A medical officer, Happiness Akinde, told PT Health Watch that individuals experiencing frequent or persistent headaches should seek medical attention, especially when the condition begins to interfere with daily activities.
According to her, what many people treat casually with over-the-counter medication could, in some cases, indicate chronic conditions or other underlying health issues.
When Headaches Become Chronic
Ms Akinde explained that headaches are classified as chronic when they occur on at least 15 days each month for three consecutive months. At this stage, she noted, the condition goes beyond occasional discomfort and requires clinical investigation.
She warned that many individuals unknowingly fall into this category, continuing to self-medicate without recognising the potential severity of their condition.
“At this point, it is no longer something to manage casually. There is usually an underlying issue that needs to be identified,” she said.
Migraine and Its Distinct Symptoms
Among the most common forms of chronic headache is Migraine, which has distinguishing characteristics. Unlike general headaches, migraines are often described as throbbing or pulsating pain that can last between four and 72 hours.
They are typically one-sided, though both sides of the head may be affected in some cases. Symptoms frequently include nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.
Ms Akinde added that some patients experience visual disturbances, known as aura, before the onset of migraines.
Common but Overlooked Causes
Beyond migraines, several everyday health factors may contribute to persistent headaches. These include dehydration, untreated infections such as Malaria, Anaemia, and undiagnosed Hypertension.
She also highlighted medication overuse as a significant but often overlooked cause, particularly in environments where access to painkillers is easy.
“People often treat the symptom without asking why it keeps happening. If the root cause is not addressed, the headache will persist,” she said.
Medication Overuse: A Hidden Driver
Frequent use of common painkillers such as Paracetamol and Diclofenac may, paradoxically, worsen headaches over time.
Ms Akinde explained that medication-overuse headache affects an estimated one to two per cent of the general population and up to half of people already living with chronic headaches.
She noted that repeated use of these drugs can alter the brain’s pain-processing mechanisms, increasing sensitivity and creating dependency. This often results in a cycle where headaches return once the medication wears off.
Links to Other Health Conditions
While chronic headaches may be associated with conditions like hypertension and anaemia, Ms Akinde cautioned against self-diagnosis. Symptoms can vary widely, and similar presentations may stem from different underlying causes.
She emphasised the importance of proper medical evaluation and testing to determine the exact cause of persistent headaches.
Red Flags That Require Urgent Care
Certain headache symptoms may indicate serious or life-threatening conditions and should not be ignored. These include:
- Sudden, severe headaches described as the “worst ever”
- Headaches accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, or confusion
- Headaches following a head injury
- Symptoms such as vision problems, weakness, or seizures
Such cases require immediate medical attention, she advised.
Prevention and Safe Management
For prevention and management, Ms Akinde recommended maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including adequate hydration, regular sleep patterns, and effective stress management.
She also advised keeping a headache diary to help identify triggers and patterns, which can aid in long-term management.
Importantly, she warned against excessive reliance on painkillers without professional guidance.
Global Perspective on Headache Disorders
Data from the World Health Organization indicate that headache disorders are among the most common neurological conditions worldwide, yet remain under-recognised and poorly treated.
Global health findings also confirm that medication-overuse headaches are a leading secondary headache disorder, often caused by frequent use of drugs intended for relief.
Similarly, research from the United States National Library of Medicine shows that such headaches typically occur at least 15 days per month over a three-month period due to excessive medication use.
Early Attention Key to Better Outcomes
Ms Akinde reiterated that while headaches are common, persistent or severe cases should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, she said, are critical to preventing more serious health complications.