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What Helps Against Headaches? Tips & Treatment

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Home remedies, pain relievers, and targeted therapies can effectively relieve and prevent headaches.

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Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. Home remedies, pain relievers, and targeted therapies can effectively relieve and prevent headaches.

What Helps Against Headaches?

Headaches are among the most common health complaints worldwide and can have many different causes. Treatment depends on the type, intensity, and trigger of the headache. A basic distinction is made between primary headaches (e.g., tension headache, migraine, cluster headache) and secondary headaches, which occur as a symptom of another underlying condition.

Home Remedies and Immediate Measures

For mild to moderate headaches, the following measures can provide quick relief:

Stay hydrated: Headaches are often caused by dehydration. Drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water or herbal tea per day is recommended.
Rest and sensory reduction: Relaxing in a darkened, quiet room and reducing screen time can help.
Cold compress: Placing a cool, damp cloth or cooling pad on the forehead or neck can ease pain.
Peppermint oil: Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples and forehead has been shown to be effective for tension headaches.
Caffeine: A cup of coffee or black tea can support relief for certain types of headaches.
Gentle massage: Massaging the temples, neck, and shoulders can release tension and improve circulation.
Fresh air and light exercise: A short walk outdoors can relieve headaches caused by stress or lack of oxygen.

Pain Relievers (Analgesics)

For moderate headaches, over-the-counter pain medications are commonly used. The most common active ingredients include:

Ibuprofen (e.g., 400 mg): Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, particularly effective for tension headaches.
Paracetamol / Acetaminophen (e.g., 500–1000 mg): Well tolerated, also suitable during pregnancy after consulting a doctor.
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) (e.g., 500 mg): A classic pain reliever, not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Important: Pain relievers should not be taken more than 10 days per month, as overuse can lead to medication-overuse headache.

Treatment of Migraine

Migraines often require additional or specific treatment options:

Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan): Prescription medications that specifically target migraine attacks.
Antiemetics: Used alongside other treatments to manage nausea and vomiting.
Darkness and rest: Migraine attacks often respond well to sensory reduction in a quiet, dark environment.

Prevention and Long-Term Measures

Those who suffer from frequent headaches can take the following preventive steps:

Regular sleep: Consistent sleep schedules and adequate rest reduce the frequency of headaches.
Stress management: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation help reduce tension headaches.
Headache diary: Recording triggers, frequency, and intensity helps identify individual headache triggers.
Regular meals: Skipping meals can cause blood sugar fluctuations that trigger headaches.
Screen hygiene: Taking regular breaks during screen work and maintaining an ergonomic posture reduces muscle tension.

When to See a Doctor

Medical advice should be sought in the following situations:

A sudden, extremely severe headache (so-called thunderclap headache)
Headache following an accident or head injury
Accompanying symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, visual disturbances, speech difficulties, or paralysis
Headaches that worsen or do not improve despite treatment
More than 15 headache days per month (chronic headache)

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Headache disorders. Fact Sheet (2016). Available at: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders
Diener H.C., Gaul C., Kropp P. et al.: Treatment of migraine attacks and migraine prevention. S1 Guideline. German Society of Neurology (2022).
Linde M., Mulleners W.M., Chronicle E.P., McCrory D.C.: Topiramate for the prophylaxis of episodic migraine in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010610

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