Headache is one of the most common medical complaints in Sweden. Almost one in ten adults have migraines, and even more suffer from tension headaches. For most, the headache is temporary - but for many it becomes a recurring guest that interferes with sleep, work and quality of life.
The good news? Modern neurological treatment can help the vast majority of people. What makes a difference is that you get the right diagnosis - many different types of headache are treated in different ways.
In this article, we go through the different types of headaches and migraines, which triggers are most common, which treatments actually work – and when it's time to see a specialist.
Different types of headache
Headache is not a single disease – it is an umbrella term for several different conditions with very different treatments.
Migraine
Migraine is more than just "severe headache" – it's a neurological disease. Typical signs:
- Pulsating pain, often on one side of the head
- Worsened by physical activity
- Sound and light sensitivity
- Nausea or vomiting
- Attacks lasting 4-72 hours
- Some have aura – visual disturbances before the attack
- Can be so severe that you have to lie in a dark room
Migraine has a hereditary component – it often runs in families.
Tension headache
The most common type of headache. Usually feels like:
- Pressing or constricting feeling
- Band or cap around the head
- Double Sided – full head
- Mild to moderate intensity
- No pulsation, no vomiting
- Can be daily (chronic tension headache)
Often linked to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders – stress and poor ergonomics are common triggers. For temporary or mild complaints, you can start with an assessment by a general practitioner before specialist assessment becomes necessary.
Cluster headaches
Less common but extremely painful. Typical signs:
- One-sided, burning pain around the eye
- Attacks in "clusters" - several per day for weeks
- Watery eye or nose on the same side
- Each attack 15 min – 3 hours
- Often at night, same time every day
- Affects men more often
Cluster headaches require specific neurological treatment.
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH)
Overuse of painkillers creates more headaches. Taking pain pills more than 10-15 days per month can be counterproductive. A neurologist helps you "detox" - which often results in dramatic improvement.
Cervicogenic headache
Headache that emanates from the neck. Often radiates from the neck up into the back of the head or forehead. Common in office workers with poor ergonomics. Read more about neck pain.
Secondary headache (caused by something else)
Headaches can be a symptom of something else, such as high blood pressure, sinusitis, dental problems, trauma or – in rare cases – something serious.
Common triggers of migraines and headaches
- Stress – both acute and long term
- Poor sleep or too much sleep
- Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle, menopause)
- Food and drink: chocolate, red wine, aged cheese, MSG, coffee break
- Dehydration and low blood sugar
- Screens and blue light (computer, mobile)
- Sounds, lights and strong smells
- The weather – many people react to air pressure
- Physical effort
charting your triggers (preferably in a headache journal) is one of the most effective things you can do for yourself.
Red flags – seek care immediately
Contact healthcare urgent if you have:
- "The worst headache ever" – sudden and explosive
- Headache after trauma (fall, car accident)
- Headache with fever and stiff neck (possible meningitis)
- Sudden vision disturbances, speech disturbances or paralysis
- First migraine-like attack over the age of 50
- Headaches that get worse quickly over days or weeks
- Headaches that wake you up from sleep every night
- Headache with unexplained weight loss or night sweats
These require urgent examination. Call 112 if you suspect a stroke.
When should you see a neurologist?
Mild, temporary headaches usually do not need specialist assessment. But you should see a neurologist if:
- The headache comes more often than 4 times a month
- It lasts longer than a day
- Ordinary painkillers are not enough or do not work
- You miss work or social activities
- You take painkillers more than 10 days per month
- You have migraine with aura and want preventive treatment
- The headache affects sleep
- You have recurring attacks that are getting worse
At Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal you see experienced neurologists without a referral, usually within a few days.
Diagnosis - that's how we investigate headaches
A structured neurological assessment includes:
Accurate medical history
Most of the time, the history is more important than the diagnostic imaging. We ask about the type of pain, duration, frequency, triggers, accompanying symptoms, medication and family history.
Clinical examination
We test reflexes, sensation, muscle strength, balance and coordination to rule out neurological abnormalities.
