Headaches: Common Types, Triggers and When to See a Doctor

Most headaches aren’t serious. The most common types, tension-type headaches and migraine, can usually be managed with simple self-care, by recognising your triggers and, when needed, with treatment from your GP. A small number of headaches are a sign of something more serious, so it’s important to know the warning signs that need urgent help.

This guide explains the main types of headache, common triggers, what helps, and when to see a doctor.

Common types of headache

Tension-type headache

This is the most common type. It usually feels like a dull ache, tightness or pressure across the forehead, around the head like a band, or at the back of the head and neck. It’s often linked to stress, tiredness, poor posture, long periods at a screen, or tight neck and shoulder muscles. Tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days, but usually don’t stop you from carrying on with normal activities.

Migraine

Migraine is a common condition that causes moderate to severe headaches, often throbbing and on one side of the head. Attacks can last from a few hours to a few days, and may come with:

• nausea or vomiting
• sensitivity to light, sound or smells
• pain that gets worse with movement

Some people get an “aura” before or during a migraine, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines or blind spots in their vision, or tingling in the face or hands. Healthdirect’s migraine page has more detail.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches are much less common, but very painful. They cause severe pain around or behind one eye, often with a watery eye and a blocked or runny nostril on the same side. Attacks typically last from 15 minutes to a few hours and come in “clusters” over weeks or months, often at the same time of day. Cluster headaches need assessment by a doctor.

Other headaches

• Sinus headaches, with pain and pressure in the face, often during or after a cold.
• Medication overuse headache, caused by taking pain relief medicines too often. It can turn occasional headaches into daily ones.
• Headaches linked to illness, such as colds, flu or COVID-19 (see our guide to common respiratory viruses).
• Headaches from dehydration, alcohol, caffeine withdrawal or poor sleep. Snoring and waking with headaches can be a sign of sleep apnoea.

Common headache triggers

• stress, anxiety or tension
• not getting enough sleep, or changes to your sleep pattern
• skipping meals or not drinking enough water
• alcohol, and for some people certain foods
• too much caffeine, or suddenly cutting back
• hormonal changes, such as around periods
• long periods of screen use, eye strain or poor posture
• bright or flickering light, strong smells or loud noise
• changes in the weather

Triggers vary a lot between people. A headache diary can help you work out your own.

Keeping a headache diary

For a few weeks, write down:

• the date, time and how long each headache lasts
• where the pain is and what it feels like
• how severe it is, for example on a scale of 1 to 10
• other symptoms, such as nausea or vision changes
• what you’d eaten, drunk and done beforehand, how you’d slept, and where you were in your menstrual cycle
• any medicines you took and whether they helped

This information is very useful for your doctor and helps you spot patterns.

What helps

During a headache

• Rest in a quiet, darkened room, especially for migraine.
• Drink some water.
• Try a cold pack on your forehead, or a heat pack on your neck and shoulders.
• Gentle stretching, massage or slow breathing can ease tension-type headaches.
• Simple pain relief can help. For migraine, it tends to work best when taken early. Your pharmacist can advise what’s suitable for you, especially if you’re pregnant, have other health conditions or take other medicines.

Preventing headaches

• Keep a regular sleep routine, aiming for 7 to 9 hours a night for most adults.
• Eat regular meals and stay well hydrated.
• Be active most days.
• Find ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation or mindfulness.
• Take regular breaks from screens and check your desk set-up and posture.
• Limit alcohol and keep caffeine moderate and consistent.
• Have your eyes tested if you notice blurred vision or eye strain.
• Avoid taking pain relief on many days each month. If you find you need it often, talk to your GP.

Treatment from a doctor

If headaches are frequent or affecting your life, a GP can help work out the type of headache, look for causes and triggers, and talk through options. Depending on the type, this may include prescription treatment for migraine attacks, preventive treatment if attacks are frequent, help to stop medication overuse, and support for related issues such as stress, sleep or anxiety. Some people are referred to a neurologist.

Headaches can also be linked to high blood pressure in some cases, so your GP may suggest a check. Read more about blood pressure care.

When to see a GP

Make an appointment if:

• you have headaches often, or they’re stopping you from doing everyday things
• you’re taking pain relief for headaches on more than a few days a week
• your usual headache pattern changes or gets worse
• headaches wake you from sleep, or are worst when you wake up
• headaches get worse when you cough, sneeze, strain or bend over
• you’re over 50 and have a new type of headache
• you’re pregnant and have a headache, especially in the second half of pregnancy (also check your blood pressure)
• you have a weakened immune system or a history of cancer and develop a new headache

When to get urgent help

Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have:

• a sudden, severe headache, the worst you’ve ever had, that comes on within seconds to minutes
• a headache with fever and a stiff neck, a rash, confusion or drowsiness
• a headache with weakness, numbness, drooping of the face, trouble speaking, loss of balance, or loss of vision or double vision
• a headache after a head injury
• a headache with a seizure or fainting
• a severe headache with a painful red eye

Don’t drive yourself to hospital if you have any of these symptoms.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs can talk through headaches by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time). Most patients are seen within 15 minutes. Your doctor can:

• review your symptoms and headache diary, and check for warning signs
• discuss triggers, self-care and prevention
• prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• arrange blood tests or imaging through our pathology and radiology referrals if needed
• provide a specialist referral, for example to a neurologist
• provide a medical certificate if a migraine stops you from working

A telehealth consultation can’t replace a physical examination. If your doctor thinks you need one, they’ll tell you. Teldoc doesn’t prescribe strong opioid pain medicines or other controlled (Schedule 8) medicines. Consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays. See our fees page or learn more about our general health consultations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common type of headache?

Tension-type headache is the most common. It usually feels like a dull ache or tight band around the head and is often linked to stress, tiredness, posture or tight neck muscles.

How do I know if my headache is a migraine?

Migraines are usually moderate to severe, often throbbing and on one side, and may come with nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people get visual changes called an aura first. A GP can help confirm the diagnosis.

Can taking pain relief too often cause headaches?

Yes. Using pain relief medicines too often can lead to medication overuse headache, where headaches become more frequent. If you need pain relief on more than a few days a week, talk to your GP.

When is a headache an emergency?

Call 000 for a sudden, severe headache, or a headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking, vision loss, a seizure, or after a head injury.

Can I see a doctor about headaches through telehealth?

Yes. A GP can assess many headaches by phone or video, discuss treatment and arrange tests or referrals. They’ll let you know if you need to be examined in person.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026