Headache

A headache, also called cephalgia, is pain felt in the face, head, or neck, and is one of the most common physical complaints, affecting roughly half of adults every year. Headaches are grouped as primary, meaning they are benign and recurrent conditions in their own right such as tension-type headache, cluster headache, or migraine, or secondary, meaning they are caused by an underlying condition such as sinus disease, a head injury, or dental problems. Common everyday causes include dehydration, fatigue, sleep deprivation, stress, and withdrawal from caffeine or other substances, and severe or frequent headaches are associated with a higher risk of depression. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers used for most mild to moderate cases.