Headaches are common, and in some cases cannot be avoided. However, there are ways to reduce their likelihood. Ironically, for frequent sufferers, your go-to treatment could be playing a role. And sometimes a headache is more than just that and needs medical attention. Headaches are typically classified into three main categories: migraine, tension type, and cluster. The theories behind why these types of headaches occur are complicated and there is not a defined consensus. There are lifestyle choices that are thought to play a role, like extremes or irregularities in sleeping, eating, stress, and exercise. Where possible, these triggers should be avoided. Most mild, infrequent, headaches can be managed with self-treatment. However, there are some red flags that signal medical attention is required: Sudden onset (within seconds/minutes) of a severe headache Severity getting worse, as frequency increases Presence of fever, stiff neck, and/or altered consciousness Weakness, body aches, and/or weight