Dolor de cabeza vs. cefalea
In Spanish, the terms 'dolor de cabeza' and 'cefalea' can both be used to describe a 'headache'. However, they are used in slightly different contexts and convey varying degrees of severity.
Dolor de cabeza
This term literally translates to 'pain of the head', and it's the more commonly used term in everyday conversation for 'headache'.
Me desperté esta mañana con un fuerte dolor de cabeza.
(I woke up this morning with a strong headache.)
El estrés puede provocar dolor de cabeza.
(Stress can cause headaches.)
No puedo concentrarme con este dolor de cabeza.
(I can't concentrate with this headache.)
Cefalea
'Cefalea' is a term that generally refers to a headache in medical contexts. It's most often used by doctors or in medical literature.
La cefalea puede ser un efecto secundario de este medicamento.
(A headache can be a side effect of this medication.)
El médico me diagnosticó con cefalea tensional.
(The doctor diagnosed me with tension headache.)
La migraña es un tipo particularmente intenso de cefalea.
(Migraine is a particularly intense type of headache.)
Summary
'Dolor de cabeza' and 'cefalea' both mean 'headache' but are used differently. The former is often used in daily, non-clinical conversations, while the latter typically appears in medical contexts. The distinguishing concern remains style and not substance.