Headaches, memory loss and fatigue: what should you know?

Poor sleep, stress, low mood, dehydration, recent infection, alcohol and medicine effects can affect concentration as well as energy. Anaemia, coeliac disease and chronic kidney disease may cause fatigue with reduced mental sharpness when other symptoms are present. Burnout can make attention and recall feel less reliable. Chronic fatigue syndrome involves persistent, disabling fatigue with a characteristic worsening after activity and requires a careful clinical assessment. Describe whether you are forgetting recent conversations, losing words, becoming disoriented or simply struggling to focus when tired.

Keep a regular sleep schedule, drink regularly, eat consistently and avoid alcohol while you are assessing the pattern. Use a written calendar, phone reminders and one place for important information. Ask someone you trust to notice changes, particularly if you are making mistakes or missing appointments. Do not stop prescribed medicines abruptly; have a clinician or pharmacist review possible effects. Bring a symptom diary and a complete medicine and supplement list to an appointment.

Call emergency services for sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, one-sided weakness, seizure, fainting, a new severe headache, serious head injury or repeated vomiting. Seek prompt assessment for steadily worsening memory, new personality change, fever with stiff neck, vision loss or fatigue that prevents usual activities. If you are unsure whether a change is sudden, ask someone who knows you well and seek help.

Ask whether sleep, mood, medicines, alcohol, nutrition or a recent infection could contribute, and whether blood tests or cognitive screening are appropriate. Explain exactly when the change began, what tasks are affected and whether activity makes fatigue worse.