What should you know about constant headache?

Headache can arise from tension in the neck and scalp, a viral illness, dehydration, heat exhaustion, allergies, or sinus inflammation. Anxiety, poor sleep, skipped meals, eye strain, and frequent use of pain medicines can also maintain a headache. Headache patterns overlap, so the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Record where the pain is, how it feels, when it began, what makes it better or worse, and whether there is fever, neck stiffness, visual change, weakness, numbness, confusion, or vomiting. A new pattern deserves more attention than a familiar occasional headache.

Arrange a medical review for a headache that remains present or keeps returning. Rest in a quiet space, drink fluids normally, eat regular meals, and reduce glare or prolonged screen use. Take only medicines that are suitable for you and follow the label or clinician's instructions; repeated use can itself contribute to ongoing headache. Do not drive if dizziness, visual symptoms, weakness, or confusion is present.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, severe visual change, or a headache after a significant head injury. Urgent review is needed with fever and stiff neck, repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, or a rapidly worsening headache. In a hot environment, headache with heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, or confusion may signal heat illness.

Ask what headache pattern fits your symptoms, whether medicines or illness could be contributing, whether an examination or tests are needed, and how often you can safely use pain relief.