Natura
Almost everyone knows headaches. For some they become a fixed part of life. Because there are over 200 forms of headache, classification is a matter for your doctor. What you can do beforehand: observe closely and write it down.
Warning signs: have them checked immediately
Call emergency services (112 in Germany) or go to an emergency room immediately for:
- sudden, worst-ever headache, unlike anything before (“thunderclap”)
- headache after a fall or blow to the head
- fever with a stiff neck
- paralysis, speech or vision problems, confusion, seizure
You should also have headaches checked promptly if they start after age 50, gradually get worse or clearly change their pattern.
The headache diary
A simple diary over four to eight weeks is enough. For each attack, note:
- date, time, duration
- intensity (0 to 10) and location (one-sided, both sides, forehead, neck)
- type of pain: pulsating, pressing, stabbing
- accompanying symptoms: nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, flickering or visual disturbances before the attack (aura)
- possible influences: sleep, meals, fluids, caffeine, alcohol, stress, cycle, weather, screen time
- painkillers taken, with amount and effect
Commonly discussed influencing factors
The following points are mentioned in connection with headaches. They are not a diagnosis but starting points for the conversation:
- irregular sleep, skipped meals, too little fluid
- tension in the neck and shoulder area, jaw clenching
- hormonal fluctuations during the cycle
- vision problems and long screen work
- stress and emotional strain (soul work, mental coaching)
- micronutrients such as magnesium and vitamin B2, which have been studied. Please discuss taking them with your doctor.
Painkillers: not too often
Those who reach for painkillers very often risk medication-overuse headache. As a rule of thumb, professional societies name: simple painkillers on at most 14 days per month, triptans and combination products on at most 9 days. If you come close to that, talk to your doctor.
What we do in addition at Natura Heilpraxis
In addition to the medical work-up, we discuss daily life, sleep, diet, strains and lab values, for example iron, thyroid, vitamins and minerals. Which measurement makes sense is shown in the consultation. You can read more in our short article Headaches and Migraines. This text does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell migraine from tension headache?
Migraine is usually one-sided, pulsating and moderate to severe, often with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise, and gets worse with movement. Tension headache is more often on both sides, pressing or pulling and mild to moderate. A reliable classification is made by your doctor.
When is a headache an emergency?
With a sudden, worst-ever headache, after a fall or blow, with fever and a stiff neck, with paralysis, speech or vision problems, confusion or a seizure, call emergency services (112 in Germany).
Can painkillers themselves cause headaches?
Yes. According to the criteria of the International Headache Society, medication-overuse headache can develop when simple painkillers are taken on 15 or more days per month, or triptans and combination products on 10 or more days per month. Discuss your intake with your doctor.
What can I observe in daily life?
Sleep times, intervals between meals, fluids, caffeine, alcohol, menstrual cycle, screen time, neck and jaw tension, and stressful phases. Note what came before an attack and write down what you took.
All questions & answers in the guide →
Professionally responsible: Yesha Karmeli, naturopathic practitioner (Heilpraktiker), Natura Heilpraxis Berlin. This text provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
