Not All Headaches Are Created Equal
Headaches are among the most common reasons for a doctor’s visit. In my practice in Zürich Seefeld, I help patients distinguish between harmless tension headaches and conditions that need urgent attention. Understanding your headache is the first step to treating it effectively.
Common Types of Headaches
Tension headache: The most common type. Pressing, band-like pain on both sides. Triggered by stress, poor posture, and screen time. Usually responds to simple measures.
Migraine: Intense, often one-sided throbbing pain. Accompanied by nausea, light and sound sensitivity. May have aura (visual disturbances). Lasts 4–72 hours. Affects women three times more than men.
Cluster headache: Excruciating, one-sided pain around the eye. Occurs in clusters over weeks to months. More common in men.
Medication overuse headache: Paradoxically caused by taking painkillers too frequently (more than 10–15 days per month).
Hidden Causes We Look For
Iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, magnesium deficiency, cervical spine problems, jaw tension (TMJ), high blood pressure, sleep apnea, food intolerances (histamine), dehydration, and hormonal fluctuations. What we do: Comprehensive blood work including iron, thyroid, magnesium, and inflammation markers.
Red Flags – When to Seek Immediate Help
Sudden, severe headache (“worst headache of my life”), headache with fever and stiff neck, headache after head injury, neurological symptoms (vision changes, speech difficulty, weakness), new headache after age 50, and headache that worsens over days.
Our Approach
Detailed headache history, neurological examination, blood work to identify treatable causes, lifestyle assessment, and individualized treatment plan combining acute therapy with prevention.
Conclusion
Most headaches are treatable – especially when we identify the underlying cause. If you suffer from recurrent headaches, schedule an appointment at our practice. We’ll get to the root of the problem.