Headache diary
Often we ask you to keep a journal for 2-4 weeks to identify patterns and triggers.
Image diagnostics if necessary
MRI is ordered if clinical signs suggest secondary headache or if symptoms are atypical. Most headache patients don't need an MRI.
Blood samples
If other medical causes are suspected – inflammation, infection, hormonal disorders.
Treatment - that's how we help you
Modern headache treatment is specific – it depends on the type. Here is what we offer:
Emergency treatment (during the attack)
- Triptans – specific migraine drugs, fast acting
- NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen) for mild to moderate migraines
- Antiemetics against nausea
- Oxygen treatment for cluster headaches
- Avoid opioids – they worsen in the long term
Preventive treatment
For you with frequent migraine (>4 attacks/month) preventive medications are life-changing:
- Beta blockers (propranolol, metoprolol)
- Antiepileptics (topiramate)
- CGRP inhibitors – modern injectable medications specifically for migraines, very effective
- Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) in low dose
CGRP injection – new generation
CGRP inhibitors are modern antibody medications that are given by injection every 1-3 months. Research shows marked reduction in migraine days for many patients. We prescribe and our nurses perform the injections at nurse's office.
Botox for chronic migraine
For those with 15+ headache days per month, Botox injections can provide significant relief.
Lifestyle and behavioral therapy
- Regular sleep and meals
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
- Exercise – aerobic exercises reduce migraine frequency
- Caffeine reduction in case of overuse
- Hydration
Physiotherapy for cervicogenic headache
If the headache originates in the neck, structured neck and shoulder training can make a big difference. Read about neck pain.
Self-help - what can you do yourself?
- For headache diary – identify triggers
- Regular sleep – get up and go to bed at the same time
- Avoid excessive painkillers (max 10 days/month)
- Drink 2+ liters of water per day
- Eat regularly – avoid low blood sugar
- Pause from screen – The 20-20-20 rule
- Exercise 150 minutes per week
- Stress management – meditation, yoga, walking
- Dark, quiet room during acute migraine attacks
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do you differentiate a migraine from a tension headache?
Migraines are often throbbing, hemi-sided, aggravated by movement and accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light. Tension headache feels like pressure or bands around the entire head, is mild-moderate and does not cause nausea.
Are migraines dangerous?
No, migraines are not dangerous in themselves - but severely limiting. Very rare complications (migraine-related stroke) exist but are uncommon. Recurrent migraines should be investigated by a neurologist to rule out other causes.
Do CGRP injections work for migraines?
Yes, too many. Research shows that CGRP inhibitors reduce migraine days by 50% or more in about half of patients. Particularly effective in chronic migraine when other medications are not enough.
How long do you have to have a headache before you see a doctor?
See a neurologist if you have 4+ headache days per month, if the pain gets worse over time, if regular painkillers don't work, or in case of red flags (see above).
Do I need an MRI to investigate my headache?
Not always. Most primary headaches (migraines, tension headaches) do not require diagnostic imaging – anamnesis + clinical examination is sufficient. MRI is ordered for atypical signs or red flags.
Can stress cause migraines?
Yes. Both acute stress and "holiday migraine" (migraine when the stress is released) are common. Stress management is an important part of treatment.
Do I need a referral to a neurologist?
No. At the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal, you book an appointment directly without a referral - usually within a few days.
How much does a visit to a neurologist cost?
The price depends on the type of visit and possible diagnostic imaging. Contact us for current prices. We accept private patients and healthcare insurance.
You shouldn't have to live with constant headaches
Recurring headaches and migraines are common – but they are not something you should just accept. Modern neurological treatment can significantly reduce both intensity and frequency, giving you back a functioning life.
Book an appointment with a neurologist at the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal - without a referral, with a short waiting time and just minutes from central Gothenburg.
📞 +46 (0) 10-147 77 40 ✉️ [email protected]
Book an appointment - contact us → Read more about Neurology → Private general practitioner → Read about headaches every day → Read about stress → Read about sleep problems → Read about neck pain → Read about chronic pain →
