Almost everyone experiences a headache now and then — usually tied to stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep. But when headaches start showing up more days than not, or become more intense and harder to manage, they stop being a minor annoyance and start becoming a bigger concern. If your headaches are beginning to interfere with your daily life, it’s time to take a closer look.
For some people, recurring headaches may signal an underlying neurological issue. In these cases, your doctor may recommend further investigation, such as an EEG test Melbourne clinics can perform to check brain activity and rule out more serious concerns. While not every headache is cause for alarm, frequent pain is your body’s way of asking for attention — and you shouldn’t ignore it.
Here’s how to figure out what’s normal, what’s not, and what steps to take when headaches start showing up too often.
Start Tracking What You’re Feeling
The first step in managing frequent headaches is understanding their patterns. Keeping a simple headache diary can help you and your doctor connect the dots.
Include details like:
- When the headache started and how long it lasted
- The type of pain (sharp, dull, throbbing, etc.)
- Location of the pain (front, back, one side, behind the eyes)
- Any triggers (stress, certain foods, lack of sleep, screen time)
- What helped or made it worse
- Other symptoms (nausea, vision changes, sensitivity to light or sound)
You don’t need anything fancy — just consistent notes. Over time, this gives you a clearer picture and helps professionals diagnose more accurately.
Know the Different Types of Headaches
Not all headaches are the same — and figuring out which type you’re dealing with can make a huge difference in treatment.
Common types include:
- Tension headaches
Often described as a tight band around the head. Usually linked to stress, poor posture, or long hours at a screen.
- Migraines
Throbbing, often one-sided pain that may come with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances (auras). Migraines can be occasional or chronic.
- Cluster headaches
Intense, sharp pain around one eye, usually occurring in cycles or clusters over weeks or months.
- Sinus headaches
Pressure or pain in the face, forehead, or behind the eyes, often accompanied by congestion or a runny nose.
Understanding your headache type helps you choose the right treatment approach — and avoid ineffective ones.
When It’s Time to See a Doctor
Occasional headaches are normal, but if any of the following apply to you, it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider:
- Headaches are happening more than 2–3 times per week
- Pain is severe or getting worse over time
- Over-the-counter meds aren’t helping
- Headaches are interfering with work, sleep, or daily tasks
- You’re experiencing other symptoms like vision problems, confusion, or weakness
- You’ve had a head injury recently
Your doctor may run blood tests, imaging scans, or neurological assessments depending on your symptoms.
What an EEG Can Tell You
If your doctor suspects that your headaches could be tied to unusual brain activity — such as seizures, irregular electrical signals, or other neurological patterns — they may refer you for an EEG (electroencephalogram).
An EEG is a safe, non-invasive test that records brainwave activity using electrodes placed on your scalp. It’s often used to help diagnose epilepsy, but it can also be useful in identifying certain types of migraines or ruling out neurological causes of chronic headaches.
The results may not give you a direct answer, but they help build a clearer picture of what’s going on behind the scenes.
Lifestyle Tweaks That Can Help
For many people, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the frequency or severity of headaches — especially if they’re triggered by routine factors.
Tips that may help:
- Drink more water throughout the day
- Get consistent sleep (aim for the same bedtime and wake-up time)
- Cut back on processed foods or caffeine if they seem to be triggers
- Take screen breaks during the workday
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or mindfulness
- Avoid skipping meals — low blood sugar can be a common trigger
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start small, and track what makes a difference.
Don’t Try to Power Through
Too many people treat headaches as something to just “get through,” relying on painkillers or just hoping the day ends faster. But if your headaches are frequent, intense, or unpredictable, pushing through them can make things worse — and lead to rebound headaches or long-term issues.
Your discomfort is valid. Getting help early is better than waiting until the pain forces your hand. Whether it’s a GP, a neurologist, or a referral for testing, it’s always worth exploring your options.
When headaches stop being occasional and start becoming a pattern, it’s your cue to stop guessing and start investigating. You don’t have to live with chronic pain — and with the right support, you can get back to living your life without waiting for the next headache to strike.
