- A new, sudden or unusually severe headache needs careful assessment.
- Track location, duration, triggers, sleep, hydration, vision and other symptoms.
- TCM support should not delay urgent evaluation when neurological or systemic warning signs are present.
Describe the headache before naming it
“Headache” covers many experiences: pressure, throbbing, tightness, one-sided pain, pain behind the eyes or discomfort linked with the neck. Note when it started, how long it lasts, what makes it better or worse, and whether you also have nausea, visual changes, fever, injury or neurological symptoms.
Everyday contributors are worth checking
Poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, long screen sessions, stress, alcohol and prolonged neck tension can all be relevant. This does not mean they explain every headache, but they are useful details to bring to both a doctor and a TCM practitioner.
How a TCM consultation may differ
A TCM practitioner may ask about the headache together with sleep, digestion, stress, menstrual history where relevant and other whole-body observations. Traditional pattern terminology describes the TCM framework; it should not be treated as proof of a biomedical cause.
What support may involve
Depending on assessment and suitability, a practitioner may discuss acupuncture, Tuina or other TCM approaches. Any treatment plan should account for your medical history, medicines, pregnancy status and previous diagnoses. Do not stop prescribed medicines without discussing it with the prescriber.
Red flags come first
Seek urgent medical help for a sudden “worst ever” headache, headache after significant injury, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, seizures, severe neck stiffness with fever, or other rapidly worsening symptoms. Call 995 in Singapore for emergencies.
Bring a useful pain story
Note when the pain began, whether there was an injury, where it travels, what movements change it, and whether there is weakness, numbness, swelling, fever or night pain. Ask what the proposed treatment is trying to change, what movement is safe, what would count as worsening, and which symptoms mean you should stop complementary care and seek medical assessment.
Observe function, not just a pain number
A pain score can change from hour to hour, so also track function: Can you turn your head, climb stairs, sit through a meeting, sleep or carry groceries more comfortably? Note whether symptoms spread or neurological changes appear. Functional goals make it easier to judge whether an approach is helping and reduce the temptation to continue treatment simply because the pain number occasionally fluctuates.
This guide is general education, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Persistent, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should be medically assessed.