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Migraine and other headaches: when a headache needs a doctor

Most headaches are harmless, but some are a sign of something serious. Learn the types of headache, the warning signs, and which doctor to see in Bangladesh.

Almost everyone gets a headache from time to time. Most headaches go away on their own and are not a sign of anything serious. But headaches that keep coming back can disrupt school, work and other activities. A small number of headaches are a sign of a serious illness that needs care the same day. This guide explains the common types of headache, the warning signs to watch for, and which kind of doctor to see.

How common are headaches?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says headache disorders are among the most common conditions of the nervous system. They affect people of all races, income levels and regions. On its headache disorders questions-and-answers page (checked November 2026), WHO says migraine affects at least 1 adult in every 7 worldwide. It also says up to 1 adult in 20 has a headache every day or nearly every day. The page does not give a date for these estimates.

There are no national figures for Bangladesh from a large population survey. Smaller studies give some idea:

  • A survey of 2,352 Bangladeshi university students, published in BMC Neurology in 2022, found that about 21% had migraine. It was more common in female students (29%) than in male students (12%).
  • A Bangladeshi paper published in 2025 cites an earlier study in which recurring headaches affected about 17% of school-going children. Migraine and tension-type headache were the main types.

WHO says only a minority of people with headache disorders are properly diagnosed and treated by a health worker. It estimates that about half of people with headache disorders treat themselves.

Primary and secondary headaches

Doctors sort headaches into two broad groups:

  • Primary headaches are a condition in their own right and are not caused by another disease. Migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache are primary headaches.
  • Secondary headaches are caused by another problem. This could be a cold or flu, a head injury, an infection such as meningitis, or bleeding from a burst blood vessel in the brain. Some of these are emergencies.

The main types of headache

Tension-type headache

This is the most common type. The NHS (the UK’s National Health Service) says it causes pain on both sides of the head, face or neck. It can feel like something is pressing on your head or tightening around it. It lasts at least 30 minutes and can last much longer, sometimes several days. Most people can carry on with daily activities. Common causes include stress, sleep problems and caffeine (found in tea, coffee and cola).

Migraine

Migraine causes repeated attacks. The NHS describes the main symptoms as:

  • a throbbing headache, often on one side of the head, that can be severe and can get worse when you move around
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • being very sensitive to light and sound

Some people get an aura before the headache. An aura is a warning sign, such as zigzag lines or flashing lights in your sight, numbness or tingling, dizziness or difficulty speaking. An aura should not last longer than 1 hour. A migraine attack usually lasts between 4 hours and 3 days. Some women get attacks just before or during their period, and these are often longer and more severe.

Cluster headache

Cluster headache is a rare but very painful primary headache disorder. It usually causes intense pain around one eye. If you have very severe one-sided headaches that keep coming back, see a doctor so they can work out which type you have.

Medication overuse headache

Taking painkillers for headaches too often, or for a long time, can itself cause headaches. These are called medication overuse headaches or rebound headaches. If you take headache medicine on many days each month, tell a doctor. Do not change your medicines on your own. A doctor can plan the next steps safely. Headaches often get worse for a while before they improve.

Feature Tension-type headache Migraine
Where it hurts Both sides of the head, face or neck Often one side
How it feels Pressing or tight Throbbing
Other symptoms Usually few Feeling sick, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound
Daily activities Usually possible Moving around can make it worse

Warning signs: get urgent care

Go to the emergency department of a hospital straight away if someone has a headache and any of the following:

  • the headache started suddenly and is extremely painful, or it is the worst headache they have ever had
  • numbness or weakness in the face, arm, leg or body
  • difficulty speaking, slurred speech, problems with balance or walking, confusion or memory problems
  • loss of vision, blurred vision or double vision
  • a seizure (fit)
  • drowsiness
  • a very high temperature, a stiff neck, discomfort in bright light, or a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed on it. These can be signs of meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain.
  • a head injury in the last 3 months, for example from a fall or a road accident
  • the white part of the eye is red

Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to take you. Bring any medicines the person takes so the doctors can see them.

Get an urgent appointment with a doctor if:

  • the headache is triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercise
  • the headache comes with vomiting
  • headaches wake you at night, or are there when you wake up in the morning
  • a child’s headache keeps getting worse or wakes them at night
  • you have jaw pain when chewing or a sore or tender scalp
  • headaches have started for the first time after age 50
  • your usual headaches have changed a lot
  • you have had cancer or have a weak immune system and develop a new headache
  • a migraine attack has lasted longer than 72 hours, or aura symptoms last longer than 1 hour

Headache during pregnancy or after birth

The NHS advises getting an urgent appointment with a doctor if you have a migraine attack while you are pregnant or have just had a baby. A gynaecologist or obstetrician can check you.

Which doctor should you see?

  • For an emergency: go to a hospital emergency department.
  • For frequent or troublesome headaches: start with a general doctor (GP or MBBS doctor) or a medicine specialist. Diagnosis is usually based on your history of symptoms and an examination.
  • Neurologist: a doctor who specialises in the brain and nerves. Your doctor may refer you if the cause is unclear or treatment is not helping.
  • Child neurologist or paediatrician: for children with repeated or worsening headaches.
  • Eye specialist (ophthalmologist): if headaches come with eye pain, redness or changes in vision. Get emergency care if these are sudden.
  • Gynaecologist or obstetrician: for headaches during pregnancy or soon after birth.

If you are unsure where to go and none of the warning signs above apply, a general doctor is a good place to start.

What happens at the appointment

The doctor will ask about your headaches and examine you. Many people with headaches do not need a scan. The doctor will decide whether tests are needed.

It may help to keep a headache diary for a few weeks before your visit. Note down:

  1. the date, time and how long each headache lasted
  2. how bad the pain was and any other symptoms
  3. possible triggers, such as missed meals, poor sleep, stress or your period
  4. any medicine you took, and whether it helped

How headaches are treated

Treatment depends on the type of headache and how often it happens. It may include painkillers, anti-sickness medicine, specific migraine medicines, and sometimes medicine taken regularly to prevent attacks. Your doctor decides which treatment suits you. Lifestyle changes often help too, such as:

  • regular sleep
  • regular meals
  • drinking enough fluids
  • managing stress
  • regular exercise
  • cutting down on caffeine

Speak to a doctor before taking painkillers often. Pregnant women and parents of children should get advice before taking or giving any medicine.

Key points

  • Most headaches are not dangerous, but frequent headaches deserve a proper diagnosis.
  • A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with weakness, confusion, vision loss, a fit, fever with a stiff neck, or a recent head injury, needs emergency care.
  • Using painkillers too often can cause more headaches. Talk to a doctor rather than changing medicines yourself.
  • Start with a general doctor or medicine specialist. A neurologist can help if the cause is unclear or treatment is not working.

Sources

Find a doctor

Browse Neurology doctors in Bangladesh on ratings.com.bd, with chambers and, where listed, visiting hours and phone numbers.

Sources

This article is general information, not medical advice. It was written by AI from the sources above. It did not pass the automatic check, and an administrator chose to publish it; no doctor or editor has reviewed it. For a diagnosis or treatment, see a registered doctor.

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