Care and treatment approaches
Management may address attack relief, prevention, sleep and triggers. Unsupervised frequent painkiller use can contribute to medication-overuse headache.
When to seek urgent care
A sudden thunderclap or worst-ever headache, loss of consciousness, new weakness, difficulty speaking or seeing, or fever with a stiff neck requires emergency care. Call 103.
Frequently asked questions
Does pain at the back of the head prove a neck problem?
No. Location alone does not identify the source; a clinician assesses the complete pattern and neurological findings.
Does every person with headache need an MRI?
No. Imaging depends on the nature of the headache, its progression and any warning signs.
Why is a headache diary useful?
It helps assess frequency, severity, possible triggers and how many days pain medicines are being taken.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
