What should you know about IV fluids for headache?

Headache can occur with dehydration, fever, heat exposure, viral illness, sinus symptoms or migraine. A clinician asks when it began, where it hurts, how severe it is, whether it came suddenly, and whether you can drink. IV fluid may be considered when fluid loss or vomiting prevents oral replacement.

Replacing fluid does not diagnose or treat every headache. The examination may look for infection, neurological changes, heat illness or another urgent cause. A headache with a blocked or runny nose can have a different explanation from one after prolonged heat exposure.

Rest somewhere cool and quiet, take small sips of fluid if you can swallow, and avoid driving if dizziness or faintness is present. Tell the clinician about fever, vomiting, recent heat exposure, medicines, pregnancy and any new neurological symptom.

If an IV is offered, ask what problem it is intended to address and what other treatment is needed. Report pain, swelling, redness or burning at the cannula site. Do not use another person's prescription medicine for a headache.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, stiff neck with fever, repeated vomiting, trouble breathing, or a new headache after a serious injury.

Prompt assessment is also needed for headache with marked dehydration, heat illness, persistent high fever, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. These features should not be explained away as simple dehydration.

Ask whether dehydration is present, what other causes have been considered, whether oral fluids are suitable, which pain relief is appropriate for you, and which changes require immediate reassessment.