What should you know about permanent headache?

Headache may be linked with dehydration, heat exhaustion, poor sleep, stress, eye strain, missed meals, medication overuse or an infection such as a common cold, COVID-19, allergic rhinitis or sinus disease. Generalised anxiety disorder can also contribute to muscle tension and recurring pain. The location, pressure or throbbing quality, associated symptoms and timing help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

A diary can record onset, duration, triggers, medicines taken, fever, vomiting, visual symptoms and neurological changes. Frequent pain-relief use can maintain headaches, so include every non-prescription and prescribed medicine.

Arrange a medical review if headaches keep returning, change pattern, interfere with sleep or work, or require repeated pain relief. Until then, drink fluids, eat regular meals, protect sleep, take screen breaks and rest in a quiet space. Use medicines only as directed on the label or by your clinician, and avoid stacking products with the same ingredient.

Bring your headache diary and a list of medicines. A clinician may examine you and decide whether further assessment is needed based on your history and findings.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache; headache after a significant head injury; weakness, numbness, confusion, seizure, fainting, speech trouble or new vision loss; or headache with fever and a stiff neck. Prompt assessment is also needed with persistent vomiting, severe dehydration or a new headache during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Ask what pattern your symptoms suggest, whether your medicines could be contributing, how often pain relief is safe, which warning signs matter for you, and whether sinus, infection, vision, hydration or anxiety factors need attention.