Frequent Headaches: Could It Be Migraine?

Check the Warning Signs and Treatment Mistakes You May Be Making

Have you ever experienced sharp headaches, throbbing pain on one side of the head, or pain so severe that it interferes with daily life? Many people assume that headaches are simply caused by stress or lack of rest, and end up buying painkillers to take on their own. But did you know that your headache may be a sign of migraine? If it is not treated correctly, the symptoms may become worse.

What Type of Headache Is Considered Migraine?

Not every headache is migraine. However, data show that among people with primary headache, migraine is the most common condition, accounting for almost 80%.

Common signs that may suggest migraine include:

• Throbbing pain around the temples, often on one side of the head, although it can switch sides
• Pain severe enough to interfere with daily activities
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
• In some cases, warning symptoms known as aura, such as seeing flashing lights or blurred vision

Common problem: More than half of patients who visit a doctor are labelled as having only “general headache”, which may cause them to miss the opportunity to receive migraine-specific treatment.

General Painkillers vs Migraine Preventive Medication: Are You Using the Right Type?

When migraine attacks occur, the first thing many people think of is pain relief medication. However, relying only on acute painkillers may not be the best solution.

Acute Relief Medication

These include general painkillers, NSAIDs, or migraine-specific medicines such as triptans. These medications can help reduce pain during an attack.

However, using them too often, such as more than 10–15 days per month, may lead to medication overuse headache, which can make headaches more frequent and more severe.

Migraine Preventive Medication

For people who have frequent headaches, such as more than 4 times per month, or severe migraine attacks, doctors may consider prescribing preventive medication to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine.

In reality, however, only around 1 in 3 migraine patients receive this type of medication. In many cases, the dose may also be insufficient for effective prevention.

Important Caution: Why Opioid Painkillers Should Be Avoided

Although migraine pain can be extremely distressing, strong painkillers in the opioid group are not recommended as a standard treatment option. This is because they carry a higher risk of side effects and dependence.

However, in practice, these medications may still be prescribed, especially among older adults. Therefore, if you are given pain medication, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is truly appropriate for migraine.

Conclusion: How Can Migraine Be Managed Safely and Effectively?

• Do not tolerate the pain: If headaches begin to affect your daily life, or if you need painkillers more than twice a week, you should consult a neurologist.
• Keep a headache diary: Record the date, time, symptoms, and possible triggers, such as food, stress, or menstrual cycle, to help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
• Adjust your lifestyle: In addition to medication, avoiding triggers, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water can be excellent protective strategies against migraine.

Do not let migraine take away your quality of life. If you suspect that you may have migraine, receiving proper consultation and diagnosis early is the most important key.

Reference

Watson, D. P. B., Pawinski, R., Czachorowski, M., Araghi, M., Williams, A. M., Randall, R., Camidge, L., Rottier, E., Gowman, H., Law, S., & O'Neil, G. (2026). Diagnosis and management of migraine in adults: A population-based study in England. BJGP Open. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2025.0143