Headache lasting a week: when to get help

A week-long headache can reflect migraine, tension, eye strain, disrupted sleep, dehydration, medication overuse, or an infection affecting the nose and sinuses. The pain may also be maintained by continuing stress, irregular meals, or frequent use of short-term pain medicine.

Duration is only one part of the assessment. A clinician will want to know whether the pain began suddenly, whether it is different from previous headaches, and whether fever, neck stiffness, weakness, numbness, visual change, vomiting, or balance problems are present.

Arrange a medical appointment rather than repeatedly treating the pain without advice. Before the visit, record when it started, its location and quality, sleep, meals, fluids, screen time, menstrual timing if relevant, recent illness, and all medicines used.

Rest, hydrate, eat regularly, and reduce bright screens if they worsen the pain. Use medicines only as directed and ask a pharmacist if you have a long-term condition, take regular medicines, or are pregnant. Do not drive if dizziness or visual symptoms make it unsafe.

Call emergency services for a sudden severe headache, confusion, collapse, seizure, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, new vision loss, or fever with a stiff neck. Seek same-day assessment for repeated vomiting, severe eye pain, a headache after head injury, or rapidly worsening pain. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these signs occur.

What type of headache is most consistent with my symptoms? Do I need an examination or tests? Could my medicines, sleep, vision, hydration, or sinus symptoms be contributing? What is the follow-up plan if it continues?