Quick Answer
Migraine is not 'just a headache' —— learn the three primary types and the warning signs that need urgent care.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Headache is not one disease. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) —— used at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029) —— groups headaches into:
Migraine: moderate-severe, often throbbing, with nausea and/or photophobia, worsened by activity. With or without visual aura. Diary tracking (frequency, duration, medication days) is central to classification and to spotting medication-overuse contributors. Tension-type: mild-moderate, pressing/band-like, no nausea, not worsened by routine activity. Often linked to stress, posture and sleep —— but still requires red-flag screening. Cluster: severe unilateral orbital pain with tearing/nasal congestion or restlessness, 15-180 minutes, often nocturnal —— needs prompt referral. Secondary headaches: new headache after 50, thunderclap, fever+neck stiffness, focal deficit, post-trauma or progressive pattern —— these are not managed as primary headache; urgent evaluation is warranted.
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav — consultant neurologist & headache specialist at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center provides evidence-based evaluation for migraine.
At the clinic, classification is followed by diary review, medication audit and individualized advice —— preventive discussion only after pattern is clear. No scan is routine without red flags; no outcome is guaranteed.
See /conditions/migraine, /conditions/tension-headache, /conditions/cluster-headache and /neurology-topics/chronic-migraine-ichd3.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
It is often manageable, but new or changing patterns should be evaluated to exclude secondary causes.
Tension-type headache involves multiple mechanisms, not solely muscle tightness. Relaxation, posture, and stress management may help, but it is not purely a muscular problem.
Migraine typically presents as moderate-severe throbbing headache with nausea and/or sensitivity to light or sound, worsened by routine activity. Duration 4–72 hours. Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029) uses ICHD-3 criteria plus your headache diary (frequency, aura, medication days) and red-flag screen to distinguish …
Stress does not cause migraine alone but lowers threshold and increases frequency, especially with irregular sleep and frequent analgesic use. Dr. Jitendra's approach: diary for frequency/medication days, sleep regularity, hydration, caffeine review, and comorbidity screening (anxiety, insomnia, neck pain). The clinic …
More: All FAQs → · Ask Dr. Jitendra →
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Medical Disclaimer
Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.