Exhaustion and headache

Tension, screen strain, caffeine changes, stress and an infection can produce both low energy and head pain. Dehydration may add thirst, dark urine or dizziness. Anaemia can cause fatigue, headache and breathlessness. The pattern, speed of onset and accompanying symptoms help a clinician judge the cause; the symptom pair alone does not diagnose one condition.

Rest in a quiet, dim room, drink fluids gradually, eat a balanced meal if you have missed one and take breaks from screens. Keep a note of timing, triggers, location and severity. Use only a pain reliever you can safely take, following its label or a pharmacist’s advice. Avoid repeated self-treatment if headaches keep returning.

Get emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, stiff neck with fever, repeated vomiting, vision loss or a headache after a significant injury. Pregnant or recently postpartum people should seek prompt maternity advice for a severe or unusual headache, especially with vision changes, swelling or upper abdominal pain.

Tell your clinician when the headache began, whether it is new, what makes it better or worse, and any medicines or caffeine changes. Ask whether blood pressure, a blood count or another examination is appropriate, and what symptoms should trigger urgent review.