Dolor de cabeza

Consideraciones clave

• A headache is pain around the head or face.
• Common types of headaches are migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. They vary by pain intensity, location and frequency.
• Some headaches are the main issue caused by stress or tight muscles. Others are caused by an underlying health condition.
• Over-the-counter pain relief and self-help measures can help treat headaches. Your provider may prescribe medications.

Resumen

What is a headache?

A dolor de cabeza is discomfort or pain in the head. You can experience headaches in various parts of your head, scalp and face. They can affect one or both sides of your head.

Headaches can vary in intensity. They can feel sharp, aching, burning or throbbing. Some headaches affect only one part of the head. Others may start in a central point and spread across the head or face.

For many people, headaches can be mild and short lasting. Some people experience headaches more frequently or have pain that lasts for days. The cause of a headache can affect the level of pain you feel and how often it occurs.

Other names for headache

Cephalalgia

What are some types of headaches?

There are different types of headaches depending on where your pain is located, the intensity and frequency.

• Migraine — A migraña is an intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. They can last between 4 hours and several days. Many people experience other symptoms with a migraine such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or other visual disturbances.
• Tension — A tension headache is a dull, aching pain that can come on slowly throughout the day. Sometimes it’s a tight feeling around the head, similar to wearing a tight headband. It’s often located across the forehead, temples and back of the head or neck. There are several potential causes of a tension headache which can include but are not exclusive to stress or tight muscles.
• Cluster — A Cluster headache is severe pain around or behind one eye. It may occur in a series that may last weeks or months. Some other symptoms that come with cluster headaches are swelling or redness of the eye and congestion.

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Posibles causas

What can cause a headache?

A primary headache is when the headache is the main issue. These are often caused by a problem with the muscles, nerves or blood vessels inside your head, neck or shoulders. A secondary headache is a symptom of an underlying health condition.

There are several potential causes of a headache including but not exclusive to:

• Lifestyle factors - Your habits can cause headaches. This includes lack of sleep, dehydration, poor posture, food intolerance and stress.
• Sinus infection (Sinusitis) — Alergias or a bacterial or viral infection can cause sinusitis. Inflammation in the sinuses can cause headaches. It can also cause tension around your face and upper teeth.
• Viral infection — Headaches can be a symptom of an illness or infection such, Influenza (Flu), Coronavirus (COVID-19) o mononucleosis.
• Medications — Some medications can cause headaches as a side effect.

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Tratamiento y control

How can headaches be treated?

The treatment for a headache depends on the cause. Some possible methods to help reduce the frequency or severity of a headache include:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription medications
• Using a cold compress
• Lying in a dark room

It is important to work with a health care provider to determine the cause of your headache so that it can be treated appropriately. MinuteClinic ofrece una variedad de servicios que pueden ayudar con el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

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Cuándo buscar atención médica

Go to the hospital or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Confusion or difficulties with speaking or understanding
• Visual disturbances
• Dificultad para caminar
• Neck stiffness
• Desmayos
• High-grade fiebre (Temperature 104°F (39.4° C) or higher)
• Náuseas o vómitos
• Debilidad muscular
• Entumecimiento
• Parálisis

Llame a su proveedor si:

• You experience unusually severe or frequent headaches
• Your headaches get worse
• Over-the-counter pain relief and self-help measures don't work
• Your headaches interfere with daily activities or cause you distress

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Este material es solo para consulta y no debe usarse para determinar el tratamiento de afecciones específicas.

Visite un proveedor de atención médica por evaluación, diagnóstico y tratamiento de cualquier síntoma que pueda tener. Si tiene una emergencia médica, marque el 911 o visite su Departamento de Emergencia local.

Referencias usadas como fuentes para esta página

1. Types of headaches via Standford Medicine. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/headache/types.html. (Accessed February 2023).
2. Tension headache via Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977. (Accessed February 2023).
3. Cluster headache via Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20352080. (Accessed February 2023).
4. Headaches via Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches. (Accessed February 2023).

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