The great majority of recurring headaches are migraine or tension-type, and both can be managed well once correctly identified. Migraine in particular is often under-treated, with people relying on more and more painkillers.
The first job is to tell the common types apart, recognise the small number of headaches that signal something urgent, and then build a plan that prevents attacks rather than just chasing them with tablets.
Migraine tends to look different from an ordinary headache.
A pulsating pain, frequently on one side of the head.
Stomach upset that often accompanies the pain.
Wanting to lie in a dark, quiet room.
Visual disturbances — flashes or zig-zags — before the pain.
Routine movement makes it worse, not better.
Attacks that can wipe out part or all of a day.
Identifying your own pattern is half the battle.
Both stress and the relief after it can set off attacks.
Too little — or too much — sleep, or a changing routine.
Missing meals or not drinking enough water.
Long unbroken hours at a screen.
Specific triggers vary; caffeine swings are common.
Hormonal cycles and weather shifts for some people.
These are uncommon, but they should never be brushed off.
Most headaches are diagnosed from the history and examination — scans are needed only when specific warning features are present. A short headache diary often makes the pattern clear.
Good headache care is as much about prevention and trigger control as it is about relief. The aim is fewer, milder attacks — and avoiding the trap of painkiller-overuse headache.
“He explains the diagnosis and treatment very clearly, which gives real confidence and comfort. I truly appreciated his ethical and effective approach.”
“Dr. Manuj Sondhi is extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional. He took the time to listen carefully to every concern and explained the treatment clearly — the whole experience was very reassuring.”