Think your headache is normal? Think again. Apollo neurologist warns of hidden risk of ignoring headaches

You may call it a “normal headache.” The kind you’ve learned to live with. The one you blame on stress, lack of sleep, or long screen hours. But what if that familiar pain isn’t normal at all? Apollo neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar is urging people to rethink how they view recurring headaches. In a detailed thread on X, he explained why labelling headaches as routine or harmless could delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Sudhir Kumar shared that as a neurologist, he frequently hears patients say they usually get “normal” headaches, except when one feels different. According to him, this idea itself is misleading. If the head hurts, something is abnormal. The problem, he explained, is that people often confuse “normal” with “familiar.”

Many patients have experienced headaches for years, sometimes since childhood. Because they have learned to function through the pain, going to work, eating meals, and sleeping despite discomfort, they begin to treat it as a routine part of life. Over time, the pain stops feeling like a medical issue. But Dr Kumar emphasised that these headaches are not normal. They are often simply undiagnosed.



He pointed out that a large number of so-called normal headaches are actually migraines in disguise. There is a common misconception that migraines always involve vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light, or the need to lie down in a dark room. Dr Kumar clarified that this is not always the case. Many migraines can be moderate in intensity. Some may affect one side of the head. Others may feel like tension headaches or even sinus pressure.

This misunderstanding often leads to what he described as the “sinus trap.” Many patients assume their pain is caused by sinus issues. However, studies show that up to 90 per cent of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines. Migraines can also cause symptoms like nasal congestion and watery eyes, which further confuses people. As a result, they may spend years treating the wrong condition while the underlying migraine remains unaddressed.

Dangers of normalising headaches

Dr Sudhir Kumar also warned about the danger of normalising mild headaches. Ignoring recurring pain increases the risk of chronification. In simple terms, the brain becomes more efficient at processing pain, a phenomenon known as central sensitisation. What begins as a headache once a month can gradually turn into a daily struggle. Over time, the neurological pathways associated with pain become more deeply established, making the condition harder to manage.

Another major concern he highlighted is the overuse of over-the-counter painkillers. Many people rely on these medications to get through the day. While occasional use may seem harmless, frequent use, defined as more than two to three days a week, can lead to Medication Overuse Headache or MOH. In such cases, the very medicine taken to relieve pain becomes the reason the headache keeps returning.

Dr Kumar stressed that if someone finds themselves reaching for a pill even once a week just to function, it should not be dismissed as normal. According to him, recurring headaches represent a neurological condition that deserves proper evaluation, a clear diagnosis, and a structured treatment plan.

Through his post on X, the Apollo neurologist encouraged people not to wait for a severe episode before seeking medical help. Recognising and addressing recurring headaches early can prevent long-term complications and reduce the risk of chronic pain patterns developing over time.