Here are some head pounding stats: The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IMHE) reported that in 2023, almost 3 billion people worldwide experienced a headache disorder—that’s nearly one in every three people. They impact people of all races, socioeconomic levels and geographical areas.
If you’re prone to headaches, Andrew Erian, MD, a neurologist with Highland Medical -Rockland Neurological Associates in West Nyack, NY, shares quick tips on how to identify triggers and get ahead of the pain.
Common Triggers
Headaches, particularly migraines and tension headaches, can be triggered by stress and anxiety or worsened by foods like chocolate, cheese, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods. Poor sleep or not drinking enough water can also cause or exacerbate headaches. Other triggers might be hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. Environmental factors such as bright lights, loud noises and strong odors may trigger a headache.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the frequency or severity of headaches, keep a headache diary to track triggers and patterns. Persistent headaches that you can’t relieve with conventional remedies should be evaluated. If steps like rest, hydration and taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, don’t help after a week, or your headaches keep getting worse, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. Even though they’re common, headaches are worth investigating if they concern you.
