Dull Persistent Headache: What to Know

A lingering, pressure-like headache may relate to tension, migraine, medication effects, eyesight strain, infection, dehydration, or another condition. Brain tumours and brain metastases can present with headache, but headache alone cannot identify the cause. Clinicians ask when it began, whether it is worse in the morning or with coughing, and whether it is changing in intensity or frequency.

They may also check vision, strength, sensation, balance, speech, and alertness. The decision to arrange brain imaging depends on the examination, history, and warning features. Keep a brief record of timing, triggers, severity, medicines, and associated symptoms.

Book a medical appointment if the headache is new, persistent, progressively different, or interfering with sleep or daily activities. Tell the clinician about recent injury, pregnancy, immune problems, cancer history, and all medicines, including frequent painkillers. Until assessed, regular fluids, meals, sleep, and reduced screen strain may help when those factors contribute, but improvement does not rule out a condition needing care.

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, trouble speaking, loss of vision, repeated vomiting, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a significant head injury. If you have cancer and develop a new headache with balance, personality, memory, or coordination changes, contact your oncology team urgently.

What features of my headache make imaging or another test appropriate? Could my medicines, blood pressure, vision, or sleep be contributing? Which symptoms should send me to emergency care? If imaging is needed, what will it show and when should I expect the result?