What should you know about headache cures?

A headache can arise from missed meals, dehydration, poor sleep, stress, eye strain, infection or a migraine pattern. The useful treatment may therefore be simple recovery measures, a suitable pain reliever, or assessment of an underlying problem. A diary of timing, location, severity, food, sleep and medicines can reveal patterns.

Drink water, eat if you have missed a meal, and rest in a quiet, dim room. Loosen tight hair accessories and reduce screen glare. Use any over-the-counter medicine only as directed on its label, and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, or take other medicines. Frequent painkiller use can itself contribute to recurring headaches, so arrange a review if you need relief repeatedly.

Get urgent medical help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, stiff neck, high fever, vision loss or a headache after a significant head injury. Seek prompt advice if headaches are new, steadily worsening, repeatedly waking you, or accompanied by persistent vomiting. Fever with travel or bleeding symptoms also needs assessment; possible contributors include Common Cold, Chronic Sinusitis, Dehydration, Dengue Fever and Heat Exhaustion.

Could my headache pattern suggest migraine or another cause? Which medicines are suitable with my health history? How often can I use them, and what should I record before a follow-up?