Front forehead headache: what to know

Pressure across the forehead may accompany a common cold, allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis, especially with a blocked or runny nose, facial pressure or reduced smell. Tension-type pain may feel like a band or steady pressure and can follow prolonged screen use, jaw clenching, stress or poor posture.

Dehydration and heat exhaustion may cause headache with thirst, tiredness, dizziness or heavy sweating. COVID-19 and dengue fever can also include headache, but fever and other symptoms change the concern. Generalised anxiety disorder may be associated with muscle tension and recurring headaches; the headache itself does not prove anxiety.

Rest somewhere cool and quiet, drink fluids gradually, eat if you have missed a meal and take breaks from close screens. Keep a note of onset, duration, severity, triggers, fever, nasal symptoms, vision changes and any medicine used. Use pain medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician, and avoid frequent self-treatment without review.

Arrange medical advice when headaches recur, worsen, interfere with normal activities or do not settle with simple measures. A clinician may examine your eyes, nerves, neck, hydration and sinuses before deciding whether tests are needed.

Seek emergency care for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, persistent vomiting, a stiff neck with fever, or headache after a significant head injury. Get prompt assessment for a new headache with vision loss, severe eye pain, high fever or a rapidly worsening pattern.

Could my nasal, heat or hydration symptoms explain this pain? Which warning signs apply to me? How should I record headaches, and how often can I safely use pain medicine?