Tension
Like a tight band or pressure around the head
Caused by contraction or spasm of muscles around the skull. Often associated with neck pain and stiffness and aggravated by stress and anxiety.
Most headaches are common and harmless — some aren’t. Knowing the type is the first step to the right treatment.
Everyone experiences a headache at some point. But more frequent or more severe headaches deserve medical advice — both to exclude anything serious and to learn how to manage your particular type properly.
Persistent headaches occasionally point to something serious. We rule these out before treating the headache type itself.
Once excluded, careful history-taking and examination usually identify the type — and the right management.
Patients can experience more than one type — which is why an accurate diagnosis matters as much as the relief.
Like a tight band or pressure around the head
Caused by contraction or spasm of muscles around the skull. Often associated with neck pain and stiffness and aggravated by stress and anxiety.
Severe — often with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound
Often runs in families. Sometimes preceded by an aura — a sensory or visual disturbance that occurs minutes before onset.
Like someone tearing at one eye with a chisel
Occurs in clusters — periods of weeks, sometimes followed by months or years of nothing. More common in men, debilitating, but medication can help.
Pressure across the forehead, cheeks and around the eyes
Triggered by congestion in the sinuses following allergy or infection. Symptoms resolve quickly once the underlying cause is treated.
Cyclical — appearing as painkillers wear off
Caused by frequent painkiller use for minor aches. The body builds tolerance and stopping the medication itself triggers headaches.
We’ll ask about symptoms experienced and any prior diagnosis, medications tried and previous therapy. We focus on possible triggers and aggravating factors — and address every concern as it comes up.
After the interview, we discuss the most probable diagnosis and the necessary next steps. Further investigations can be arranged at Mater Dei Hospital or a private hospital where needed. You leave with a written medical report and a treatment plan including lifestyle changes, any nutritional supplements and medication options.
Don’t guess — get a proper diagnosis and a plan that fits your headache type.
Medically reviewed by Dr Andrew Agius, Founder & Medical Director — last reviewed 29 June 2026.