Question:

Throughout the day I've had these short and moderately painful headaches that come on randomly. I'm wondering if this is something severe.

Answered by neurologists and headache specialists Elizabeth Hartman, MD, and Peter Soh, MD, MPH:

Of the more than 270 types of headaches, the most common types are tension-type and migraine. Although there is some familial risk to certain headache disorders, the cause for headache is complex. A headache specialist can help with the diagnosis and management of headache or facial pain disorders.  

Headache triggers can include but are not limited to:

• Muscle tension
• Lack of sleep
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Diet
• Dehydration
• High blood pressure
• Taking too much over-the-counter medications for pain

Headaches are treatable. For frequent headaches, see your primary care provider, who can refer you to a headache specialist if needed.

Headache is a nonspecific symptom and there can be mimickers of primary headache disorders. So, ruling out secondary causes of headache is important. A clinical history, physical exam, and if needed, diagnostic imaging and lab work, can help with diagnosis.

If you have sudden onset, severe headache – especially with weakness, dizziness or change in sensation in part of your body – call 911 for emergent evaluation.