Recurring headaches deserve a clear assessment, especially when they interrupt work, sleep or family life. Migraine is one possible explanation, but not every headache is migraine. The pattern of pain, accompanying symptoms, medicines used and changes over time all matter.
This adult patient guide explains what to record, how tension-type headache and migraine can differ, and where acupuncture may fit into an individual care plan. It is designed to help you prepare better questions for a consultation.
First: when a headache needs urgent help
Seek emergency medical care for a sudden, extremely severe headache, or headache with new weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizure or loss of vision. A severe headache with fever and a stiff neck, or after a significant head injury, also needs urgent evaluation. Do not wait for a routine clinic appointment. [1]
A new or substantially changed headache pattern should be assessed. Headache with jaw pain while eating, scalp tenderness or new eye symptoms also warrants prompt medical advice. [1]
Migraine and tension-type headache: different patterns
Tension-type headache
A tension-type headache often feels like pressure or tightening on both sides of the head. The scalp, face or neck may feel tender. Everyday activity usually does not make this type of headache worse, and episodes can last from half an hour to considerably longer. These features help guide assessment; they are not a self-diagnosis checklist. [2]
Migraine
Migraine often causes moderate or severe throbbing head pain, sometimes on one side, together with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Movement may make it worse. Attacks commonly last between four hours and three days. Some people have aura, such as visual changes, before an attack; others do not. [3]
New weakness, speech problems or vision loss should not be assumed to be a familiar aura without appropriate medical assessment. The timing and combination of symptoms need to be interpreted in context.
For related clinic information, see our headache and migraine care page. If neck symptoms are also present, describe them separately rather than assuming every headache comes from the neck.
Keep a simple headache diary
A headache diary can support diagnosis and treatment review. NICE recommends recording the frequency, duration and severity of headaches, associated symptoms, medicines taken and possible triggers. Include any relationship to menstruation where relevant. [4]
- Date and duration: When did symptoms start and stop?
- Symptoms: Where was the pain, how did it feel, and was there nausea or sensitivity to light?
- Impact: Did you miss work, stop an activity or need to lie down?
- Medicine use: Record the name, dose and day taken, including non-prescription products.
- Context: Note sleep, meals and any suspected trigger without treating a single coincidence as proof.
For example, write “headache from afternoon to evening; unable to finish shopping; nausea; medicine taken at 4 pm.” That is more useful for review than simply writing “bad migraine.” Keep the diary somewhere convenient so the recording remains manageable.
Daily routines worth discussing
Regular meals, adequate fluids, consistent sleep and suitable exercise can form part of migraine management. Some people notice associations with stress, tiredness or caffeine. Patterns differ, so use the diary to identify what is relevant to you rather than following a long list of universal food restrictions. [3]
If long periods of desk work are uncomfortable, vary your position and review the setup. Our sitting-posture and desk-comfort guide provides related suggestions. Desk adjustments are a comfort measure; they do not establish the cause of recurring headaches.
Choose one practical change you can sustain, and record what happens. Bringing that information to a consultation is more useful than repeatedly buying new pillows, supplements or devices without a working diagnosis.
Frequent painkiller use needs a review
Using headache medicines too often can contribute to medication-overuse headache. NICE advises clinicians to consider this possibility when headaches develop or worsen alongside frequent use of acute treatments. The relevant thresholds depend on the medicine, so bring a complete list and the number of days used each month. [4]
Do not independently stop a prescribed medicine or change a preventive treatment on the basis of this article. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist for a safe plan that accounts for your symptoms, health history and other medicines.
Can acupuncture help recurring headaches?
Acupuncture is one option to discuss after the headache type has been assessed. NICE’s UK guideline includes consideration of up to ten sessions over five to eight weeks for prevention of chronic tension-type headache. This is a condition-specific recommendation, not a universal package or a promise of recovery for every headache. [4]
NCCIH reports that acupuncture may help headache pain, while noting that benefits may also involve nonspecific factors such as expectation and the treatment context. Results vary, and an individual response should be reviewed rather than assumed. [5]
At Dr. Kataria Health, you can discuss whether body acupuncture is suitable as part of your management plan. Ask whether the aim is fewer headache days, reduced disruption or another measurable goal. Acupuncture should not delay assessment of new warning symptoms or replace an agreed medical treatment plan.
Choose a suitably qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Share relevant conditions, pregnancy status and medicines before treatment. Acupuncture has risks when performed incorrectly, so safety screening matters. [5]
Preparing for a headache consultation in Kanpur
Bring your diary, previous reports and a medicine list. Include when the pattern began, how many days a month are affected and what has changed recently. Mention the effect on daily activity as well as the pain intensity.
Useful questions include: What is the likely headache type? Are investigations or specialist assessment needed? What should I do during an attack? Would prevention be appropriate? How will we review whether the plan is helping?
Dr. Kataria Health is in Ratan Lal Nagar, Kanpur. Read our first-consultation information and contact and directions, or Book an appointment to discuss suitability.
Patient questions
Does a one-sided headache always mean migraine?
No. Location is only one part of the pattern. Associated symptoms, duration and the clinical history are needed to interpret it.
Should I wait until my diary is complete before seeking help?
No. Begin recording what you can, but do not delay assessment of severe, changing or concerning symptoms. The emergency signs above take priority.
What should count as improvement?
Agree on goals such as fewer headache days, less time away from work, or improved ability to continue daily activities. Compare the same measures at follow-up.
Can a fixed number of sessions guarantee relief?
No. A reasonable plan includes a review point and an explanation of what happens if the response is insufficient. Treatment choices should fit the diagnosis and your preferences.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Headaches — general advice and urgent warning signs.
- NHS: Tension headaches — typical symptom patterns.
- NHS: Migraine — symptoms and management options.
- NICE CG150: Headaches in over 12s — assessment, diary, medication overuse and chronic tension-type headache prevention.
- NCCIH: Headaches—what you need to know — complementary approaches and safety.
Prepared for Dr. Kataria Health with AI assistance. Sources checked 22 October 2026. Educational information, not an individual diagnosis or prescription. The image is an AI-generated illustration, not an actual patient photograph. See our editorial policy and medical disclaimer.