Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, experienced infrequent but intensely debilitating headaches, occurring perhaps once a decade. These headaches would persist for days, and in some cases, even weeks. The specific type of headache Jefferson endured remains unclear. While some experts suggest they might have been migraines, others propose that they could have been tension headaches due to their prolonged duration. The absence of detailed records of his headache symptoms makes it challenging to definitively identify their nature.

However, a key distinction between Jefferson's era and our modern times lies in the level of empathy extended toward individuals experiencing headaches. Two centuries ago, although headaches may not have been regarded as particularly grave conditions, the intensity of pain they caused was deeply distressing, and many people showed sympathy for those afflicted. In today's society, this perspective has shifted. Contemporary perceptions often categorize headaches as minor issues, sometimes even suspecting them as fabrications. Headaches are frequently seen as ailments that can be easily alleviated with medication.

The perception of headaches as minor issues may indeed be influenced by their high prevalence. With over 90 percent of the population experiencing headaches at some stage in their lives, they have become a commonplace ailment. Conversely, there are individuals who have never encountered a headache throughout their entire lives. A Danish study from 2021 reported that 4 percent of people fall into this category, but how they managed to lead headache-free lives remains a mystery.

Fortunately, the absence of headaches in individuals doesn't necessarily imply that they are desensitized to pain. In a study involving 99 participants aged between 18 and 70, comprising 47 individuals who had never experienced headaches and 52 who had, researchers sought to assess pain sensitivity. They accomplished this by immersing participants' hands in ice water and gauging their pain perception. The findings revealed that pain sensitivity was similar between those without headaches and those with a history of headaches. This implies that headaches are not primarily triggered by heightened pain sensitivity.

Not all headaches can be alleviated by painkillers. Certain headaches inflict such substantial discomfort and agony that they disrupt daily life or evolve into persistent and distressing conditions. For some individuals, there are episodes of severe headaches that they have never encountered previously, which may be accompanied by visual disturbances or profound fatigue.

In such situations, seeking a consultation with a doctor is advisable. It's important to avoid exceeding the recommended limit of headache medication, which typically suggests not taking them for more than 15 days in a month. Overusing these medications can potentially lead to a phenomenon known as medication-overuse headaches, where the frequency of headaches increases as a result of their excessive use. Scientists hypothesize that frequent medication use might make an individual more susceptible to pain and increase the likelihood of experiencing headaches on days when medication is not taken. It is crucial not to underestimate the seriousness of headaches and to exercise caution when considering medication usage.

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on Aug. 31, 2023. – Ed.