What should you know about new chronic daily headache?

New chronic daily headache describes a headache pattern that starts recently and then recurs on most days. It is a pattern, not a single diagnosis. A clinician may consider migraine, tension-type headache, medication-overuse headache, sinus problems, infection, dehydration, heat exposure, anxiety, vision strain or a less common problem affecting the brain or blood vessels. The pattern, location, pressure or throbbing quality, duration, associated nausea, light sensitivity and neurological symptoms all help guide assessment.

Keep a brief diary of when each headache starts, where it hurts, how severe it feels, sleep, meals, fluids, screen use, stress and every pain medicine taken. Arrange a primary-care appointment rather than repeatedly increasing self-treatment. Regular sleep, water, meals and breaks from close screen work may help while you wait. Do not take pain medicines more often than the label or clinician advises, because frequent use can maintain headaches.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, explosive headache; weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, a seizure, new vision loss, a stiff neck with fever, or a severe headache after a head injury. Seek prompt medical advice if headaches are progressively worsening, wake you repeatedly, begin during pregnancy or soon after delivery, or occur with persistent vomiting or a new change in balance.

Ask what headache pattern best fits your symptoms, whether your medicines could be contributing, whether an eye or neurological examination is needed, and which changes should trigger urgent review.