The Facts
Headaches are extremely common: most people have a headache at some time
in their life. Most headaches disappear on their own (with a little time)
or with the help of mild painkillers. Although most headaches are mild and temporary
annoyances, some people have headaches that are so severe they need to consult
a doctor for pain relief.
Children can also have headaches, some well before they reach the age of 10.
Research shows that before puberty, headaches are more common in boys, but that
trend is reversed after puberty. Adult women experience more headaches than
adult men. They're often linked to the menstrual cycle. With advancing age,
both women and men tend to have fewer, less severe headaches.
Headaches come in various forms: tension, migraine, sinus,
and cluster headaches. In a small number of cases, a headache may
signal a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.