What should you know about occipital headache?

Pain near the occipital region can feel pressure-like, tight, aching, or throbbing. Neck posture, prolonged screen use, jaw clenching, and tight scalp or neck muscles may contribute. A common cold, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, or COVID-19 can cause headache alongside congestion, facial pressure, cough, fever, or body aches. Dehydration and heat exhaustion may bring headache with thirst, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating. Dengue fever is another possible illness when headache occurs with fever and marked body aches, particularly after exposure in an area where it circulates. Generalised anxiety can add muscle tension and disturbed sleep. The pain site alone cannot identify the cause.

Rest in a cool, quiet place and drink fluids if you may be dehydrated. Take breaks from screens, keep the neck in a comfortable neutral position, and try gentle movement rather than forceful stretching. Note when the pain begins, its severity, accompanying fever or congestion, recent heat exposure, and any medicine taken. A GP can assess recurring headaches, check your neck and neurological function, and decide whether further evaluation is needed. Avoid taking pain medicine more often than the label or your clinician recommends.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, vision loss, or a stiff neck with fever. Get prompt medical advice for a new headache after a head injury, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, or a headache with a high fever and a rapidly worsening illness.

Ask what features point to tension, infection, dehydration, or another cause; whether your medicines could contribute; what headache diary details are useful; and which changes should lead you to urgent care.