What is the medical term for a headache?

The medical term for a headache is "cephalagia." This term combines the Greek roots "cephalo," meaning head, and "algia," meaning pain. This term is used in the medical community to specifically reference pain occurring in the head, encompassing various types of headaches, including migraines, tension-type headaches, and others. By using "cephalagia," healthcare professionals can communicate more precisely about the condition being discussed, which is important for diagnosis and treatment.

While terms like "migraine" refer specifically to a type of headache characterized by severe pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light, "cephalagia" is a broader term that encompasses all types of headaches. On the other hand, "cerebrospinal fluid" refers to a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord and "cephalalgiac attack" is not a recognized medical term, which further highlights why "cephalagia" is the correct choice for indicating a headache in general medical terminology.