Chronic Headache: When Is It Serious?

🌟 Introduction

Headaches are extremely common—almost everyone experiences them at some point. However, there is a big difference between an occasional headache caused by stress or lack of sleep, and a **Chronic Headache** that refuses to go away.

If you are reaching for painkillers almost every day, or if your headache pattern has suddenly changed, your body is trying to tell you something. In this guide, Dr. Atul Sharma helps you distinguish between a nagging nuisance and a serious neurological warning sign.

📅 What Counts as "Chronic"?

Doctors define **Chronic Daily Headache (CDH)** as occurring for **15 or more days a month, for at least 3 months**. These aren't always severe; they can be low-grade, constant dull aches that drain your energy and affect your quality of life.

🤕 Common Types: Know the Difference

Before worrying about serious conditions, it helps to identify the usual suspects. The location of the pain often gives a clue: [Image of headache types location diagram migraine vs tension vs sinus]

• Tension Headache: A tight band of pressure around the forehead. Usually caused by stress or posture.
• Migraine: Throbbing pain, usually on one side, often with nausea or sensitivity to light.
• Cervicogenic Headache: Pain starting from the neck and shooting up to the back of the head.

🚩 Red Flags: When is it Serious?

The "SNOOP" Rule:

Neurologists use specific warning signs to decide if a CT scan or MRI is needed. If you have any of these, consult a specialist immediately:

💊 The Trap of "Rebound Headaches"

Are your pills causing the pain?

Ironically, one of the most common causes of chronic headaches is **Medication Overuse Headache (MOH)**. This happens when you take over-the-counter painkillers more than 2–3 times a week. Your brain becomes dependent on them, and the moment the effect wears off, the headache returns even stronger. Breaking this cycle requires medical supervision to safely wean off the drugs.

🏥 Diagnosis & Treatment

Do not guess the cause. A proper diagnosis often involves checking your blood pressure, eye vision, and sometimes an **MRI Brain** to rule out tumors or clots. Treatment varies from simple lifestyle changes (hydration, sleep) to advanced therapies like **Botox injections for Chronic Migraine** or nerve blocks for neck pain.