Headaches - causes, symptoms & effective treatment

Headaches are one of the most common complaints and can be caused by stress, tension, migraines or external influences such as changes in the weather.

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Headaches are one of the most common complaints and can be caused by stress, tension, migraines or external influences such as changes in the weather.

Headaches manifest as a dull, stabbing or throbbing pain and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or difficulty concentrating. A distinction is made between primary headaches, which occur independently, and secondary headaches, which are caused by other illnesses or external factors. The most common primary headache types include tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes or muscle tension.

Cluster headaches are a particularly intense and rare form of headache that occur in periodic episodes ("clusters"). They are characterised by extremely severe, one-sided pain that usually occurs in the area of the temple, behind the eye or on the forehead. The attacks usually last between 15 minutes and 3 hours and can occur several times a day, often at the same time of day or night.

Simple household remedies often help to relieve headaches. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water or unsweetened tea, can help if dehydration is the cause. Fresh air and exercise can also relieve tension and promote blood circulation. For tension headaches, a gentle head and neck massage can help to relax the muscles. A cold or warm cloth on the forehead or neck can also provide relief. Anyone who regularly suffers from headaches should stabilise their sleep rhythm and reduce stress, for example through meditation or relaxation techniques.

A balanced diet that contains important nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin B2 and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent headaches and reduce their intensity. Magnesium plays an important role in relaxing muscles and regulating nerve function, which is why a deficiency can favour headaches and migraines. Good sources of magnesium are nuts, seeds, wholemeal products and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is involved in cellular energy production and is mainly found in dairy products, eggs, meat and pulses. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and nuts, also have an anti-inflammatory effect and could alleviate certain types of headaches.

Avoiding triggers also plays a crucial role. In addition to excessive caffeine consumption, which can lead to withdrawal headaches, alcohol, highly processed foods with flavour enhancers (such as glutamate) or high-sugar foods should also be reduced, as they can promote headaches. A stable blood sugar level is important, as hypoglycaemia is a common cause of headaches. For this reason, long breaks between meals should be avoided and complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, wholemeal bread or pulses should be favoured.

However, a doctor should be consulted immediately in the event of severe, sudden onset or prolonged headaches, especially in conjunction with visual disturbances, dizziness, numbness, speech disorders or nausea. These symptoms may indicate serious illnesses such as migraine with aura, high blood pressure attacks or neurological disorders. Even if headaches occur more frequently over a longer period of time or change in intensity, a medical examination is advisable to rule out possible underlying illnesses.