What should you know when nothing is helping your headache?

Headache can continue with dehydration, heat exposure, missed meals, poor sleep, stress, infection, eye strain or frequent use of pain medicines. Common Cold, COVID-19, Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Sinusitis may cause head or facial pressure, while Dengue Fever and Heat Exhaustion need consideration when headache occurs with fever or heat-related symptoms. Generalised Anxiety Disorder can also contribute to muscle tension and recurring pain.

Record when the pain starts, where it is, how it feels, how long it lasts, sleep and fluid intake, medicines used, and symptoms such as fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, weakness or visual change. This pattern helps a clinician choose the next step.

Rest in a quiet, dim room, drink fluids gradually, eat if you have missed meals and use a cool environment if heat may be involved. Follow the label or your clinician’s directions for any medicine and do not combine products with the same ingredient. Arrange a clinical review for a persistent, recurrent or changing headache; bring your medicine list and symptom record.

Get emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, severe vision loss, stiff neck with fever, or a headache after a significant head injury. Seek prompt assessment for repeated vomiting, high fever, a spreading rash, severe eye pain or a headache during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Ask what headache pattern best fits your symptoms, whether medicines or another condition may be contributing, and whether you need an examination or tests. Ask which treatment plan is safe for you and what specific changes should prompt urgent care.