Ongoing headache: causes, self-care and warning signs

Persistent head pain can occur with migraine, tension around the scalp and neck, eye strain, poor sleep, missed meals or frequent use of pain medicines. Blocked or inflamed nasal passages may accompany Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis or a Common Cold. Fever and body aches can occur with COVID-19 or Dengue Fever. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion may cause headache with thirst, weakness, dizziness or feeling unwell. The duration alone does not establish a diagnosis.

Keep a diary of onset, duration, location, severity, sleep, food, fluids, screen time, medicines and associated symptoms. Rest, hydrate, eat regularly and take breaks from close screen work. Use pain relief only as directed and avoid escalating frequency without advice. Arrange a medical review when a headache continues, returns often, needs regular medicine, or affects work, sleep or daily function.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe pain, new weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, confusion, fainting, seizure, vision loss, a stiff neck with fever, or pain after a significant injury. Seek prompt advice for a steadily worsening or newly different headache, repeated vomiting, high fever, or headache during pregnancy or after childbirth.

What pattern does my diary suggest? Could medicines, sleep, vision, sinus symptoms or migraine be contributing? What examination or treatment plan is appropriate, and which changes require urgent care?