What should you know about cyst on scalp causing headache?

A cyst is a lump under or within the skin. Pressure, local inflammation, infection, or irritation of nearby tissues may cause scalp tenderness or pain. That local discomfort is different from a headache caused by dehydration, sinus symptoms, a viral illness, heat exposure, anxiety, or another condition. A lump that is small, stable, and not painful is less suggestive of an acute problem, but its appearance alone cannot identify its type.

Notice whether the headache is on the same side as the lump, whether touching the area worsens it, and whether the lump is red, warm, draining, rapidly enlarging, or associated with fever.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly press the lump, because this can damage the skin and introduce infection. Arrange a GP assessment if the lump persists, becomes painful, changes, or is difficult to distinguish from a deeper swelling. The clinician may examine the scalp and headache pattern and decide whether observation, treatment for inflammation, or further assessment is needed. Keep a brief record of headache timing, duration, triggers, and associated symptoms.

Seek urgent help for a sudden, severe headache, headache after a head injury, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, trouble speaking, vision loss, repeated vomiting, or a stiff neck with fever. Get prompt assessment if the scalp becomes very red or swollen, drains pus, or you feel significantly unwell. These warning signs are not explained safely by assuming the lump is the cause.

Ask what the lump feels like on examination, whether it appears inflamed, and whether it needs treatment or monitoring. Discuss the headache pattern, medicines you have tried, and which changes should prompt urgent review.