Having a headache: what to know

A pressure-like pain around the forehead or scalp can accompany muscle tension, stress, poor sleep, or prolonged screen use. Congestion and facial pressure may occur with allergic rhinitis, a common cold, or chronic sinusitis. Fever and body aches can accompany COVID-19 or another infection. Dehydration and heat exhaustion may bring headache with thirst, dizziness, weakness, nausea, or heavy sweating. Migraine often has throbbing pain with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. The location, onset, associated symptoms, and frequency are more useful than pain intensity alone.

Rest in a quiet, dim room, drink fluids, and eat if you have missed meals. Gentle neck movement, a cool cloth, and a break from screens may help tension-related pain. Use paracetamol or another suitable pain medicine only as directed, and avoid taking painkillers repeatedly without advice because frequent use can maintain headaches. Keep a diary of timing, triggers, sleep, food, fluids, menstrual changes, and medicines. Arrange a review when headaches recur, change pattern, or interfere with daily activities.

Call emergency services for a sudden explosive headache, headache after a serious head injury, or pain with weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty, seizure, fainting, confusion, or loss of vision. Seek urgent advice for headache with stiff neck and fever, persistent vomiting, pregnancy, or a new headache in someone with major immune problems. Prompt review is also sensible when the pattern steadily worsens.

Ask which headache pattern fits your symptoms, whether medicines or testing are needed, how often pain relief can be used, and which warning signs should change your plan.