Headache

What are the symptoms of a headache?

Headache literally refers to the symptom of a “headache.” Headaches can be broadly divided into two types: primary headaches, which are headaches that are a disease in themselves, and secondary headaches, which are headaches that occur as a result of another disease.

最后更新：2026年3月。由CLINIC TEN SHIBUYA医疗团队监修。

Headache pain varies widely, and patients

• throbbing, pulsating pain
• Pain like being punched
• A heavy headache for some reason
• sharp, stabbing pain

Headaches are described in such ways. The symptoms also vary, with pain appearing suddenly, continuing for a long period of time, or being affected by the season or weather. The “characteristics” of the pain (what kind of pain it is) and “progression” (when it started) are important pieces of information for a doctor to diagnose.

Things to keep in mind when you have a headache

When you actually have a headache

Most headaches are primary headaches, and in most cases there is no need to rush to a medical institution. When a headache does occur, it is best to rest in a relaxing environment. Taking painkillers is fine, but if you take them too frequently, your body will become accustomed to the medication and it will be difficult to feel their effects. Medical institutions will prescribe medication tailored to the patient, so if you experience frequent headaches and are taking a lot of medication, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.

When the headache subsides

Try to make efforts to prevent headaches in your daily life.

• Avoid sources of stress
• Live a regular life
• Stretch and exercise appropriately
• Do not stare at the screen of a smartphone or other device for a long period of time.
• Don’t maintain the same posture

One way to deal with headaches yourself is to determine from your own experience when headaches are more likely to occur.

Possible causes of headaches

There are several types of primary headaches, which account for the majority of headaches. When treating your headache, it is important to know which type it is.

Headaches can also occur when you have a fever, such as a cold or the flu. In these cases, the headache will usually go away on its own if you treat the illness.

Urgent illness accompanied by headache

While primary headaches rarely pose a high level of emergency, secondary headaches can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should be more suspicious of a secondary headache:

• Regarding the headache itself
  • It happened suddenly, and I can clearly remember the moment it happened.
  • The worst headache I’ve ever had in one’s life
  • Something’s different than usual
  • It’s getting gradually worse
• Symptoms other than headache
  • Paralysis, numbness, and cramps in the limbs
  • Vomiting violently
  • High fever
  • Losing consciousness

If any of these apply to you, do not hesitate to call an ambulance.

summary

• Most headaches are primary headaches. Know your headache type and find ways to manage it appropriately.
• If you experience a headache that is clearly different from usual, it may be a secondary headache. Secondary headaches are scary headaches that can be fatal if left untreated, so do not hesitate to visit a medical institution.

References

• Sakai F, Igarashi H : Prevalence of migraine in Japan : a nationwide survey. Cephalalgia 1997;17:15-22.
• 「慢性頭痛の診療ガイドライン 市民版」作成小委員会 : 慢性頭痛の診療ガイドライン市民版. 医学書院
• Takeshima T, Ishizaki K, Fukuhara Y, Ijiri T, Kusumi M, Wakutani Y, Mori M, Kawashima M, Kowa H, Adachi Y, Urakami K, Nakashima K : Population-based Door-To-Door Survey of Migraine in Japan: The Daisen Study. Headache 2004 ; Jan;44(1):8-19
• Robbins L : Precipitating Factors in Migraine: A Retrospective Review of 494 Patients. Headache 1994 ; 34(4) :214-216.

常见问题

在日本旅行时头痛了怎么办？

轻度头痛可在药店购买含布洛芬或对乙酰氨基酚的止痛药。时差反应、脱水和疲劳是旅行者头痛的常见原因。请注意补充水分和充分休息。

在日本药店能买到头痛药吗？

可以。在日本的药妆店可以购买多种止痛药，如EVE（布洛芬）、Loxonin S等。向药剂师说”头痛药（ずつうやく）”即可获得帮助。

头痛什么时候需要紧急就医？

突然出现的剧烈头痛（”雷击样头痛”）、伴发热和颈部僵硬的头痛、视力变化或意识变化时，请立即就医。这可能是脑出血或脑膜炎的征兆。